POLOKWANE ON THE RISE: CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF 2010 LEGACY PROJECTS
Sunday, 22 June 2025
POLOKWANE – Polokwane Municipality is standing tall in celebration of 15 years since hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup, an era that left a permanent mark on the landscape, economy and spirit of the City of Stars.
At the heart of these legacy projects stands the iconic New Peter Mokaba Stadium, a monumental structure that continues to inspire awe and national pride. The municipality celebrates the endurance and continued relevance of the facility, with Executive Mayor Cllr Makoro John Mpe leading the commemorations and setting the record straight on both the beauty and function of this 2010 flagship.
> “The facility is still intact. The stadium is still beautiful and not just beautiful from far away, but even when you are closer to it,” said Executive Mayor Mpe with a sense of admiration and pride.
Built ahead of the world’s biggest football event, the New Peter Mokaba Stadium remains a stunning architectural marvel. But its importance transcends aesthetics – it embodies the transformation and vision of Polokwane as a rising metropolitan centre. The stadium has since hosted international and national football matches, music concerts, major government and political events and community – driven activities that have enriched local social and economic life.
> “2010 brought so much improvement to the city, not only in terms of the stadium, but also in the overall urban landscape – sidewalks, transport systems, public art and civic infrastructure that gave Polokwane a complete facelift,” said the Executive Mayor.
Despite a few social media commentaries suggesting that the stadium was incomplete due to the uncovered eastern wing, Executive Mayor Mpe was unequivocal in his response.
> “From the 2010 construction, the product that was presented to Polokwane Municipality after completion is what we have. We would have loved to also see the east part being covered,” he said. “But as you know, if it was not covered during the 2010 construction phase with the budget available at the time, it would be difficult to do so now – especially considering the socio-economic conditions that not only affect Polokwane but the entire country.”
Instead of dwelling on what could have been, the Municipality has taken a decisive and strategic route – prioritizing decentralization and equitable development.
> “We have chosen to invest in our people. That is why we are focusing on completing the stadium in Mankweng, developing the sports complex in the Extensions area and building sports centres across our rural communities,” Executive Mayor Mpe emphasized. “It is better for us to invest more in decentralizing into such townships and rural communities.”
This forward-looking vision places the people of Polokwane at the centre of development. While the New Peter Mokaba Stadium continues to shine as a symbol of progress, the Municipality is ensuring that every ward, every village, and every young person has access to quality recreational and sporting infrastructure.
Fifteen years later, the 2010 legacy in Polokwane is a living, evolving testament to how global events can catalyze local change. And as the City of Stars looks ahead, it does so with gratitude, clarity, and a renewed commitment to inclusive growth.
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