Ballito will potentially witness the building of its first mosque soon, with the KwaDukuza municipality (KDM) again proposing the sale of a portion of Townsend Park for its construction.

The intent of sale to the Zululand Islamic Society was announced this week, mirroring the same process undertaken in 2019, which ultimately did not go ahead.

Muslims from Ballito and surrounds currently need to travel to Shakaskraal, Tongaat or KwaDukuza to find a mosque in which to pray, although there are smaller prayer areas available in Ballito.

As was the case in 2019, news of the sale has sparked widespread discussion on community groups and social media, with residents voicing concerns over losing a green corridor and increased traffic in the area, among others.

KDM has listed the cost of sale at R3.6-million, the same cost quoted in 2019, indicating no increase in land valuation in the interim years.

The 4000sqm portion of ERF 517 is the forested area behind the Scout Hall, informally known as butterfly park.

It is understood that the area including the Scout Hall, footy pitch and basketball court is leased to the Ballito Lions Club for at least the next eight years and will therefore remain in place.

These also fall under ERF 517, confirming the sale would only be a portion thereof.

ERF 516, which includes the main open area on the north side of the park, will be unaffected.

The Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (Docrra), which was integral in halting the development in 2019, has vowed to do the same this time around.

https://www.citizen.co.za/north-coast-courier/127238/ballito-mosque-planned-townsend-park/

“With dismay and grave concern we learnt today that the sale of a portion of Townsend Park is back on the radar. Docrra successfully delayed a similar initiative to sell part of this public park some 4 years ago.

“On behalf of our members and the Dolphin Coast community, we will do so again,” said Docrra in a statement.

The association sought legal representation in 2019 and drafted a letter to KDM and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Corporate Affairs (Cogta).

Primarily, the letter focused on an incorrect public participation process, with residents not having a chance to lodge their objections as is mandated.

“Despite receiving acknowledgment of the letter, we never received a response and the issue seemed to die down. This time around, the objection process has been followed.

“We will seek legal advice again and be in contact with KDM in the given time period. We may also circulate a petition should the need arise,” said Docrra chairman, Deon Viljoen.

https://www.citizen.co.za/north-coast-courier/134578/e28-townsend-park/

The KwaDukuza Residents Forum (KDRF) indicated they would monitor the process to ensure it is done lawfully and in the best interest of all residents.

They also called for calm in discussion of the issue and warned against debate based along religious lines.

“There certainly may be people opposed to the idea of a mosque in their neighbourhood (across the road from a church), and they’re obviously free to express their opposition.  However, it is quite clear the Muslim community have as much right to build places of worship in a neighbourhood like Ballito as the Christian community has to build churches.

“All municipal by-laws that apply to churches will apply to a mosque,” said KDRF chairman, Warwick Chapman.

The objection process will be open until December 8, giving residents one month to raise their concerns with KDM.

Objections can be submitted by writing a letter or by sending an email to the municipal manager.

Written objections must be addressed and submitted to the Office of the Municipal Manager, 14 Chief Albert Street, KwaDukuza, 4450.

Emails can be sent to municipalmanager@kwadukuza.gov.za.

For further information on the sale, you can find the municipal release at www.kwadukuza.gov.za/index.php/mn/kdm-intention-to-sell-and-dispose-of-portion.

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