With the closing date for public participation on the donation of land to the University of South Africa (Unisa) by Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) last Friday (10th), the community feels that a lot needs to be clarified on the project.
ERF 1216 in Uvongo was identified as the ideal spot to build a Unisa facility, however a portion of it comprises Douglas Mitchell Sports Club’s mini soccer pitch.
According to RNM spokesperson Simon April, despite the site being in a residential area, it is zoned for education.
Many residents have suggested that the municipality identifies alternate land or use existing buildings to house the institution.
The suggestions included Ugu Sports and Leisure or the Port Shepstone Techno Hub, opposite Southcoast Mall in Izotsha, which many believe has become a white elephant.
April said the municipality is dealing with the matter of the identified land (ERF 1216) and is unable to comment on the suggestions.
“The notion that the Techno Hub is a white elephant lacks factuality as it is currently being used,” said April.
According to Uvongo Ratepayers’ Association’s, Brendan Cluley, there is no issue with an educational facility in the area , however RNM needs to involve the community, giving a clear picture of exactly what they intend to build.
“I agree that an institution is needed on the South Coast, however living in a democratic society, the rights of students along those of residents should be considered too. I don’t think the location is a viable option, considering other options in the area.
“As long as the university will serve the needs of everyone, I feel that more discussions should be held. Perhaps the municipality should extend the deadline, get more community involved, find out from environmental committees on the impact it may have on the area,” he added.
Cluley said that generally an educational institution does add more value to an area as property values go up, however he feels that residents are fearing the unknown.
“If we have more input and understanding on the long term benefits, we would base our decisions on what’s right,” concluded Cluley.
Unisa spokesperson, Tommy Huma said in the South Coast region, Unisa student numbers vary from 3000 to 5000, which is a rough estimate
“Since this is the only place that will be available to students on the South Coast, instead of students travelling by taxis to the Durban campus, they will utilise this place for registrations and their studies.”
He said the Wild Coast office was closed and currently there is no centre or campus on the South Coast.
Meanwhile, councillor for ward 19 in Uvongo, George Henderson said Ugu Sports and Leisure was also identified by the chairperson of the ANC, Siboniso Duma to be converted into a university.
He said it should be turned into an ocean or technology university and is perfect to pair with a Unisa facility.
“From a logistics point it would work better. Considering the infrastructure in Uvongo which has small roads and is not built for heavy traffic, a university will mean more traffic,” explained Henderson.
He said as far as the plans go, Unisa wants to build a hall, a library, admin offices, and rooms for students to sit and study.
Henderson said even though it would not be something big, looking at the land itself, it’s an open piece of land.
“A few years ago the sports club wanted a Sharks Academy on this land, however once the site was being opened up they brought in a bulldozer and it disappeared in the mud. It took three weeks to remove it as the site is a wetland.
“Ecologically that is the reason the area is not developed as it would be expensive to build here. I feel that they should consider other available options,” he added.
Furthermore the sports club has a lease for ERF 1215 and 1216.
“The lease agreement was signed in August 2020 and runs for nine years and eleven months until July 2030, and I don’t know how the municipality will get around that.
“It boggles the mind that RNM is disregarding this existing lease in its attempt to donate it to Unisa. Fortunately South Africa and the club have the strong Roman Dutch Law of ‘huur gaat voor koop’ to protect them against rogue landlords,” Henderson concluded.
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