Cape Town: The Simon’s Town Civic Association (STCA) are working together to restore the navy’s tennis courts in the town with the SA Navy Dockyard’s Facilities Management Department and Cape Town Tennis.
The idea was initially proposed by the resident of Simon’s Town – Prof. David Attwell in year 2022. He said that shortly after joining the STCA, he approached the Chairman – Simon Metcalfe, with two significant projects in mind: a book festival, now Books on the Bay, and the renovation of the navy’s tennis courts.
Last year in April, the STCA approached the navy about a possible renovation, contingent upon securing the sponsorship. Lieutenant Commander – Lebohang Molefe, the navy’s facilities manager, served as the primary liaison, while STCA’s property manager – Debbie McComb helped to advance the project.
Ms McComb said that the navy recognised the value of restoring the courts, for the community and for their own personnel. She added that a shared vision was expressed for the project that helped expedite collaboration.
Moreover, the navy gave provisional approval for the STCA to explore possible sources of funding. At that point, Prof. Attwell approached the president of Cape Town Tennis Riad Davids, who administers the sport in the city with affiliation to Tennis South Africa and the International Tennis Federation, to help in funding the project.
According to Prof. Attwell, Cape Town Tennis’ response was encouraged with its funding support that is being contingent on the establishment of a club with a constitution and a user agreement with the navy for a minimum term of five years.
These conditions have met the requirements and the Simon’s Town Tennis Club was officially formed by the August 2024. The club received more than 100 membership applications, with continued interest from local residents, explained Prof. David Attwell. He added that Cape Town Tennis was more concentrated on finalising its financial planning to support the restoration.
As per Prof. Attwell, it is mandatory for CTT’s to invest funds at present from the sale of Rondebosch Tennis Club, until an ongoing process which is developed to workshop potential funding scenarios with the clubs. He said, “We will be meeting with the clubs soon to begin this process. Until then, the executive committee of CTT cannot make any decisions regarding the disbursement of these funds.”
Prof. Attwell said that the Simon’s Town Tennis Club’s constitution included the provisions for honorary membership, free court access for navy personnel and free court access for navy personnel and free coaching and facilities for schools in Simon’s Town, Ocean View and Masiphumelele.
Considering this, Ms McComb said that it is just the beginning of what she hope that they will be leading to many collaborations between the navy and Simon’s Town residents.