Johannesburg Property Company assures residents that all processes were followed regarding Blairgowrie Tennis Club lease
Motion and Colour Foundation has finally taken up occupancy of the Blairgowrie Tennis Club, after winning the bid for it in 2017/2018, and Johannesburg Property Company assures residents that the process was followed correctly.
Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) clears the air regarding the Blairgowrie Tennis Club lease that has raised residents’ concerns after the keys were handed over to Motion and Colour Foundation (MCF)
The foundation won the tender 2017/2018, but did not take up occupancy as there were alleged issues. From there, the lease was on a month-to-month user agreement with the former lease holders, until the matter was resolved.
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In early 2023, the lease still had not been taken up, and there were issues around safety compliance, with no fire safety sign off, and no water meter at the property for weeks.
Former Ward 99 councillor Nicole van Dyk explained that she was asked to sign off on a new advert for the property, but was hesitant. She said that the lease was reopened as the former lease holders, the Elders, asked her for a letter of recommendation. “Then last year, all of a sudden it comes back up that the lease holders from 2018 are now going to take up the lease, which was to be backdated, due to COVID. I cannot see how that is legal, because of all the confusion. I asked for a public meeting with JPC, as many residents and club users are becoming increasingly frustrated by the situation.”
However, the entity said they could not move ahead as there was legal action that needed to be taken against the longtime tenant, who was now allegedly claiming squatters’ rights. “Nothing more was heard up until the council meeting where the issue was meant to be tabled,” said Van Dyk. “I never got to see what the item looked like, as it was sent back to section 79 for questioning, where it was then withdrawn from the agenda.”
On January 14, MCF took occupancy. Van Dyk added that she has no issue with who wins, or has the tender, all that matters is that the process is followed.
Lucky Sindane, JPC spokesperson, explained that in 2017/2018 there was an error that was made with regards to the annual escalation in the lease agreement, and as a result the lease agreement was not signed. Therefore the client, MCF, could not take occupation. “The client did not apply again, and because of the error that was made, the client consulted their attorneys, and JPC had to attend to the litigation matter. All the processes were followed according to the supply chain management policy for land.”
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Sibanda added that the tender was advertised in 2018, and the lease agreement is not backdated.
He added that the property shall be used for sports purposes only, and MCF must comply with the terms and conditions of the lease agreement. They will also conduct regular site inspections.
Thabo Serote, of MCF, confirmed that they are aware that members of the community have raised concerns regarding their occupancy. “We are also aware of certain misconceptions concerning the outcome of litigation between MCF, the City of Johannesburg, and JPC, and the present terms of the previous caretaker’s occupancy.”
He assured the community that the lease, and the subsequent handover of the facility, were conducted through legitimate processes. “As an organisation, we are committed to fostering a collaborative relationship with the local community, and ensuring that all concerns are addressed constructively. We have previously met with certain members of the community to address concerns, and it is unfortunate that, despite our best endeavours, there are some members of the community perpetuating unsubstantiated allegations of impropriety on the part of MCF.”
He added that they are a non-profit organisation, which uses sport as a means for community building and transformation. “Our work at the club is intended to create a safe, healthy, and community-based space, for people to learn and to grow through the medium of sport.”
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