The Save Gilray Committee (SGC) remained cautiously optimistic about its campaign to protect the old Gilray Scout Campsite in Klip Road, Grassy Park and preserve its history and legacy for generations to come.

The site, Erf 75571, at 1 Klip Road, which dates back to the 1950s, has become dilapidated after years of neglect and its accompanying vandalism after constant targeting by criminals, and it made headlines late last year when plans to sell it started surfacing (“Development Dispute”, People’s Post, 25 November 2025)

Sale strongly rejected

The prospective sale has been vehemently rejected by the SGC.

At the time, the City’s Economic Growth Directorate stated that the future use of the property remained under review and any disposal would follow due statutory process, including public participation.

In protest, a group of concerned Grassy Park residents joined forces arguing that the future use of the abandoned facility should benefit the local community.

A group of about 20 protesters staged a peaceful demonstration outside the site on Heritage Day, with a petition garnering about 5 000 signatures.

Among the SGC’s suggestions are transforming the area into a hub for culture and arts, green-economy initiatives, sports facilities, youth entrepreneurship programmes and senior-citizen amenities.

Fellow member Ruche Daniels particularly opposed using the site for additional housing development, citing infrastructure concerns.

SGC member Moira Manuel confirmed with People’s Post last week that the committee had applied to Western Cape Heritage Resources to have the site declared one.

She said its intergovernmental committee (IGIC) also visited the land and inspected the remains of the fire pit and brick steps used by scouts in the camp’s heyday.

“We have now submitted the final historical information about Grassy Park and what transpired on the land.”

Historical accounts were gathered from Good Shepherd Anglican church in nearby Victoria Road and from residents who grew up in the neighbourhood, including details about how the scouts began and the land was used for large camping events.

Manuel stressed that the scouts had never left Grassy Park, with the First Plumstead Scouts still operating from the yellow building on the corner, leasing a separate portion of land from the City.

The committee will meet with the IGIC again on Wednesday 6 August, when they will learn whether further information is needed to support the heritage application.

Sub-council presentation

Manuel said the committee presented feedback to sub-council from its last community meeting, outlining ideas and what residents would like to see on the site. She described the response from councillors as being very positive and encouraging, singling Ward 72 councillor Kevin Southgate out for his support.

The committee has also approached the City official responsible for deciding whether the land will be sold and requested a meeting.

Manuel said he felt it was unfair as other stakeholders were also interested in the land, but confirmed he had received a copy of their sub-council presentation.

Community wants answers

Manuel said the committee planned to request a community meeting with Ward 65 councillor Donovan Nelson and sub-council in September or October so residents can question why the land cannot remain community property.

“People want to see activity now more than ever,” she said. “There has to be public participation and not just a small column in the newspaper.”

The City of Cape Town declined to comment on the matter.

People’s Post reached out to Southgate and Nelson for comment, but they hadn’t responded before publication.

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