Ward 99 councillor Hendrik Bodenstein is concerned and frustrated about the conditions of the Linden Tennis Club.

For decades, the Linden Tennis Club was a lively gathering place where the sharp sound of tennis balls echoed through the area. Residents spent weekends at the club. Today, however, the club stands as a shadow of its former self.

The tennis courts have deteriorated beyond recognition. Cracks stretch across the faded surfaces, while thick weeds push through the broken concrete as though nature itself has reclaimed the grounds.

Read more: City Power cuts illegal connection during Ferndale audit

There are no nets, and no matches can be played because the courts are now completely unplayable.

The change rooms tell an even sadder story.

Doors are broken, windows shattered, and the walls are stained with years of neglect. They are used by waste pickers and vagrants.

The electricity cables are all stripped out and water runs endlessly from damaged pipes, streaming across the floor day and night. The waste is heartbreaking in a country where water is such a precious resource.

Bodenstein recently visited the club, alongside Democratic Alliance (DA) mayoral candidate Helen Zille.

He explained that, since their visit, residents have contacted him and are ready to join forces to restore the club. “The community phoned me and asked how they can get involved and how we can get this done. We can have clean-ups, but now the damage is far greater.

Also read: Residents warned against buying fake electricity units

t’s not even weeds and grass anymore; it’s more like trees. This needs an active effort from Region B citizen relationship and urban management (Crum) to come and fix this place up and give it back to the community.”

He said that the space there is big and in a safe area next to the police station.

“We can have paddle, pickleball, and tennis courts here. We can have a little restaurant or a coffee shop to fund whatever else is happening here. It seems logical, but nothing that the city does is logical at all. Common sense has left the building. It’s completely left the city.”

Bodenstein is also concerned that the space poses a threat to residents / bnhyv by, as vagrants and displaced people have taken over the club.

He has written to the department of sports and recreation and Johannesburg Property Company (JPC), but has not received a response.

“They have not responded. In fact, I only got their proposed sale documents from a councillor in Ward 87 who resigned two years ago. She forwarded it to me.

This shows that it’s something that they just want to get rid of. Sell it to the highest bidder, who knows, because, at this stage, the property value is listed as zero.”

Questions were sent to the City of Johannesburg and JPC. Their response will be published once made available.

Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!