The DA said the unresolved matter has directly contributed to the stadium’s downgrade and the city losing eligibility to host international test matches, including Springbok test matches scheduled for 2026.

DA councillor Dirk Kotze said that the party will request a comprehensive report from Mayor Gregory Nthatisi. In addition, they will submit Rule 38 questions to City Manager Sello More to find out why the agreement was never finalised.

'Stadium's downgrade is financial loss for Mangaung'

“The report should cover the negotiation status, reasons for delays, financial issues, local economic impact, and the names of responsible officials. This aims to ensure transparency following the failed agreement, which led to the stadium's downgrade and a financial loss for Mangaung."

Kotze said the DA repeatedly warned Nthatisi and More about the urgency of resolving the matter.

“Despite allocating significant funds to projects such as the inactive Mangaung Zoo (R8 million), the Cosafa Cup (R6 million) and a two-day Investment Indaba (R4.9 million), only R6.9 million was dedicated to upgrades to the stadium. 

'Excessive spending on politically connected suppliers'

"At the same time, the athletics track alone needs R26 million. Mangaung Metro struggles to secure a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with FSRU. Still, an MOU was signed without any waste of time between Maruma Gallants and Siwilelele FC.”

Kotze further accused the metro of financial mismanagement, alleging excessive spending on politically connected suppliers while essential infrastructure deteriorated.

The Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. Photo: Toyota Cheetahs

He said Mangaung spent up to 1,500% above market rates on services such as catering, sound systems and interpreters, including more than R6 million on catering in a single year, even as basic services declined. According to the DA, the metro’s liabilities exceed its assets by R468 million, with R1.1 billion owed to Eskom, R921 million to the water board, and nearly R1.9 billion in unauthorised expenditure.

'Steps are being taken to restore the stadium'

Mangaung City Manager Sello More had confirmed that constructive steps to restore and maintain the stadium’s required category standards. He said a dedicated task team has already been established.

“A dedicated intergovernmental and stakeholder task team was created at a strategic level to drive interventions, monitor progress, and ensure accountability. This task team includes representatives from the MMM, SA Rugby, provincial government, and the Toyota Cheetahs.”

More also confirmed that the metro has officially advertised a tender to repair critical structural defects at the Free State Stadium and the surrounding athletics facilities, forming part of a broader refurbishment plan to meet Class B standards.

Earlier this year, SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer said a specialised team would travel to Bloemfontein to host a workshop aimed at supporting the metro in its efforts to upgrade the facility and restore its ability to host international matches.

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