THE eThekwini Municipality has confirmed plans to build a social housing complex on the 1.1683-hectare site at 98 Umdoni Road in Amanzimtoti which currently includes the premises of the long-standing Poinsettia Pistol Club.

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The development, approved by the city council on April 17, will consist of 98 affordable housing units across three-storey buildings. It is aimed at those earning between R3500 and R22 000 per month.

The announcement has stunned the Poinsettia Pistol Club, which has occupied the site since its founding in 1961. Despite seeing municipal activity on the grounds, club members say they were never officially informed of the development.

“None of our members or neighbours had any prior knowledge,” said Johan Herselman, a club representative.

According to a copy of the club’s lease agreement seen by the South Coast SUN, the club rents the site on a month-to-month basis, with either party able to terminate the lease with one month’s notice. With no alternative location available, the future of the club, which has about 80 members and a range accredited by both the Natal and SA Pistol Associations, now hangs in the balance.

Municipal spokesperson Mandla Nsele said the project is expected to take five years to complete, starting with planning and land-use approval, followed by a two-year construction phase and concluding with resident move-ins.

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However, councillor André Beetge expressed dismay at the City’s approach. He confirmed a meeting with eThekwini officials in July 2024 when he was told about the development, but said he was surprised when the project skipped public participation and went straight to the council for approval.

“It’s incomprehensible that residents’ rights, property investments, and quality of life are being ignored,” said Beetge. He cited concerns over existing infrastructure failures, including water shortages and sewage issues, and questioned the safety of building on steep terrain prone to mudslides.

“This is not about opposing development. It’s about doing it responsibly and transparently. Why force a high-density project onto a stable suburb, in secret, with no consultation?” he asked.

He added that only the DA voted against the proposal in council, while other parties supported the development’s approval.

“The DA will continue to fight for the residents of Amanzimtoti, for safe infrastructure, proper consultation, and the preservation of valued community institutions like the Poinsettia Pistol Club,” he concluded.

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