The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng demands that the Germiston Golf Club be protected from threats of closure caused by financial constraints. It must also be officially acknowledged and rightfully promoted in the public domain as a Provincial Heritage Site.
This historical site can also be used by the City of Ekurhuleni for the benefit of local residents such as multi-purpose centre to nurture local talent from the grassroots level.
This follows recent reports that the Germiston Golf Club, one of South Africa’s oldest golfing clubs, is under existential threat after liquidation due to the unaffordable municipal rates and taxes owed to the City of Ekurhuleni.
The DA Ekurhuleni has been actively working to keep the 127-year-old Germiston Golf Club open to preserve our province’s heritage. We have insisted that closing the club would result in significant consequences, including the loss of jobs for the staff who diligently maintain the facility.
“The DA has now reached out to the Provincial Heritage Resource Agency of Gauteng (PHRAG) asking them to intervene in this matter by persuading the City of Ekurhuleni to discard outstanding debt incurred due to unaffordable rates and taxes and form an agreement with the golf club to pay an affordable amount to keep it open,” says, Leanne De Jager MPL, DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Sport Arts Culture Recreation (SACR).
We have also inquired with PHRAG about the criteria used to designate buildings as heritage sites and the protections these sites receive. The Germiston Golf Club is 127 years old and features buildings that are over 100 years old. This qualifies the golf club for reduced municipal rates and taxes and grants it protection as a heritage site.
The DA will persist in appealing to all relevant parties to secure Provincial Heritage Site status for the Germiston Golf Club. This designation will acknowledge the club as a critical heritage asset deserving of dedicated conservation efforts. Furthermore , the longer this facility remains neglected it will in vandalism and theft whereas it can be utilised for the benefit of the community.