26 June 2024 : Update of the illegal occupation of the Parkhurst Bowls and Soccer Club

Issued by the Bowls Club Action Group consisting of members of the GRA, PRABOA, PARKVIEW CPF, and SOS

Your Bowling Club Action Team has been hard at work in the background since the Townhall Meeting on 21 November 2023 to attempt to tackle the issues we face at the Bowling Club.

Firstly though, we would like to thank those who have put their money where their mouth is and donated to this cause, because without these funds our efforts would be in vain. To date we have raised approximately R90 000. Though this is still way off what we are aiming for, we are extremely grateful for those who have stepped up. We still welcome any donations to further our cause.

Subsequent to the Townhall Meeting, there have been a few notable events to report on:

• Belated, direct engagements with COJ, specifically the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) have opened up and the CEO has been engaged. COJ/JPC set funds aside to appoint a contractor to clean and also place security on site. (RFQ is attached) For unknown reasons, it seems that this RFQ was not awarded.
• JPC awarded the tender for the development of the property to Genzenix (Pty) Ltd. A meeting was scheduled with Tim Truluck and PRABOA, but this was cancelled at the last minute with no reasons provided. We are applying pressure that this meeting happens very soon and will keep you updated.
• Carte Blanche paid the Bowling Club a visit and it is quite clear and positive that the media has become aware of our problem. Something in the past which was not achieved in the past.
• Targeted legal action will now be pursued as per the disclosures made in the Townhall and also because the property continues to degrade – on a daily basis. The funding provided by yourselves will be used for this purpose and made possible by our partnership with VMW Attorneys.

Many petition respondents raised concerns about the relationship between Wastepreneurs and the growth in illegal occupation at the site and this was discussed at the online meeting. Meetings were held with Pirates management and Wastepreneurs / Adreach (SDI).

In late Feb 2024 the Wastepreneurs site was closed down by the City. Adreach made public claims that the closure was the result of residents “misplaced hysteria” but in fact the business was suspended by SAPS as it was operating without the necessary trading licence. We remain committed to ensuring that any operations at that site are compliant with the law and are not contributing to social and environmental harm.

We will provide ad hoc updates when material information becomes available and thank you for your patience.