“The Silver Valke rugby club is alive and well and it’s business as usual”.

This was the message from Henry van Wyk, chairman of the well-known rugby club in Silverton, to all prospective players who want to join them for the new season. This assurance follows a controversial attempt by the City of Tshwane to chase away the rugby club, which has been operating on the site for decades and which still has a legal lease on the site.

“After a good season in the BBRU Reserve League in the 2024 season the Silver Valke are looking forward to taking it to the next level. We intend to field two senior teams in the reserve league and appeal to players who are looking for a club in the east to join us. We are also appealing to people who wish to get involved in the administration of the club as additional members to please contact us,” Van Wyk told Rekord last week.

The club’s management had to seek legal assistance after officials from the City of Tshwane began a campaign late last year to remove the rugby club from the premises by attempting to use all sorts of legal technicalities to declare the Silver Valke Sports & Recreation Club’s legal long-term lease null and void.

After initial complaints of squatting and other illegal activities surrounding the club, the crackdown intensified when it was alleged that Silver Valke violated their lease agreement by subletting a portion of the premises to a school and selling alcohol near the school.

Van Wyk and his legal representatives issued an official statement on the matter last week. Among other things, the following points are highlighted:

* That the allegations against the club and sports federation by officials from the City of Tshwane are “vague, spurious and inflammatory”.

* That an official dispute has been declared against the City of Tshwane by the Silver Valke Sports Federation and that this matter has been taken under review.

* That the federation has a lawful and binding contractual agreement with the City of Tshwane.

* That the federation specifically denies any wrongdoing and untoward conduct, as was claimed against it.

* That the Silver Falcons rugby club categorically denies allegations by the City of Tshwane about the private school on their premises and that temporary housing of the school took place with the full knowledge and cooperation of the Metro.

* That the school concerned unilaterally breached various provisions of their agreement with the club (which was made in conjunction with the City of Tshwane) and that the school has consequently, after engagement between the federation and the relevant governmental officials, been repeatedly informed that any arrangements for their occupation of the grounds of the federation had been terminated and that they must relocate from the property. However, the management of the school refuses to leave the premises and is therefore currently operating illegally on the club’s grounds.

* The statement concludes as follows: “As matters stand it appears as though the federation is being ostracized by way of public attacks as well as unjustified political influence and interference which is unduly causing prejudice and harm to the federation and will be dealt with in an apt manner and time, as well as in the appropriate forum”.

Van Wyk invited prospective players to attend practices, which have already started for the new season, on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 18:00. The club is located at 220 Roestoff Street, Silverton. For any enquiries, contact Henry van Wyk at 083-466-9016 or Michelle Buitendag at 071-182-2374.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram