Hofland Park in a state of decay
“I have fond memories about these tennis courts. We used to host social and professional tennis tournaments there."
A former tennis player is mourning the decay of Hofland Park.
Ms Margret Boy was a member of the Hampton Court, now known as Holfland Park in Bez Valley, from 1969 to the early 1990s.
“I have fond memories about these tennis courts. We used to host social and professional tennis tournaments there. This is one of the oldest club-house buildings in Johannesburg. If tennis was still active, it would have been over 100 years old this year,” she said.
She said at the time it was a privilege to be part of the club, as its leaders were also serving on provincial and national tennis structures.
“Our long-serving chairman, Mr Covis Janssens, was serving as the South African Tennis secretary. It is sad to see that the City of Johannesburg is allowing this facility to be in this state,” she said.
The EXPRESS recently reported that according to the Jeppe Community Police Forum (JCPF) chairman, Mr Zola Dambula, the community was complaining that the club-house was being used by pupils who skip school.
During a visit to the premises, the EXPRESS noticed signs that the property was being used by people smoking dagga and using drugs.
Mr Dambula said the electricity system had been vandalised.
Ms Boy advised the CoJ to rent out the property.
“It hurts to see it going down like this. We raised funds to build tennis courts. If council does not want to use it any more, it should rent it out or sell it. If nothing is done about it, it will be hijacked and as is seen now, it will be used for unbecoming purposes. That will add to the decay of the suburb,” she said.
The ward 66 councillor, Clr Carlos da Rocha, said the state of the park was the result of the community’s complaints.
“The facility was given to a local school to mend it. It had security guards stationed here. It implemented access control to the park. This was not favourable to most of the residents. Due to the pressure the school received, it withdrew its services. The facility was left with nobody looking after it. That is when the vandalism started,” he said.
According to Clr Da Rocha, there are people who are willing to rent out the club-house but City of Joburg processes are slow.
“I was approached by people who want to use the club-house and provide security for it. I sent the proposal to the CoJ and no response has come through,” said Clr Da Rocha.
An inquiry was sent to the City of Johannesburg acting director of community development, Ms Siyanda Mnukwa, and communications specialist Mr Nkosinathi Nkabinde on March 16. Comment was requested by March 17. At the time of going to print, no comment had been received.
