Future of historic badminton hall hangs in balance
The historic KZN Badminton Hall in Stamford Hill is facing an uncertain future after the KZN Badminton Association was served with an eviction order last year. The association is pleading with eThekwini Municipality to reconsider its decision.
A COMMITTEE member of the KZN Badminton Association has told of the anguish at the prospect of losing the 77-year-old Stamford Hill facility which is the home of the sport in the province.
The Badminton Hall, which sits on municipal land, regularly hosts games, training sessions, and provincial and national tournaments for the young and old, said Trevor Stone.
“Around November last year, a few days before a provincial tournament, we were told at the gate that we could not continue to use the hall, as the municipality was evicting us. There had never been prior communication regarding the eviction. We sought an interdict against the eviction order, and we proceeded with the plans of the tournament that weekend.
“The City claimed that the hall was becoming a haven for the homeless and drug activities. This is not accurate. We use the hall on a regular basis and we have 24-hour security on the premises. On Sundays, there is a church service, while every Thursday and Friday morning, we have games for pensioners. The space is well maintained and always has been,” shared Stone.
He added that the hall is tipped to host the 2027 Over 65s tournament, and planning for this milestone event is difficult as they hold their breath against the looming eviction
Also read: The latest from KZN Badminton
“As its stands, the interdict is still holding, but the future is not certain. Where are we supposed to go because this is the main hall, servicing the local community and schools? We will be sad to lose the hall because that would mean losing youth with potential to other sports. The future of badminton is promising, but with such uncertainty, we remain hopeless.
“We are pleading with the municipality to renew our lease, and we continue to play and take the sport to greater heights.”
EThekwini Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said, “The eviction application is underway. The Badminton Association was served with papers in December last year. While they have filed a notice to oppose the application, they have yet to submit their answering affidavit. As such, the matter is sub judice.”
Last week, the KZN Badminton Hall hosted youth from across the country for the U15 + Open Interprovincial Tournament.
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