Vandals continue to destroy what is left of the Springs Old Boys Club.
Last Tuesday evening, vandals attempted to burn the compound to the ground but only managed to cause damage to the inside of the unused building.
This is the latest in a series of acts of vandalism that have affected the club since they closed in March last year.
The club has seen its clubhouse, bar, kitchen, bathrooms, sport fields and offices stripped of all valuables goods.
In addition to the vandalism, the club’s financials are in the worst shape ever, since they have been unable to operate due to Covid-19 lockdown regulations.
In response to the Advertiser’s question on what club’s should do if they are in financial difficulties, the City of Ekurhuleni’s (CoE) spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said clubs like any other entity, business or residential, have accounts to pay and should approach the CoE for arrangements.
If the CoE is not consulted, normal credit control measures will be applied according to CoE policy.
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The City confirmed Springs Old Boys had approached them regarding a payment arrangement, which the City agreed to.
“CoE has on every occasion assisted with repayment arrangements – six in total.
“All arrangements were made prior to the Covid-19 lockdown period indicating that the club was already experiencing financial problems under normal circumstances.
“The first was on October 15, 2008 for an outstanding amount of R40 378 with a repayment period over 20 months.
“The second and third was on February 11, 2010 for outstanding amounts of R18 039 and R32 625, with repayment periods over 18 and 12 months, respectively (services on two accounts – water, sewer, electricity and assessment rates and refuse.)
“The fourth was on October 20, 2016 for outstanding amount of R296 775 with a repayment period over 36 months.
“The fifth was on November 8, 2018 for outstanding amount of R49 452 with a repayment period over six months.
“The sixth was on August 29, 2019 for outstanding amount of R99 999 with a repayment period over 66 months.
“Only one arrangement was honoured.”
Also read: SOS: Springs Old Boys on the brink of collapse
Due to defaulting on payment of accounts, the club was handed over to debt collectors on the following dates for the following amounts:
First handover was on December 8, 2010 for an amount of R28 527.75 – total paid R19 127.
Second handover was on September 18, 2017 for an amount of R41 226.35 – total paid R28 858.
Third handover was on January 18, 2019 for an amount of R33 288.35 – no payments were made on handed over account.
Fourth handover was on March 25, 2019 for an amount of R17 847.7.3 – no payments were made on handed over account
Fifth handover was on September 20, 2019 for an amount of R21 902.21- no payments were made on handed over account.