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THE community of Motherwell will have access to a state-of-the-art facility, which has recently been opened by the Eastern Cape MEC for human settlements, Mlungisi Mvoko.
Named after the late youth activist, Siphiwo Mthimkhulu who has played a vital role in youth activism during the Apartheid era, the multi-purpose centre will provide accessible facilities to cater for a wide variety of community needs. In addition, it aims at strengthening the cultural and social activities in the area.
The centre, constructed at a total cost of R20 658 000, consists of a multi-purpose hall, bathrooms, change rooms, kitchen, tennis court, netball court and a library. Outside offices will also be available for government department with most office space being dedicated to health services.
Mvoko has officially handed over the multi-million rand facility in Motherwell’s NU29 to the executive mayor, Mongameli Bobani, on November 3, for community use. The centre was built with the objective of saving on travelling expenses to residents in Motherwell.
“Members of the community must find the facility accessible for their sport events as well as events like weddings, funerals, anniversaries and sport awards,” said Mvoko, adding that the community jealously guard and look after the facility, as it was actually their asset.
According to the municipal spokesperson, Mthubanzi Mniki, the launch of the facility was done with the introduction of the municipal officials who will be managing and looking after it.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is engaged in the programme of bringing facilities closer to the people. The idea of Siphiwo Mthimkhulu Multi-Purpose Community Centre is to assist the Motherwell residents with this state-of-the-art facility.
“Ward 54 residents will have access to the facility first whereas any other resident of Nelson Mandela Bay could hire and make use of the facility if and when it is available for use. It is mainly Motherwell residents who will make use of the facility and the Mandela Bay, provincial and national residents during big sporting events,” Mniki said.
According to the member of the mayoral committee for human settlements, Andile Mfunda, the timing of the hand-over of the facility was perfect, as the country was celebrating the centenary of the late Mama Albertina Sisulu and the first democratically elected president of the country, Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela.
