DA opposes move to name stadium after Hlaudi Motsoeneng

25 July 2014

The decision by the Free State Arts and Culture Department to name a stadium in Qwa Qwa after Hlaudi Motsoeneng is an insult to the people of Qwa Qwa. 

The Public Protector recently found that Hlaudi Motsoeneng lied about his qualifications and irregularly increased his own salary. At the same time, he has been purging the SABC of anyone who opposes him. This is not the kind of person we should be honouring. Hlaudi Motsoeneng should be suspended and condemned for his actions, not celebrated.

There are a number of other well-deserving Qwa Qwa legends, such as Dr KPD Maphalla, a famous Sotho writer, who is much more deserving of such an honour. Dr Maphalla was born and raised very close to where the stadium is located in Bluegumbosch. He has contributed immensely to the Sotho language and culture and is well-loved in this community.

We should honour those people that can be examples for young people. I will write to the MEC of Arts and Culture in the Province to propose that the stadium rather be renamed after Dr Maphalla.

Statement issued by Patricia Kopane MP, DA Free State Leader, July 25 2014

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