Discourse over City's golf course plans

LIZAHN BOWERS 

LIZAHN.BOWERS@ACM.CO.ZA

There has been mixed reaction to the City’s proposed mixed-use development plans for the King David Mowbray Golf Club (KDMGC)

The City held its first public participation meeting last Wednesday at Pinelands town hall with about 150 in-person guests and more than 180 online viewers.

Initial technical challenges, however, affected some online attendees' ability to fully engage in the session and the City has since committed to hosting an additional online session on Thursday March 13. 

The City is exploring a long-term vision for the site, which includes the land on which the KDMGC and the Clyde Pinelands Football Club are located. The proposed mixed-use development would include a range of housing opportunities including social housing, commercial spaces and public amenities. 

Residents raised several concerns at the meeting, relating to traffic impact, infrastructure capacity, environmental and heritage considerations, and spatial planning.

They also questioned the decision-making process, with some wondering whether the City had already decided on the development and was simply ticking off boxes with this process.

And while housing activist group Reclaim The City (RTC) has welcomed the City’s plans, the South African Disabled Golf Association (SADGA), whose headquarters are at the golf club, has started an online petition against the proposals.

The petition, launched on Monday February 24, garnered over 2 000 signatures in just a few days and currently stands on just over 2 500 signatures. 

SADGA said while they recognise the urgent need for more affordable housing, they believe that the proposed development was not the right solution. 

“The location of the course, with its unique social, environmental, and economic value, is irreplaceable. We feel that the costs —  such as the loss of a beloved community space, the impact on disabled golfers, the disruption to local ecosystems, and the loss of a significant piece of Cape Town’s heritage — outweigh the potential gains. We urge the city to consider alternative sites for this development that would not sacrifice such an important asset to the community,”  a statement read. 

SADGA said the club provided opportunities for individuals with disabilities to engage in and excel at golf. Additionally, it championed youth development initiatives, actively bringing young players from disadvantaged backgrounds into the sport.

 "KDMGC is a hardworking economic asset with a proud history stretching back 115 years. It is a vital green lung for the city, but many forget that it is also the home of disabled golf in South Africa," said SADGA operations manager Lily Reich. "For decades, it has provided a safe and accessible space for golfers with disabilities to develop their skills, build confidence, and experience the joy of the game. Losing this facility would not only be a loss for SADGA but for the entire disabled community in Cape Town."

SADGA non-executive director Pieter Verwey said: "KDMGC is more than just a golf course, it is a place of transformation. This club has broken barriers for golfers with disabilities, offering not just a sporting facility but a space where individuals can regain confidence, rehabilitate, and even build careers in golf."

Ms Reich said they were anxious over the future of the golf club, adding that relocating to another golf course was simply not an option. 

“One of the key reasons is accessibility. Every school we work with is within 5km to 10km of King David Mowbray. Beyond location, the facilities are uniquely suited to our needs. Without our partnership with King David Mowbray, we simply would not have the resources to continue running the programme.”

KDMGC general manager Trevor Steensma called on officials to explore alternative solutions, saying there were many vacant and unused portions of land throughout the metro.

“This is not just about a golf course, it’s about preserving a community cornerstone. We have over 25 000 rounds played by overseas visitors every year. KDM also has a unique local history as a true melting pot, uniting members from three clubs - the King David, Peninsula and Mowbray clubs.”

In a statement, Reclaim the City (RTC) welcomed the public participation process and the City’s decision to move ahead with redevelopment decisions. 

“This approach reinforces our belief that the journey of transformation is a collective commitment. Despite the presence of the Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) residents, which is unfortunate, it is encouraging to see decisive steps being taken by the City that align with our vision of using public land for its social value. It is important that these spaces work for everyone, not just a privileged few. The redevelopment is more than a change in land use; it is a reimagining of what public space can be.

“The golf club chairperson argued the old 2023 arguments that the golf course forms an important part of a 'Garden City' and serves as important green space. Yet, there is enough green space in the area including the neighboring Rondebosch Golf Course, Rondebosch Common, and various parks which are already enjoyed by the public. Redevelopment will not erase green space; because of flood line constraints, a significant portion will be retained and made accessible to everyone, rather than remaining an exclusive venue,” the statement read. 

Mayoral committee member for economic growth James Vos said the meeting was the first of more engagements that would take place over the lifetime of this proposal.

‘We are currently at very early stages of a lengthy process and public participation will play a vital role in shaping the final proposed development concept for this site. Various specialist professional studies are also underway, which will help inform the proposed concept for this site,” he said

Luthando Tyhalibongo, spokesperson for the City, said no final decisions had been taken regarding the future of the site at this stage.

“The City takes all input seriously and is committed to balancing various interests in an evidence-based and transparent manner. Further engagement sessions will be scheduled to share progress and findings with stakeholders, and residents will continue to have opportunities to provide input throughout this process,” he said.