The old Swifts Club sports facilities in Kariega, which for decades were pristine and produced sports legends to be proud of, nowadays is an absolute disgrace where various illegal activities are operated from.
The sports facilities are at the corner of Sellick Street and Lower Drostdy Street.
A business owner who wishes to stay anonymous said, “I know for a fact that the fire brigade, at least twice, had to extinguish fires at the old Swifts Club’s vandalised buildings. The activities, where they burn whatever they burn, not only is a fire hazard, but also a health hazard and surely cannot be allowed amidst other businesses.
“This sports field is a municipal property. Do the people who operate this informal recycling business pay rent or municipal tax to make use of this property?
“We as businesses must pay our municipal taxes. We also must comply with different industrial regulations with regard to whatever kind of business being operated in this zone. Do they adhere to the same?” asked the business owner.
Kosie Basson, president of Progress Rugby Club, which is based adjacent to the Swifts Club sports field, said it is unacceptable what is being allowed to happen in the area.
“The dumping, burning, and recycling at the premises surely are illegal. It is a shame that authorities do not intervene. This is a hot spot of bad things that affects the whole area,” said Basson. “We constantly battle to, at our own expenses, safeguard the Progress sports facilities against being vandalised and demolished like what is happening to numerous sports facilities across the metro. The municipality really needs to step up its game this cannot be tolerated.”
Councillor Franay van de Linde from Ward 48 confirmed that the activities at the sports field are illegal. She said she will invite relevant departments like Health and Safety, the Department of Social Development, local police, fire brigade, and the Town Ranger to assist in addressing the issues at the old Swifts Club, which are negatively affecting the business area.
