28 July 2025
In a decisive move to strengthen its commitment to sport development and community upliftment, Stellenbosch Municipality has formalised new landmark agreements with local sport bodies, ushering in a bold era of collaboration.
On 22 July 2025, the Municipality signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Stellenbosch Sport and Recreation Association (SSRA) — a democratically elected body tasked with overseeing the governance, management and advancement of sport activities and facilities within the greater Stellenbosch area. This agreement cements a powerful alliance between local government and the broader sport fraternity to ensure that community voices help shape municipal sport policy plans, and programs.
“This is a pivotal moment,” said Mr. Brian Minnis, Chairperson of the SSRA. “The challenges facing local sport facilities demand close cooperation. We must work hand in hand to ensure shared access and equitable development so that sport codes can flourish — creating real opportunities for young people and senior citizens alike.”
In parallel, the Municipality has also signed Use Agreements with various affiliated Sport Councils whose clubs operate from municipal facilities. These agreements are the result of the Hybrid Model for Sport Facility Management, adopted by Council in July 2020. The model empowers the Municipality to retain overarching control of all facilities in the WC024, while allowing structured, conditional partnerships with compliant Sport Councils.
Executive Mayor Jeremy Fasser welcomed the agreements, stating:
“This is about more than just bricks and fields — it’s about investing in our people. We are ready to walk alongside our communities to ensure that municipal facilities are accessible, well-maintained and expanded where needed. The SSRA will be a key partner in driving this vision forward.”
Each Use Agreement includes standardised terms to ensure transparency, sustainability and good governance:
- No sub-leasing without prior municipal approval: Clubs must secure formal consent before renting out facilities to third parties.
- Fair revenue-sharing model:
- All income from regular club fixtures stays with the clubs.
- Revenue from sub-leases, major events and social functions will be split into three portions: Sport Council Revenue, Sport Development & Maintenance Funds (administered by the Municipality) and Utilities Costs (also managed by the Municipality). Each facility’s unique features will determine the specific split.
- Quarterly financial reporting: Sport Councils must submit financial reports to maintain transparency and track income, expenses and maintenance needs.
- Compulsory Facility Committees: Each council must establish a Facility Committee made up of all active sport codes using the venue. This committee will coordinate maintenance needs and work directly with municipal officials.
Together, these agreements represent a new chapter in sport development in Stellenbosch, built on mutual accountability and open communication. They also reflect the Municipality’s broader strategy to uplift public facilities and empower grassroots organisations – ensuring sport remains a vehicle for healthier and happier communities!
