Stop COCT calls out City as a ‘scapegoat’ for its own mess

The Herzlia sports ground, a vital community space in Van Riebeeck Park, faces closure amid concerns over maintenance and public access. As founder of STOP City of Cape Town (Stop COCT), Sandra Dickson, heeds the call of irate residents and owners in Van Riebeek Park following the public notice of the closure of Herzlia sports ground and cited that the city sought a “scapegoat” for its own negligence, the school itself has responded to the objections. United Herzlia School (US) has responded to the uproar, detailing that it has been referred to the city.

“The objection has been referred to the City and will be addressed through its formal processes. Matters relating to lease terms fall within the City’s jurisdiction and any further comment should be directed to the City,” saidAndries van Renssen (Executive Director, UHS). Dickson was responding to the plight made by residents who penned to the City following theannouncement last week.

Cape Argus has since reached out to the City to ask whether a public participation process will take place or whether it did not form part of the decision-making process. “The closure of Herzlia sports grounds exemplifies Cape Town’s chronic infrastructure neglect, prioritising vague “maintenance” excuses over community needs amid ballooning municipal budgets that inexplicably spare elite facilities while grassroots sports venues languish,” said Dickson. Public notice placed on the gates to the sports field.