Social media uproar on bowling club eviction

ZOO LAKE - MANY have taken to social media to express their dismay at what could be the end for Zoo Lake Bowls Club.

September 3, 2014

Gazette Reporter 2 minutes read

Stephen Hardie hands over a petition to appeal to the sheriff of the court before the tenants were evicted and the doors to the bar and restaurant locked. File photo

This after an eviction order was enforced by the owner of the bar, Chris Moffat, said he, in his personal capacity, would fight for the club which has been home to the old and the young.

“My ambition was to see what was considered a white bastion of the old way of our country, change into a socially cohesive community. One without wealth, colour, religious bias and, through the world of public houses such as the bar, the club has become a place of tolerance and cohesion,” he said.

In accordance, Tammy Breedt commented on the Rosebank Killarney Gazette Facebook: “This is so sad! It is a place where Jozi shines in all its splendor. Old and young alike were part of the Zoo Lake Bowling Club community. It is here, where my family gathered and had many a sundowner… So sad to see a part of the family gone…”

Click here to read the latest on the Zoo lake Bowling Club – UPDATE: Zoo Lake lives to fight another day

Others pledged their allegiance to the current tenants, saying they refused to support whoever else followed.

Dianne Bayley commented, “Appalling. One of the few unpretentious community meeting places gone … will not support whatever comes next. If anything”.

Claire Richardson commented, “This is terrible! Bowls club holds so many memories and so much history. The public have shown how disappointing this would be, but due to selfishness this place will be destroyed.”

Craig Kingston Whitehead also took to Facebook and commented, “I shudder to think who will win this so-called lawful tender. This place was something of a legend. Parkhurst Pirates bowling club is evidence of what this place will look like on an open park in less than 6 months. WATCH N SEE.”

On Twitter, ?@shadrack900 tweeted: “@RK_Gazette @zoolakeprecinct @Peepsparks @Parkhurst_JHB @jozi117 @lesego_puso @Municipality This is bad to us workers what will we do after.”

Gaudi Le Roux commented on the Rosebank Killarney Gazette website:

“Chris – a heartfelt thanks to you and the team for all the years where you created an atmosphere that you couldn’t find anywhere in Joburg, and potentially in South Africa. We did indeed mix amongst rich and poor and across all races and ages. We laughed and smiled with people from totally different backgrounds and sat together on common ground – which me and my friends called “the spot”. You have the support of thousands and we wish you all the best. If there are new owners, all I can say is this – you can win a tender by hook or by crook but you can’t tender my wallet or that of my friends. Not a breadcrumb will be bought from you. Be humble and stand down so we can have our “spot” back.”