ICONIC Newlands rugby stadium in its heyday

Image: File

The future of Newlands Rugby Stadium and the administration of Western Province Rugby are being challenged in the Western Cape High Court, with the African Restoration Alliance (ARA) seeking to stop any sale of the historic precinct.

ARA has taken the South African Rugby Union (SARU) to court, asking for the decision to place the Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) under administration to be declared unlawful.

The party is also seeking an interdict preventing efforts to sell the Newlands Rugby Stadium precinct.

ARA leader Dr Jerome Swarts said the party had approached the court because it believed grassroots rugby players and supporters had been overlooked.

“We got involved because no other political party was looking at the grassroots rugby, because they are in cahoots with the rugby organisation. The Western Province Rugby Football Union was also put under administration, and we wanted to know why,” he said.

Swarts argued that Newlands should serve local rugby communities rather than be treated primarily as a commercial asset.

“We are asking that the stadium must be given back to the community. We are asking that groups like ourselves or others will maintain that stadium, and it must be open to the public. It is the stadium for the people. It is not the stadium for a few capitalists that are looking to reap off opportunities,” he said.

Judgment has been reserved.

SARU defends decision to place union under administration

In its responding affidavit, SARU said its decision to place WPRFU under administration followed concerns about problems within the union’s administration.

The rugby body cited former WPRFU president Zelt Marais, who it said had acknowledged problems within the union when the administration process began.

SARU’s court papers quoted Marais as saying: “There were clear problems in the administration of WP Rugby Union.”

The papers also quoted him describing SARU’s intervention under Clause 29.5 as “a blessing in disguise” to bring stability to an embattled executive committee.

Although Marais reportedly disputed that there were legal grounds for invoking the clause, he acknowledged what he described as “minor financial woes” and “short-term financial problems” at the union.

SARU also rejected ARA’s claims that the administration had stifled rugby’s development in the Western Cape, describing them as vague and speculative.

It argued that the applicants had not identified specific instances in which the administration had restricted the growth of rugby or shown that the alleged long-term negative consequences had materialised.

On the proposed Newlands sale, SARU said the sale of the precinct remained a proposal and that the property had not been sold.

Newlands safety concerns raised by ward councillor

The uncertainty over the stadium’s future has also raised concerns among residents and businesses in the surrounding area.

Ward 59 councillor Mikhail Manuel said the precinct had become increasingly quiet and vulnerable, with residents worried about their safety.

“The uncertainty surrounding the future of Newlands Rugby Stadium is a serious concern for the surrounding community. The area has become increasingly quiet and vulnerable, leaving residents and businesses worried about their safety,” he said.

Manuel pointed to incidents of cable theft, saying criminals had gained access through the railway line.

“There is an urgent need for the outstanding issues around the stadium’s sale and development to be resolved, and for the safety and security of the surrounding precinct to be prioritised,” he said.

Former WPRFU executive calls for stability

Former WPRFU executive member Junaid Moerat said those concerned about the future of Western Province Rugby wanted stability and a sustainable future for the union.

“I think everyone who cares about Western Province Rugby would want to see stability and a sustainable future for the union, rather than another prolonged period of uncertainty,” he said.

Moerat said the financial interests and obligations of third parties also needed to be recognised in finding a solution.

“At the same time, we must recognise that there are third parties with significant financial interests and obligations that need to be addressed. Any meaningful solution has to take those realities into account. Newlands holds a special place in the history of Western Province rugby, and I understand the emotions surrounding its future,” he said.

He said decisions about the union’s assets needed to be approached responsibly, with an understanding of the financial implications and the long-term interests of the union.

Moerat called for constructive engagement, transparency and a willingness to find common ground to avoid further disruption to the game.

“Ultimately, whatever course is taken, the interests of the clubs, grassroots players and supporters must remain central. Western Province Rugby is bigger than any individual or administration, and protecting its future should be the common objective,” he said.