WATCH: Community raises concern over Germiston Golf Course

The City of Ekurhuleni has confirmed that it has opened a criminal case following the apparent vandalism and stripping of the Germiston Golf Course clubhouse.

The main building has been extensively damaged, with electrical wiring stripped and sections of the ceiling almost completely destroyed.

Germiston City News (GCN) recently visited the site with Ward 39 Clr Jean Ingram, who expressed shock at the condition of the once-prominent recreational facility.

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Germiston City News visited the Germiston Golf Club with Ward 39 councillor Jean Ingram following residents’ concerns about the deteriorating state of the once-prominent recreational facility. The visit comes after complaints about recent veld fires, the cutting of trees on the property and the apparent stripping of electrical infrastructure from the clubhouse, raising questions about security, maintenance and accountability. Cllr Ingram expressed shock at the condition of the facility and voiced her frustration over what she described as a lack of accountability from the City of Ekurhuleni. 🎥 Obedience Mkhabela reports.

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The visit followed complaints from residents about recent veld fires at the golf course, as well as the cutting of trees on the property, issues that have sparked widespread public concern.

During the inspection, Ingram said the golf course is an important green-belt asset with a history spanning more than a century.

“This golf course has a huge history and has been essential to the community. Some of the great names started their journey from here,” she said.

Addressing the tree cutting, Ingram said residents had raised concerns after seeing people removing trees from the property.

“We wanted to know who was cutting the trees and for what reason. When I started getting messages that there were people who were cutting the trees, I enquired with the relevant city officials, but the answers were not straightforward,” she said.

After touring the clubhouse, Ingram described the extent of the damage as devastating and criticised the city for failing to adequately protect the property after the golf course closed.

“They knew from the time it was closed that it could be prone to criminal activity and they could have prevented this by ensuring there was proper security looking after the property 24 hours a day.

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“It is sad to see that this historic site is not only closed but has also been vandalised. We know the city is in the process of leasing the property, but whoever the new lessee is will first have to restore the building before it can be used again.

“This is an integral asset within the City of Ekurhuleni. Considering its rich history, seeing it fall apart is heartbreaking. I place the blame on the city,” she said.

Ingram also questioned the presence of a group of people living in structures at the back of the golf course.

Responding to GCN’s media enquiry, the city acknowledged that the vandalism is a major concern, particularly because the facility is intended for public recreational use and is currently being prepared for leasing.

The municipality confirmed that it had conducted a damage assessment, which resulted in the opening of a criminal case.

The city also said it has obtained quotations for security services and plans to deploy security at the site. It added that security will be strengthened further once funding becomes available.

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Regarding the occupants living on the property, the city said it is aware of their presence and identified them as former employees of the Germiston Golf Club.

According to the municipality, they have been allowed to remain on site temporarily to help secure the facility while administrative processes are finalised ahead of a new lease agreement.

The city added that security measures will be further strengthened once funding becomes available.