City Ombudsman to rule on closure of Herzlia sports ground
Access to Herzlia field’s hangs in the balance after 850 public submissions, as the City weighs competing demands over access, safety and use.
Image: Murray Swart/ Cape Argus
Residents have lodged a formal complaint with the City Ombudsman, citing procedural irregularities concerning the closure of Herzlia Sports Fields in Vredehoek.
A total of 929 comments were received at the end of the public participation process, with the final report looming.
Mayco member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham, said the report will be presented at the next sub-council meeting.
“The public participation process closed with 929 comments. The Recreation and Parks Department submitted a report to the sub-council on May 18 for information and noting, which was discussed. Additional comments were made by councillors and interview-seeking public members. These new comments were sent to the department for consideration before a final report is presented at the next sub-council meeting.”
In February, the City announced the public participation process relating to the proposed amendment to the 10-year lease agreement of the publicly accessible sports field leased by United Herzlia Schools (UHS).
Residents in Vredehoek and Devil’s Peak were divided over the decision, with some defending it as necessary to protect learners and infrastructure, while others argued it represents the loss of a valued green space in an increasingly densified city.
Higham confirmed at the time that the lease agreement the City held with the school ends in 2030.
She said public use of the field increased substantially, including dog walking and recreational activity during organised sports practices and matches, and also cited safety risks.
Brent Moore, representing some residents, has formally objected and raised various concerns, which were laid before the sub-council on May 18.
A copy of the presentation was shared with the Cape Argus.
“This matter does not concern a localised neighbourhood dispute, nor is it a debate over operational nuisances like pet management or field maintenance.
“Under the City’s own Development Management Scheme, a Public Open Space zoning carries a strict statutory mandate for active and passive public recreation.
"The department’s proposal to restrict public access to highly limited hours (such as 6:00am to 9:00am) constitutes a de facto constructive closure of a public amenity.
"To lawfully strip the public of access to a designated Public Open Space, the City cannot simply amend a lease clause; it must initiate a formal, statutory 'Closure of a Public Open Space' or a rezoning process.
“The integrity of the entire public participation window was fundamentally compromised. For an extended period, restrictive 'Private Property' signs have been displayed at the gates.
"The City’s Legal Services department confirmed on April 28, 2026 (Case ID: 100084621) that the City has absolutely no written record of permission granting the lessee authority to erect these signs.
“A formal complaint regarding the administrative irregularities of this process was lodged with the City Ombudsman on March 16, 2026. This independent oversight mechanism has yet to issue its findings."
Higham confirmed they were aware of the complaint.
Earlier, United Herzlia School (US) responded to the uproar, detailing that any complaint should be referred to the City.