Double standards in lease action

INOTE the letter from the DA’S John Steenhuisen (Sunday Tribune, June 18) reminding the public protector of her duties.

Among other things, he says, the public protector has an “obligation to investigate any conduct in state affairs or the public administration that is alleged or suspected to be improper, or result in impropriety or prejudice”.

He also says that the protector must “stand up for the constitution and what is right”.

Well, the DA has exactly the same obligations, so why then have they remained silent and refused to take action in the case of the City Council’s fraudulent actions regarding the phantom Liverpool Football Academy at the Kings Park precinct?

They have been fully informed as to all the relevant facts.

Why has the DA failed to defend and support the decent, lawabiding citizens who make up the Newmarket Stables. They are being evicted because they can no longer afford the legal costs of opposing our lawless city council.

The council has unlimited access to taxpayer money. So much for justice.

What about the other tenants facing eviction?

Is the party perhaps embarrassed at having legitimised the illegitimate by promoting the bizarre deal between the council and the Berea Rovers Sports Club?

As has been reported previously, Berea Rovers Sports Club was the THIS letter concerns the City Watch article “Clubs get that sinking feeling” (Sunday Tribune, June 18). It is sad that our municipality cares nothing for the history of our city.

First it was the Newmarket Stables; now it’s the Point Yacht Club and others. These are institutions that have stood here first tenant named for eviction on October 30, 2014. The club was affronted and vehemently indignant in response. Chairman Dave Stevens threatened legal action because “we have a strong for years, amassed considerable patronage and are now being forced to shut down and/or relocate.

How ironic in that in trying to create more opportunities, the city is in fact destroying existing facilities that provide opportunities for many people. Turn back a few pages to Page case against the council”. In a show of true sportsmanlike solidarity, they also canvassed the support of Newmarket Stables and other tenants.

But, a few weeks later, we 6, the mayor, Zandile Gumede, states that “The youth remain our priority and, working together, we can build a society of which they can be proud leaders”. What a misleading statement when the complete opposite is happening. SUMAYA PARUK

Overport have the same gentleman singing the praises of the city council. Understandable of course, because, instead of being evicted, the Berea Rovers Sports Club is given a 30-year lease and promised a host of wonderful new facilities. Not a word about the other tenants who now face eviction. How very sporting.

According to a report on November 20, 2014, Zwakele Mncwango, KZN DA leader, said: “This is a victory not only for Berea Rovers but for the public and our democracy. A solution was reached after the parties got together and found an amicable way for everyone to live together. Everyone is the winner here.”

My, how the stomach turns. There is something quite cruel about such a statement.

Come now Mr Steenhuisen, do “what is right.” After all, you said it.

JEFF VAN BELKUM Warner Beach