Western Province Primary Schools Athletics (WPSSA) says they were not informed by the City of Cape Town that Vygieskraal Stadium had been closed for repairs.
This after eight schools from the Metro Central Education District were turned away from the Athlone venue last week.
About 500 pupils from Cecil Road Primary in Salt River, Rosmead Central Primary in Claremont, Zonnebloem Primary in Walmer Estate, Ellerton Primary in Three Anchor Bay, Walmer Primary in Walmer Estate, Rahmaniyeh Primary in District Six, St Paul’s Primary and Schotschekloof Primary in Bo-Kaap were due to have the inter-school athletics there on 7 February.
But children, teachers and parents were disappointed to find a note on the locked gates from the Cape Town Chief Fire Officer saying wind damage to the stadium roof was a safety risk.
The City said they do not communicate with schools, and instead informed the WPSSA in a meeting held on 26 January that the damaged area would be cordoned off, and the rest of the track would be used.
After an inspection on 6 February, the stadium was closed.
WPPSA chairperson, Haadie Abrahams, confirmed the meeting to discuss the safety of Vygieskraal, but insists they were not notified and were unable to warn any of the schools.
He said: “We were not given prior warning of this situation (stadium closure) and unfortunately could not give our schools timeous notice. The situation of course becomes untenable because schools have made arrangements for the day for transport and other logistics.
“We are saddened by this situation and that the hard work that had gone into preparing for the day has now been lost to the schools and especially the athletes.
“We wish all our Metro Central schools that are yet to compete well for the rest of the season.”