The City of Cape Town is stirring up mixed reactions with its latest proposal — a plan to repurpose part of the Athlone Stadium parking lot for a mixed-use development.

While city officials say it’s a smart economic move, not everyone’s on board, and some voices are getting pretty loud about it.

Public Feedback Open, but Not Everyone’s Impressed

Earlier this month, the City officially opened the floor for public participation, allowing locals until 7 July 2025 to share their thoughts or objections.

The goal? Turn the underused parking area along Klipfontein Road into a new space for retail and commercial activity — without completely losing the event parking.

But the announcement didn’t go unnoticed by Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, who also leads the Patriotic Alliance.

He made his disapproval crystal clear in a fiery Facebook post.

Gayton McKenzie Fires Back on Facebook

In a post shared over the weekend, McKenzie slammed the proposal, saying:

“We will never allow this, never ever.”

He suggested the City look elsewhere — perhaps to open spaces in leafy suburbs — for new developments, instead of targeting a place like Athlone.

While it wasn’t clear who he meant by “we,” McKenzie made it known that he believes Athlone Stadium has untapped potential.

According to him, there are already plans to attract major matches to the stadium — though he didn’t specify which sport.

His main point? You can’t host big events without enough parking.

Stadium Use and Soccer Woes in the Cape

Athlone Stadium has long been associated with soccer, even if it doesn’t get as much action as it used to.

There’s also a looming possibility that Cape Town City FC could be relegated from the Betway Premiership, which would leave the Western Cape without a top-tier soccer team.

That said, Cape Town Stadium remains the top pick for big games — used by Cape Town City FC, the Stormers, and even the Springboks — while Bafana Bafana visits are rare.

So, McKenzie’s question stands: Can Athlone be a major sports hub if its parking is reduced?

A Controversial Suggestion from McKenzie

Then came the comment that raised some eyebrows — and probably a few tempers.

McKenzie suggested using “the space used by horses in Constantia” instead of Athlone for development.

While he didn’t specify the location, many believe he was referring to S.A.R.D.A., an equine therapy organisation that helps children and adults with disabilities through horseback riding.

Understandably, this idea hasn’t sat well with horse lovers or those familiar with the important work being done at S.A.R.D.A.

What’s Actually in the City’s Plan?

According to the City, this proposal is all about boosting the local economy.

The Economic Growth Directorate, headed by Alderman James Vos, believes that repurposing the parking space into a retail and commercial hub will:

Create jobs
Support economic development
Align with the Cape Flats District Spatial Development Framework

Vos also mentioned that any money raised from the land’s sale (likely through public auction) would go straight back into upgrading Athlone Stadium itself.

Community Encouraged to Speak Up

Ward councillor Rashid Adams confirmed that the parking lot is still being used and stressed the importance of community feedback.

He encouraged residents to visit his office or take part in the public input process, saying:

“We just started with the process.

Everyone is welcome to share their opinions.”

So now the question goes to the people: Should a portion of Athlone Stadium’s parking be transformed into a vibrant new space for business? Or should the site stay as it is, ready for big matches and community events?

What’s next? That depends on what Cape Town’s residents decide over the next few weeks.