Wider benefit offered

THE negative public perceptions surrounding our purchase application (“Golf club’s low-ball bid to buy land rejected”, August 10) require that, as the Port Elizabeth Golf Club, we set the record straight for your readers in particular.

Based on a formula, as prescribed by the NMBM, which included an independent valuation and betterment, the capital benefit (purchase price) to the metro would amount to around R60-million and not the R7-million as is the impression created.

This correction was tabled at the last human resources standing committee meeting.

Another significant item that was tabled is the R700 000-plus per month that would flow to the NMBM coffers in lieu of rates and municipal services by the residential development of 18ha of the 89ha on which the golf course is situated.

What should also be understood is that contrary to what correspondent L Bukani is saying (“No room for exclusive housing”, August 24), the development will in fact increase the ability of the PEGC to nurture more young golfers in general, besides also being able to expand our golf development initiatives and subsidised golf rounds to others who qualify.

Our vision is simply to establish a sustainable facility, open to the general public and all who enjoy golf, in a controlled manner of necessity.

The makeup of the housing components is a matter still in process with the NMBM, where synergies with surrounding areas in particular need careful consideration for fear of potentially killing the goose that lays the golden egg and which goose is not necessarily only the PEGC.

Alan Orchard, chairman, PEGC projects committee THERE was no item involving the Port Elizabeth Golf Club on the agenda of the last human resources committee meeting.

Also, the municipality’s portfolio head of human settlements, Nqaba Bhanga, maintains that the purchase offer to the municipality is R7-million. – The Herald political editor Rochelle de Kock