The City of Tshwane has denied plans to end Vriendekring MSW sports club's lease, responding to concerns from the Groenkloof Residents Association that they were not consulted about proposed property development on the sports field.
Image: Jacques Naude / Independent Newspapers
The City of Tshwane has denied claims that it intends to terminate its long-term lease with Vriendekring MSW sports club in Groenkloof to use the bowling sports field for property development.
This follows the Groenkloof Residents Association raising concerns on Tuesday that it was not consulted regarding the proposed development and that the city should investigate the consultation process.
The proposed property development threatens local sports fields and bowling greens, which are valued landmarks and part of the area's identity, contributing to the green belt and property values in Lukasrand, Groenkloof, New Muckleneuk, and Brooklyn, according to the association.
Association Deputy Chairperson Carla Ferreira emphasised that the community is not opposed to development, "but what they propose is untenable" at this point.
"It is not feasible. We have not been consulted. We want to understand what they are going to do out there, and they need to understand our concerns," she said.
Municipal spokesperson Lindela Mashigo clarified that the city has no intention of terminating the sports club's lease, which is valid until its expiry in 2056.
"The club is currently leasing 29,699 hectares of portion 2 of the farm Groenkloof 358-JR, of which only a portion is utilised, and the rest of the property remains unused. The city will, therefore, divide this portion and release 24,417 hectares for development, while the club retains the 5,282 square metres it is currently using. In return, the club will benefit from a new bowling club that will be developed by the successful lessee," he said.
He also rejected claims that the residents were not consulted, stating that public participation occurred with all relevant stakeholders during a physical meeting on May 14, 2025, and a virtual meeting on May 20, 2025.
"It should be noted that the proposal to lease the property was initiated by the Vriendekring Club after they were consulted by a developer. They then approached to initiate processes to lease property for development," Mashigo said.
When asked if the city will provide detailed information on the proposed development, including environmental impact studies and traffic assessments, he said: "The lease of the property still awaits a final council resolution and tender processes. The successful lessee will craft development plans and conduct the necessary studies required for the rezoning of the property."
Contrary to residents' claims that the bowling club site is considered a green space, the city said the portion of the property is not a green space; it is zoned as agricultural and is, therefore, not reserved for public open space or green space.
"Therefore, there’s no environmental legislation preventing the development of the property. As indicated above, the recreational facilities will be accommodated on the 5,282 square metres currently utilised by the club," Mashigo said.
Regarding the specific plans for rezoning the area, he said the property will be rezoned to a zoning that permits Mixed Use Development in line with the Regional Spatial Development Framework of the area.
Ferreira noted that one of the buildings the city wants to construct in that area is a 12-storey building with 1,800 apartments, which will require parking.
"The roads are tiny. The sewage and water infrastructure is outdated. Electricity is another big issue. We have regular electrical outages in that area. And the developer has not updated any one of those things."
She said community members just need to understand that the City of Tshwane has established processes of consultation, as they are not opposed to the development.
She said in 2019, the city received an unsolicited bid proposal from a developer, and last year, an outdated unsolicited proposal was presented during a community meeting.
"We all sent our comments and concerns, but nothing came out of it," Ferreira said.
Mashigo said: "The city will not restrict the developer to any specific development, hence the proposal for a mixed-use development, which may or may not include affordable housing. The property is situated in an area that is close to amenities such as a hospital, a shopping centre, tertiary institutions, etc."
Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) in Tshwane stated that it has joined forces with residents to investigate a controversial property development project in Totius Street, Groenkloof, by submitting a formal petition to the city council.
FF-Plus Tshwane mayoral candidate Willie Spies said: "According to information from public consultations, the metro plans to terminate the long-term lease with the bowling club and replace it with a new long-term agreement with commercial developers."
rapula.moatshe@inlco.za