AfriForum ready to help historic sport club after Tshwane Metro sends notice
The civil rights organisation AfriForum will assist the historic Harlequins Sports Club with legal aid after the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality handed the sports club a notice in which it was instructed that the site must be restored to its “original condition” by 13 April 2026. In a letter to the metro, the organisation demands clarity on the reasons for issuing this notice, as the Harlequins Sports Club has already submitted applications that would resolve this issue.
The Tshwane Metro argues that the site is currently zoned as “unallocated”, a zoning status associated with agricultural land. However, the Harlequins Sports Club already applied in 2021 for the club’s zoning status to be changed to sports and recreational grounds, but almost five years later, the zoning application has still not been finalised.
“The Tshwane Metro’s failure to fulfil their administrative duties could now lead to the closure of a club that has played an important role in the community since 1903. We are already consulting with our legal team on our next steps,” says Maree van den Berg, AfriForum’s district coordinator for the greater Pretoria South.
The Harlequins Sports Club has been a major player in Pretoria for the past 123 years and the stories of some 64 Springbok rugby players began on the club’s fields. The club serves as a development centre for local youth and many young players who would not have the opportunity elsewhere are making a name for themselves here. The club creates opportunities for rugby, hockey, squash, cricket and bowls players as well as for keen runners.
In addition to the important role that the Harlequins Sports Club plays in local sport and youth development, the economic impact of this sports club cannot be underestimated. The sports club has approximately 800 members and provides about 10 individuals with a steady income throughout the year.
“In a country where unemployment is a significant problem, it cannot be afforded that a single job is lost due to a metro’s administrative negligence,” adds Van den Berg.
AfriForum has meanwhile started a petition where the community can throw their support behind the Harlequins Sports Club and thereby also apply pressure on the Tshwane Metro not to proceed with requests of this nature against the sports club.
The Harlequins Sports Club and AfriForum are also hosting a gathering on April 11 where the community can show their support for the sports club. Interested parties can confirm their attendance here and sign the petition.
