Public participation sparks debate over Mowbray Golf Course's future

It is important that spaces like King David Mowbray Golf Course (KDMGC) and its surrounding vacant land in Pinelands works for everyone, not just a privileged few, says Reclaim The City (RTC).

The activist group's comments come as the City’s Economic Growth Directorate has opened public comment and participation which it says will be used to inform the concept development plan. The Pinelands site, located just north of the N2 Freeway, is approximately 42,8 hectares.

“The redevelopment of KDMGC is more than a change in land use; it is a reimagining of what public space can be in a city that continues to suffer from uneven distribution of green space and community facilities,” RTC said. 

“This site presents the City with an opportunity to include Langa and the Athlone surrounding areas working class community to benefit from the development too. It must show its commitment to undo spatial apartheid development.”

KDMGC chair, Mike Flax, however, said that the 115-year-old KDM stands as a beacon of inclusion, development and heritage within Cape Town.

“The proposed development threatens to end the club's role in supporting local employment through golf tourism, providing access to disabled golfers, fostering youth development programs, and preserving vital green spaces in the city.”

KDMGC's General Manager, Trevor Steensma added: "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."

According to a statement, they believe that the city's needs - including urgently addressing affordable housing through mixed-use developments - “is possible without sacrificing irreplaceable community assets like the club”.

South African Disabled Golf Association (SADGA) operations manager, Lily Reich said 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".

"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,” Reich said.

RTC however said many of the concerns and submissions raised by the KDMGC chairperson appeared to be less a set of objective issues and more of a “not in my backyard”.

“The 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 floodline constraints, a significant portion will be retained and made accessible to everyone, rather than remaining an exclusive venue.”

RTC Woodstock Chapter leader Deena Bosch added that the estimated 12 golf courses in the City are more than enough.

“We need housing, we have a housing crisis in the City, and we have apartheid spatial boundaries still in place, and that golf course is a barrier between the green leafy suburbs and the Cape Flats, and the townships.”

Mayco Member for Economic Growth, James Vos said they were at very early stages of a lengthy process and public participation that will play a vital role in shaping the final proposed development concept for the site. 

“Various specialist professional studies are also under way, which will help inform the proposed concept for this site.”

To comment, visit the City’s Have Your Say page: http://www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay, or visit: www.infinity.capetown/mowbray. 

For help, email mowbray@infinity.capetown, call 021 834 1602 or WhatsApp 060 524 7676.