Sports and recreation culture in Springs to be preserved with partnership
Sports and social clubs in Springs could see their rental costs being reduced with metro partnership.
Local sports and recreational clubs in Springs have not had it easy over the years.
From high rental agreements to allegations of municipal neglect, Springs stalwarts have had their fair share of trouble in keeping the culture alive.
Some private businesses and individuals are, however, taking it upon themselves to save the culture within Springs such as restoring heritage sites and running campaigns to preserve the town’s history.
Hannes Gouws, the benefactor of the Springs Bowling Club and the Springs Karate Club, said the journey is getting better.
“I spoke to a representative from the Department of Sports and Recreation and she told me they are working on forming a partnership with local clubs,” he said.
Gouws said even though the metro won’t be helping with the maintenance of the grounds and infrastructure, the partnership will go towards reducing the rent to make it easier and more affordable to run clubs.
“They are trying to help us,” he said.
He added that even though people are coming to the party and working towards progress, the legal department within the metro is creating problems.
Gouws alluded to various issues arising when dealing with the legal department but went into detail about a situation regarding a car wash the karate club used to run.
“The car wash fed five families. Representatives from the legal department told us to close it down or they will cancel the lease. This will force us to vacate the premises.
“I didn’t want to vacate the premises because to leave the club would result in the place being neglected and we have worked too hard to get it to where it is today,” mentioned Gouws.
He said he closed the car wash even though it broke his heart to do so.
“The car wash wasn’t on the lease. We would have had to apply for an addendum to be added to the contract to give us permission to operate the car wash.
“Councillor Thulane Simelane also told us that he doesn’t have a problem with us running the car wash as he understands the plight of the less fortunate but we didn’t have a choice,” he said.
Gouws also mentioned how it isn’t about the money as he has been maintaining and running the karate club for nine years.
“We are trying to help the community.”
According to metro spokesperson Zweli Dlamini, despite financial constraints, the City of Ekurhuleni is confident they have been doing all they can to preserve the culture of sports and recreational clubs in Springs.
He said there is a rental rebate afforded to qualifying clubs should they be facing financial difficulties and struggling to pay for the rent.
“This comes in the form of a discount of up to 90%, which is contained in the sport and recreation’s promulgated by-laws and tariffs. This follows consultation with the city, in checking that the applicant meets all requirements for the rebate,” said Dlamini.
He said he is aware that there is a need and space for improvement and plans are being put in place to be enacted once the financial situation of the city improves.
“The Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Department is in the process to secure approval for the strategic partnership framework that will assist in regulating possible incentives,” he confirmed.
Gouws remained hopeful and said they need help with some of the municipal services they don’t receive.
“We were asked to put our rubbish just outside the club walls for collection but they won’t collect it. I have been collecting and disposing of our rubbish because we receive no help from the parks or waste departments.
“All the sports clubs have the same problem so ours is not an isolated case. There is a general difficulty in keeping the clubs open,” he said.
He also gave credit to other private businesses who have helped keep the clubs alive.
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“We have a Wednesday Boys Club here at the bowling club. It is a group of business owners and we come together to talk and play.
“They have contributed to the club and have also played their part in keeping the bowling club running. We would have never made it without them,” he said.
Gouws mentioned how there isn’t enough racial diversity in the clubs, especially the bowling club.
“We need more people to play because these clubs are for everyone in Springs and not a specific race. I have invited many people over the years and they just don’t take to the sport.”
