Residents of Townsend Park, Ballito plan to take a stand against council’s decision to sell a third of the park for the building of a mosque.

A meeting for all residents and affected parties has been called at the park in the Scouts Hall at 6pm on Tuesday, March 19.

“We need as many people as possible to come,” said one of the organisers.

Two weeks ago, the KwaDukuza council approved for 4 000 of the 15 000 sq meter park to be sold for R3.6 million to the Zululand Islamic Society to build the first mosque in Ballito.

Currently, the closest Muslim worship site is about 15 kilometers away, in Shakaskraal.

Some residents, who are furious at the decision are planning to petition against the sale, saying the park is actively used by the community for recreational activity and that an alternative site should be sought.

One resident who lives near the park said hundreds of people from all over the North Coast regularily used the park.

“Some of the activities are dog training, walking dogs from all areas, soccer, action cricket, netball, gym, scouts and functions like weddings and to use the play park.”

She said the impact of losing a large portion of the park would be massive.

“They take that away and they are taking away our park, a place that draws us together as a community.

“We are calling on people to stand together against this. Come to the meeting and let your voice be heard. We must stand together.”

“This is not a religious fight, we are opposing it on the same grounds that we opposed KDM’s decision to build a community hall in the park a few years ago.”