Knysna angling club hanging in

KNYSNA NEWS - Since the internationally affiliated, nonprofit sporting body Knysna Angling and Diving Association (Kada) received an eviction letter from SA National Parks (SANParks) on February 26, stating they had to vacate the premises before March 31, as of June 13 they have still not been turfed out nor heard anything further from SANParks.

From the original eviction date of March 31, Kada was given a week's extension to vacate the premises – by April 15. This also did not happen and further comments from both parties have been met with "no comment" since Kada and SANParks have both sought legal representation.

At the time of the eviction notice all hell broke loose from members of Kada, fishermen, the community and the Southern Cape bridge players – who are all adamant these premises cannot be taken back by SANParks.

The last comment from Nandi Mgwadlamba, SANParks communications manager for the Garden Route, was that the matter was with their legal team and would be resolved. "The legal department is dealing with the nitty-gritty of how the eviction will take place but hopes matters will be resolved amicably," was her last comment.

In the meantime, sources say that the kitchen at Kada has been open again in the last few weeks – since being closed for 18 months – and many members no longer believe they will really be evicted.

"A sad story" and "a disgrace" were how very disgruntled Southern Cape bridge players have described the threatened loss of their venue at Kada, which has for years brought together players from all over the Garden Route and internationally.

Heidi Atkinson, chairperson of the Knysna Duplicate Bridge Club, said they were horrified to hear about Kada being evicted from their premises.

"We don't understand how SANParks can take this venue away from us. I have been running this club for 11 years and in this time we have run many tournaments – during the week, weekends and recently the venue was used for regional bridge tournaments," said Atkinson.

In her capacity as president of the Southern Cape Bridge Union, Atkinson said the three set bridge events a week, at 09:00 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, have brought revenue to the club of at least R500 a morning, with guests paying R6 for a cup of coffee, not to mention the prestige of hosting the Garden Route's bridge players.

On Monday, June 13, Atkinson said, "It was a big relief that we could play our scheduled game on the same day as the first eviction date was announced."

Fearing the bridge players may become "homeless" Atkinson said this week, "We need a venue like the angling club. It is central and has much potential as a cultural and sports centre for Knysna. If you take the bridge as an example, we provide a very valuable service. Bridge is actually a mind sport and benefits not just the elderly but all age groups. It improves your concentration and your maths and your logical assumptions."

Atkinson said, "Let's just treasure the venue we have right now."

She also said the members of the angling association can run courses for those who are less skilled and experienced in fishing, for a start.

"I believe there are already various activities taking place in the afternoons at a low rental to the organisers. The hall is often hired out at a low cost for weekend functions and weddings. The Southern Cape Bridge Union is prepared to teach people the game of bridge. But we need a venue that is central and accessible for both teachers and learners.

We have a small budget set aside but some outside sponsorship would be needed."

Atkinson said it was "unthinkable that the angling club would lose their venue after so many years".

"What would happen to the national fishing competitions where participants come from all over the country and bring badly needed revenue to our town?" she wondered. "Same for bridge… Apart from the local and regional competitions, we have dozens of regular ‘swallows’ that visit us from overseas during our summer months to play bridge, enjoy the scenery and the many other activities offered in Knysna – another valuable contribution to our economy."

Atkinson's final comment was, "Kada is part of the history of Knysna. So let's keep it that way!"

* For more information about bridge playing in Knysna please contact Heidi at heidi@hidealoerie.co.za.