City's redevelopment plans threaten community clubs

The Citizen

14-05-2025

Community clubs along Umgazi Road in Ashlea Gardens have opposed the draft Regionalised Spatial Development Framework (RSDF), citing concerns over the potential redevelopment of city-owned properties.
The Pretoria Shepherd Dog Club spokesperson Pieter Verheijen, said they have been using the site for many years, and he confirmed that they are making full use of the grounds.
'We are actively using the facility daily,' he said.
'Saturdays are reserved for formal dog training and socialisation, and during the week members use the space for personal training and to give their dogs a secure, injury-free environment.'
The club also offers additional classes during the week, particularly in the lead up to competitions.
According to Verheijen, the location is critical.
'Due to its highway proximity, we draw members from all over Pretoria. They support local businesses and contribute to the surrounding economy.'
In addition to training activities, the club supports the SAVA Community Veterinary Clinics operating in under-resourced areas, including Mamelodi, Soshanguve and Daspoort.
'We promote spaying, vaccinations and education,' said Verheijen.
Verheijen said the club regularly hosts a range of events, including obedience, agility, 4×4 and flyball competitions, as well as the Canine Good Citizen certification, which is internationally recognised.
As a KUSA-affiliated club, it complies with international training and event standards.
Verheijen added that redevelopment of the property would negatively affect operations.
'We understand that the city may take more than half the land. That would severely limit our ability to serve the community.
We would no longer be able to accommodate aggressive dogs, which require space and control, or provide adequate parking for members.'
He also raised concerns about the lack of direct communication from the Tshwane metro.
'Our contact details are publicly available, yet we've received no formal correspondence, only WhatsApp group information.'
Verheijen said they've applied and paid for lease renewals several times with no feedback.
According to Verheijen, relocation would result in the loss of infrastructure built at the club's own expense.
'It would also remove access to an affordable facility for dog owners across various income levels,' he said.
'We keep our fees low to remain inclusive.'
The club has opposed the current draft of the RSDF and is engaging with other clubs to co-ordinate their response.
One such club is the Noord Gauteng Stoei Vereeniging (North Gauteng Wrestling Association).
Andy Patrick, speaking on behalf of the wrestling body, said their lease, which began in 1990, has expired, and efforts to extend it have been unsuccessful.
'While the city has confirmed that wrestling may be accommodated in future plans for stand 757 Menlo Park, we are unclear on the extent of that inclusion and whether it would allow us to continue our current level of activity.'
Patrick said the wrestling hall is in full use, and their training happens daily.
He added that they host provincial and national events, executive meetings, and training camps for clubs from across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and other provinces.
He expressed concern over the city's development plans.
'The report mentions this area offers a balanced living environment, yet the plan proposes replacing a functional sports zone with commercial buildings.
This may increase traffic and safety concerns while reducing recreational access.'
Ward 82 councillor Siobhan Muller confirmed that the DA supports development if existing clubs are accommodated on site, in line with Council-approved frameworks.
'The RSDF and the Menlyn Node Urban Development Framework both require that such facilities either remain on site or be moved within a 2km radius to ensure continued public access,' she said.
'These clubs serve the wider Tshwane community and are part of sustainable development in one of the city's highest-density areas.'
Muller also pointed out factual issues in the city's report.
'The Pretoria Shepherd Dog Club does not conduct dog racing, as stated. They train six days a week.'
Muller said their clubhouse is in use and not residential.
She added that the wrestling club is the largest in the area and is active every day.
The Vryburgers at PTN 7 have not vacated and are involved in outreach and charity activities,' she said.
According to Muller, the report also overlooks the broader community use of the facilities, including dance classes, cultural events, support for disabled sport, and other recreational initiatives.
In response to the concerns, Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the redevelopment of the precinct is aligned with broader city planning objectives.
'The draft RSDF for Region 3, currently out for public participation, and the approved Menlyn Node and Surrounding Areas Spatial Development Framework (SDF), earmark properties on the western side of the N1, including along Umgazi Street, for high residential and mixed-use development.'
Mashigo said some parcels are also reserved for public open space due to environmental sensitivity.
He said that these plans aim to balance growth with public service.
'Guiding principles for the Ashlea Gardens area include protecting, enhancing, and improving the regional open space system and retaining existing community facilities to serve both current and future generations,' he said.
Mashigo added that while the city's land use scheme does not define 'community facility' precisely, he said this is generally understood as a public place for recreational, educational, social or cultural activities, including clubhouses and recreation centres.
Mashigo confirmed that all existing lease agreements on the properties in question have expired.
'None of the clubs enjoys exclusive usage of the property,' he said.
Mashigo said the metro reserves its rights as the owner to determine the best possible use.
He added that the proposed model would see community land partially rezoned for commercial use, with the inclusion of a condition that future lessees develop multi-purpose sporting facilities as part of their investment.
'As part of ongoing efforts to optimise revenue, the city is driving a public land development initiative to attract private sector investment via long-term development leases,' said Mashigo.
'Strategically located community facilities are a major part of this effort, and the city aims to unlock both financial and social value from these assets.'
Mashigo confirmed that public objections have been noted but reaffirmed the city's authority.
He said the metro has been aware of various groups that have objected, even before the matter reached the council.
'The city reserves full rights over the property as the asset owner.'
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to [e-mail] 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 or TikTok.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!