The City of Johannesburg and various role players have gone out of their way to give the Ellis Park precinct a big makeover ahead of the Rugby Championship test match between the Springboks and bitter rivals New Zealand on Saturday.
It was done at a cost of around R6 million and will certainly contribute to a more enjoyable experience for spectators. Property owners in close proximity to the iconic venue are now also paying a levy to ensure the long-term maintenance of the area.
The 62 000 rugby fans expected at the venue on Saturday, can look forward to an enjoyable experience inside and out.
The public park created for the 2010 FIFA World Cup has been rejuvenated. Almost 400 solar tracking lights have been fitted around the area to offer better security. And it was all done with the communitys blessings.
"The involvement of the local community, you know we incorporated the local taxi forum into this and to say how can you guys help us to make sure the people get in faster, safer, quicker, more convenient. We have established a very good relationship with them last year and we expanded it this year and thank you very much for their support, and for their buying in, and for their help to make sure that as a collective, as South Africans and as people living in this community we dont only uplift the community and take back Joburg ourselves," says Pieter Burger, the MD of Ellis Park Stadium.
