Residents fight the closure of Norscot Manor

It is speculated that the City of Johannesburg plans to sell 26 recreation centres under its jurisdiction and the Norscot Manor Recreation Centre is on the list of properties on the auction block.

However, a civic group has emerged to fight the fate of the old Eriksen house, one of the oldest structures in the former Sandton municipal district.

Susan Mottram, former ward councillor and community activist said she was ready to spearhead a Friends of Norscot Manor Forum, but said it was in the hands of the community to run the forum to ensure the survival of the building.

“It really is time for other residents in the area to take action and ownership, before everything is lost,” Mottram said.

“I believe we have a responsibility to tell the public about this matter and call on residents to come together to fight against the sale of the city’s assets and thereby, stripping communities of libraries, places of learning, green belt areas and jobs that these centres provide.”

The worst fear is that the building will be turned into a commercial property. It was a gift to Johannesburg in the 70s and has since flourished into a lively centre where an endless list of activities and classes are offered.

Ward 115 councillor Chris Santana is also opposed to the idea. He was shown a draft letter which stated that the reason for the centre’s sale would be to raise funds for the building of similar centres in impoverished communities such as Diepsloot and Orange Farm. It is rumoured that the city council does not have the necessary funds to maintain centre’s such as the manor.

The centre’s sale would be to raise funds for the building of similar centres in impoverished communities such as Diepsloot and Orange Farm

Santana maintained it would be pointless to have the manor serve any other purpose than a community centre, and that it was a beacon in the ward when it came to fostering community spirit.

Jenny Strong of Norscot Manor Gallery shared the same sentiment. “We always pay taxes and rates and seldom get anything in return. The centre is one of the few things we get back from the municipality,” she said.

She was also concerned about the Watercolour Society of South Africa and its flagship gallery at the manor.

“Where else will we be able to showcase art in such a setting?” she asked.