Silver Valke Sports & Recreation Club also known as The Federation has denied any wrongdoing levelled against it.
The club operating from municipal property in Silverton found itself in some controversy late last year when the city claimed it breached their lease agreement. The contract had been for 20 years.
MMC for Corporate and Shared Services Kholofelo Morodi reported then that thorough investigations uncovered that the club had violated the lease.
“They sublet part of their premises to a primary school and sold alcohol near the school, posing a risk to the safety of the children,” she added.
Morodi said that the 20-year lease had expired years ago and was not renewed.
“We uncovered that the school was paying the club R12 000 per month in rent. The club was originally paying R500 per month to Tshwane.”
Morodi said the decision to sublease the premises to a school violated the lease agreement, which stipulates that the property is solely for rugby-related purposes.
The club chairperson, Henry van Wyk, said the federation had taken the dispute on review.
Van Wyk said, “Irrespective of what has been averred in the media, the federation has a lawful and binding contractual agreement with the City of Tshwane; the terms of which will be adhered to and enforced if required.”
He said the federation specifically denies the accusation of unauthorised dealings with the school.
“It is however so that the federation was approached by the school in the past for urgent and emergency assistance for temporary accommodation.”
Van Wyk said the federation was granted permission to accommodate the school on a temporary basis.
“Unilaterally and without further permission, the relevant school has expanded from the agreed 80 learners to an estimated group of learners of around 500.
“Moreover, this school has arbitrarily taken occupation of further structures and land, which was again not agreed to and not previously formed part of the arrangement between the federation and the school,” he added.
Van Wyk said the school was repeatedly informed that any agreement to occupy club grounds had been terminated and that it needed to vacate the property.
“The school and its officials have unfortunately failed, refused and/or omitted to do so and remain in unlawful occupation of the said grounds,” said Van Wyk.
Van Wyk added, “As matters stand it appears as though the federation is being ostracised by way of public attacks as well as unjustified political influence and interference which is unduly causing prejudice and harm to the federation. It will be dealt with in an apt manner and time, as well as in the appropriate forum.”
He vowed that the federation would protect its rights and interests and seek compensation from all parties that have infringed this right. “At this time the federation reserves all its rights.”
Tshwane metro too said it reserves its right to terminate the agreement.
“The lease agreement in question became effective on or about February 1, 1999, and has since expired,” said spokesperson Lindela Mashigo.
Mashigo said the club’s occupation of the property was therefore based on an expired lease, which continued on a month-to-month basis pending termination by either party.
He said the metro noted a communique from the club’s legal representative appealing the termination.
“A highest and best use analysis is currently being conducted to inform the city’s decision on the future use of the property,” said Mashigo.
He added that the city confirms that a contravention of lease conditions was identified as part of the ongoing process of strengthening the management of the city’s leased-out properties.
“The club was subsequently served with a notice of lease termination owing to the unlawful sub-letting of council property. This, together with the fact that the lease had already expired, resulted in the termination of the club’s occupation of the subject property.”
Mashigo added that this is not a unique occurrence, and the city enforces these measures across both business and sports facilities it leases to the public.
“Allegations of a political motive are therefore unfounded and without merit,” he concluded.
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