The 1st Kempton Park Scouts, the last remaining troop in the greater Kempton Park area, face eviction from their property.
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This comes after another department in the City of Ekurhuleni indicated it was in need of the property.
Scout leader for the troop, Nic Hornby, told the Express that in late 2021, the group was contacted by the City of Ekurhuleni’s real estate department.
“At that point, we had experienced a spate of thefts from our property. Our palisade fencing was stolen one panel at a time and so was our razor wiring,” Hornby said.
“Since 2019, we have replaced our front gate three times.”
Hornby said that during the time when criminal activity increased at the property, the troop also suffered other losses.
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“One of our containers was burnt to the ground and our equipment was damaged,” he said.
In August last year, a representative from the city’s real estate department contacted the Scouts and asked if the troop was still using the property.
In communication between the department and the scout group, which was seen by the Express, the department first contacted the scouts in August 2021, to enquire about stolen fencing at the property.
The Scouts were also informed that another department within the city had expressed interest in using the property.
“We said we would only be open to leaving the property, which we have occupied since 2003 if the council could find us suitable alternative premises.”
In September last year, the 1st Kempton Park Scouts were given a lease renewal form.
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Hornby admitted that there were delays in returning the signed documents to the council but that it was done.
In October this year, the Scouts were informed that EMPD officials had visited the property.
“When we questioned this, we were told that when the real estate department receives a renewal application, the application is circulated to other departments in the city for comment.
“We were informed that this procedure is prescribed in the Municipal Finance Management Act and other departments need to indicate that they do or do not need the property.”
Hornby said if a department indicated that they require a property for council purposes the said property, in this case, the Scout Hall, is transferred to that department.
“We were told that once the reservation is approved we will receive a notice to vacate the property.
“Our biggest worry is that if we are evicted from the property and we have nowhere else to go to, we will close,” Hornby said.
He added that the troop emerged from the pandemic with just four members.
“We have been able to build up to 12 members. The troop goes out on regular hikes and outings and would love to see the movement for Kempton Park grow further in the years to come.
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“Kempton Park Scouts used to have a scout troop in almost every suburb. Declining membership and pressure from council to take back buildings has resulted in all but 1st Kempton Park Scouts closing down,” Hornby said.
“Every single hall or premises owned by the council we have enquired about we’ve been told we can’t have.
He added that if 1st Kempton Park Scouts were to close, children in the community would miss out on the opportunity for vital social activities, adventures and camping.
“If the council will not reconsider its stance or we are unable to secure an alternative venue, the reality is that Kempton Park will lose another organisation that exists for the growth of the children,” Hornby said.
He appealed to anyone in the community who may have a piece of land that the Scouts could use to contact him on 082 960 1717.
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The Express sent an enquiry to the City of Ekurhuleni in an attempt to get clarity on the matter.
The enquiry was sent to the City on November 2 and a comment was requested by November 7.
A decision was made to allow an additional week for comment to be received but at the time of going to print on November 15, no comment was received.
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