Rietvlei continues to operate as normal
Local business at Rietvlei Zoo Farm were approached to ask if they had contingency plans or backup plans for their businesses in the event that it should have to close down.
IN the first week of March the RECORD reported on the legal action against the alleged illegal building at Rietvlei Zoo Farm and it was also used on the front pages of the newspapers. Recently we visited Rietvlei Zoo Farm to speak to the local businesses.
We approached the local businesses at Rietvlei Zoo Farm to ask owners if they had contingency plans or backup plans for their businesses in the event that it should have to close down. Although the community has been reassured that Rietvlei Zoo Farm is not going anywhere, our proactive approach sparked much concern on the farm.
Our report on March 1 stated that according to a press release issued by Clr Leah Knott, MMC for Economic Development, City of Johannesburg, numerous building control and environmental transgressions have allegedly taken place at the Rietvlei Zoo Farm.
A summary of important points as per the statement and report:
• The property that was originally used by the City Zoo as an animal rehabilitation centre, a portion was also a wetland, while another portion contained a memorial site.
Toni Mackrell, executive manager, Rietvlei Zoo Farm said, “Defence Developments was awarded the tender in 2003 to lease, manage, market and operate public facilities at Rietvlei Zoo Farm, whilst the Johannesburg Zoo continued to operate their rehabilitation and breeding programme. At that time, Defence Developments negotiated a 20-year lease, with a 15-year option to renew and has in its possession documentation to substantiate this fact. The Johannesburg Zoo and Defence Developments both operated on Rietvlei Zoo Farm from 2003 to 2005.”
• City Zoo relocated the animal rehabilitation centre to Parys and the property which was ideal for camping and other nature orientated activities was put out to lease.
“In 2005, the Johannesburg Zoo decided that Rietvlei Zoo Farm was no longer suitable for its rehabilitation programmes and decided to relocate and purchase a more suitable farm in Parys. During this transition, Defence Developments purchased all the existing furniture and domestic animals from the Johannesburg Zoo and took over all operational expenses. Defence incurred further costs for the maintenance, restoration and improvements on Rietvlei Zoo Farm.
“JPC and the City of Johannesburg, hereinafter referred to as the City, then attempted to evict Defence Developments, which we confirm was unsuccessful in an alleged attempt to alienate and sell Rietvlei Zoo Farm. It is alleged that the Johannesburg Zoo loaned money from The City to buy the farm in Parys from a local developer and this local developer, in turn, wanted to purchase Rietvlei Zoo Farm privately from The City. It is alleged that a high profile local developer wanted to buy Rietvlei Zoo Farm and develop an upmarket estate,” Mackrell added.
• The lease to manage the property on behalf of the City was awarded to a local property company. Negotiations broke down and no lease agreement was signed.
Mackrell added, “The City was unsuccessful in their attempts to evict Defence Developments. Defence Developments wanted the City to honour their tender at Rietvlei Zoo Farm so that they could operate Rietvlei Zoo Farm as a lifestyle centre serving the community. This premature action forced Defence Developments to defend themselves in a costly court case against the City. In 2009, the High Court ruled in favour of Defence Developments that they may remain on the farm and continued as the successful tenderers of Rietvlei Zoo Farm. Thereafter the relationship with the City and JPC officials became strained.”
• It is alleged that the property company had engaged in illegal sub-letting and it is accused of having facilitated the construction of numerous illegal buildings that have no authorised building plans.
She went on to say, “Defence Developments tender proposal, which was accepted by the City, JPC and Johannesburg Zoo, allowed Defence Developments to sub-let to local businesses to maximise the potential of the farm and to create businesses and employment opportunities for the local community.”
• A driving range has been built on the wetland and the memorial site has been destroyed to make way for what the press release describes as ‘additional illegal construction’.
“The driving range was built on the location where the Johannesburg Zoo had their buck enclosures and the memorial cemetery, which is located next to the clubhouse restaurant building, is fenced off to ensure it is protected from further damage,” Mackrell said.
• An operation has now been launched to address the issue.
• Entities involved are the Joburg Property Company and Building Development Management, Development Planning, GDARD and Environmental Health.
“Defence Developments has requested and met with several City departments and supplied all the departments with plans for the entire farm.”
• A planned eviction order application was confirmed as part of the action plan.
We approached Biltong and Braai, Cause 4 Paws, Master Drive Learner Academy, the car wash at Rietvlei Zoo Farm, Mediterranean Sharwarma and Deli, Alchemy Hairdressing and the Cycle Hub. All of the owners or managers advised that they were unable to comment on the situation.
Mackrell stated, “Defence Developments and the business operators have contracted a team of professionals to engage with the various City departments to assist Defence Developments with all the relevant compliances, environmental studies, building regulations and consent for business uses.
“In addition, it is the City, as landowners, that are also under an obligation to comply with any regulations and/or laws that have a direct impact on Rietvlei Zoo Farm. Defence has and continues to engage The City on various issues, however, the City has to date not been accommodating to our requests. This does create a precarious situation where The City has possibly sent notices to Rietvlei when in essence these notices are, as it stands, to have been issued against themselves.
“Going forward, Defence Developments and the operating businesses are doing everything in their power to ensure that Rietvlei Zoo Farm tenants and operators continue to meet all the legal and operational requirements. The farm remains open and will continue to serve our community for many years to come. The farm will continue to operate as it has for the past 15 years and all events and services will continue.”
Read:
Rietvlei Zoo Farm in hot water
Rietvlei Zoo Farm gets involved in clean-up campaign
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