The Tshwane metro has revealed its intentions to evict a popular rugby club from municipal property in Silverton over an alleged unlawful breach of lease agreement.
MMC for Corporate and Shared Services Kholofelo Morodi reported that thorough investigations uncovered that the Silver Valke Rugby Club had violated their lease agreement. They sublet part of their premises to a primary school and sold alcohol near the school, posing a risk to the safety of the children.
She said this decision was necessitated by several breaches of an expired lease agreement.
“After extensive investigations, it was revealed that the club had sublet a portion of the premises to a school, contravening the specific terms which mandate that the property be used exclusively for rugby-related activities.”
She said the selling of alcohol within proximity to the primary school on the premises, was another contravention of the principles of a safe and conducive learning environment.
Morodi added that the lease agreement with Silver Valke Rugby Club had originally been in place for over 20 years.
She said the lease expired years ago, but it was not renewed by the city.
“It was during this period of the Silver Valke Rugby Club’s extended use of the metro’s facility that we uncovered that the school was paying the club R12 000 per month in rent. The club was originally paying R500 per month to Tshwane.”
When my Soccer Team wanted to play a game there; we were charged R450 per game (2 hours). We knew they were ripping us off but we had no choice. We are trying young soccer players but there are no facilities available in the city. Most of them have gatekeepers ☹️
— Lutic Molo Mosoane (@LuticMolo) November 26, 2024
City of Tshwane moves to evict Silver Valke Rugby Club from City facility in Silverton after unlawful breach of lease agreement pic.twitter.com/mtfCPpuqJ6
— Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) November 25, 2024
Morodi said this discrepancy was a matter of serious concern and underscored the necessity for the eviction of the Silver Valke Rugby Club.
“The school currently operating at the facility will remain open,” she added.
She said she was deeply sympathetic to the learners and their parents who were affected by this situation.
“Consequently, I will be working diligently with the school to secure suitable premises that align with educational and community standards.”
Morodi said it was imperative children were not exposed to environments where alcohol was sold.
“I urge other stakeholders to join us in finding solutions that prioritise the welfare of our youth. The Silver Valke Rugby Club has been granted a 60-day period to appeal this termination decision.”
“We hope, moving forward, the premises will be leased to tenants who will fully adhere to the city’s regulations and uphold the integrity of the lease agreement.
Rekord contacted Henry Van Wyk, the chairman of Silver Valke Rugby Club, for clarity on the issue.
According to Van Wyk, due to the very sensitive nature of the matter, they were still consulting with attorneys first. Then once the matter had been studied, an official communication would be made by the club.
The community further pointed out there were also issues behind the club premises, such as illegal squatters, illegal dumping and structures erected.
Residents in Silverton have raised concerns over the influx of squatters behind the club on Roestoff Street and Falcons Drive.
Allegedly, illegal activities are taking place at the site, while waste sorting and illegal dumping are causing ecological damage and structures are being erected by the people who camp behind the popular rugby clubhouse.
Residents have raised concerns about safety, security, sanitation and health hazards in public spaces.
The metro confirmed that during an assessment, a verbal notice was given to vagrants to vacate the premises.
Social workers from the city’s community and social development department (CSD) have already conducted an inspection to assess the problem.
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said, “Social workers from the city’s CSD Service Department attended to the case.
“There are indeed homeless people staying behind the rugby club. Upon the city’s assessment, the people indicated that they are not willing to relocate voluntarily.”
Mashigo said that the social workers cannot force the people to relocate to shelters and as a result, enforcement needed to take place.
“The city is currently in the process of soliciting a court order for an eviction,” he said.
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