The Tshwane Metro’s demand that the historic Harlequin Sports Club in Groenkloof, which has operated as a community sports club for 122 years, must be restored to its “original” state as a farm within a few weeks, is unrealistic and absurd.
The Club, which was founded in 1902, is an important community institution with hundreds of members and facilities such as two rugby fields, a cricket field, bowling greens, a squash court, clubhouse, pavilions and a restaurant.
The Club submitted a formal application to rezone the land from agricultural to sports and recreational use in 2021 already. Five years have gone by and the Metro has still not finalised this application.
On 17 March 2026, however, the Metro issued a notice instructing the Club to remove all advertising boards within seven days and demolish all structures and improvements within 28 days to turn the entire site back into a farm.
It makes no sense that the Metro is threatening to destroy proper sports facilities that have been developed over more than a century, while the Metro itself is to blame for dragging out the rezoning process over five years through administrative red tape and incompetence.
This blatant attack on the Harlequin Sports Club emanates from the portfolio of the former ActionSA Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate and Shared Services, Kholofelo Morodi, who was dismissed on 27 March 2026. Morodi has stated on record that established sports clubs such as Harlequin have been “advantaged for long enough”.
While the Tshwane Metro struggles to maintain its own assets and infrastructure, it is now trying to destroy a successful historic landmark and an example of private initiative and community cooperation.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) demands:
- The immediate withdrawal of the notice and demolition demand of 17 March 2026, as well as ceasing all eviction and demolition attempts.
- That the Metro finalise the Club’s 2021 rezoning application as a matter of urgency.
- That the Metro acknowledge that established sports clubs, such as Harlequin, are valuable partners in community service delivery and should not be treated with hostility.
The Freedom Front Plus will stand its ground with the Harlequin Sports Club and its members to safeguard this historic asset for future generations and sports enthusiasts from all communities.
Freedom Front Plus Symbol: The party’s logo features a blue and white color scheme.
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