Bardale Multi-Purpose Centre back in business

19 August 2026

The Bardale Multi-Purpose Centre in Mfuleni has reopened to residents following an approximately R6,5 million refurbishment, restoring a community facility that was damaged during a protest in 2016.

The centre reopened on Monday, 17 August 2026, and is once again available for community meetings, private functions and events, as well as sport and recreation activities. The refurbishment was undertaken in phases, following the approval of an insurance claim in the wake of the arson attack in 2016.

Approximately R6,5 million was spent on the project that included:

• Reconstruction of damaged walls and associated infrastructure

• Replacement of the roof structure

• Repairs and replacement of doors and windows

• Repairs to electrical infrastructure and lighting

• Internal repairs and repainting

• Replacement of floor finishes and tiling 

• Repairs to ablution facilities and plumbing

• Replacement of security gates and repairs to the main entrance gate 

• Installation of a fire alarm system and repairs to firefighting equipment

Although the physical refurbishment had been completed, the centre could only reopen once the remaining building, fire safety and occupancy requirements were finalised. These have now been completed, allowing the facility to safely reopen to the community.

‘After being unavailable to residents since the damage in 2016, it is wonderful to finally return Bardale Multi-Purpose Centre to the Mfuleni community. This is a space for meetings, events, sport and recreation, and we want to see it busy and serving residents again. I encourage everyone who uses the centre to enjoy it, take pride in it and help us protect it so that its doors remain open for years to come,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.