Zoo Lake Bowls Club aims to rise from the ashes as community launches rebuild fund
Almost a month after a fire destroyed the historic Zoo Lake Bowls Club, a fundraising campaign has been launched to help restore the beloved Johannesburg landmark.
The cause of the fire that gutted the historic Zoo Lake Bowls Club on October 1 remains undetermined, according to Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) spokesperson Xolile Khumalo.
“Due to the devastation of the clubhouse, the cause or source of the fire was undetermined,” she said. “When a structure is destroyed, it becomes impossible to identify or rule out specific causes of ignition.”
The blaze broke out at around 6:00, reducing the 1934 clubhouse to ruins and destroying months of restoration work. Owner Divian Cooper, who had invested more than R1.25m in renovations ahead of a planned relaunch later this year, described the loss as deeply personal.
“It wasn’t just a building,” he said. “It was a part of our city’s story.”
Read more: Zoo Lake Bowls Club gutted by fire just months before relaunch
Now, in the wake of the devastation, the Zoo Lake Bowls Club community is determined to rebuild. A Back-a-Buddy fundraising campaign has been launched to help restore the much-loved venue, with funds aimed at rebuilding the clubhouse, restoring facilities and protecting the livelihoods connected to the club.
For more than nine decades, the Zoo Lake Bowls Club has been a social and cultural anchor for Johannesburg. It has hosted bowls tournaments, weddings, music events and community gatherings, welcoming people from every walk of life into a shared space of belonging and connection.
In a statement titled A Call to Rebuild, the club expressed its determination to rise stronger than before.
Also read: Illegal structures removed at the old Parkhurst Bowling Club in joint operation
“We refuse to see this as an end. Our vision is to rebuild, stronger and more resilient. We want the Zoo Lake Bowls Club to rise again, to reclaim its place as a home for sport, celebration, community and belonging.”
Supporters across the city are encouraged to contribute to the Back-a-Buddy campaign, helping the Zoo Lake Bowls Club rise from the ashes and continue its legacy as one of Johannesburg’s most treasured community spaces.
To contribute to the rebuilding efforts, visit the Zoo Lake Bowls Club’s Back-a-Buddy page.
https://backabuddy.co.za/campaign/zoo-lake-bowls-fire-relief-help-us-rebuild
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
