- The sale of the historic Wynberg Youth Centre has angered residents, who claim the sale violated its founding terms.
- Allegations of illegal transactions, mismanagement, and disregard for heritage have been raised.
- Residents are demanding an investigation and a halt to redevelopment plans for the property.
The sale of the historic property at 59 Innis Road in Wynberg, known as the Wynberg Youth Centre – originally donated for the community’s benefit in 1907, has sparked outrage among residents, with allegations of illegal transactions, mismanagement, and disregard for its heritage.
The property, sold by the Wynberg Youth Centre (WYC) NPO in 2020 for R4,5 million, is now allegedly slated for redevelopment into a five-storey block of flats.
Community members, led by the Wynberg East Civic Association (WECA), argue that the sale violated the property’s founding terms, which required it to serve the Wynberg community. “We are appalled that a property gifted for our benefit was sold under such suspicious circumstances.”
“This is not just about a building; it’s about preserving our history and fulfilling the original donor’s intentions,” said Jeniffer Wheatly, a member of the WECA.
Residents have also raised concerns about the building’s current use saying “it houses approximately 100 tenants, some of whom were arrested during a recent police raid for being in South Africa illegally. A fire broke out on 19 October this year” intensifying the call for transparency and accountability.
Symbol
“This property has become a symbol of neglect and mismanagement,” said Jennifer Peters, another Wynberg resident.
“The fire and illegal occupancy only add to our fears that the community is being sidelined.”
The Department of Social Development (DSD) confirmed that the NPO was in breach of its constitution, citing non-compliance with financial reporting, lack of a quorum for the sale, and failure to distribute funds to organisations with similar objectives.
Despite these findings, the sale was not reversed.
WECA is calling for a halt to the redevelopment and an investigation into the proceeds of the sale. Heritage Western Cape has also been urged to assess the site’s historical value.
“This is a fight for justice,” said Solomon. “We will not rest until this property is returned to the people of Wynberg.”
