Port Elizabeth’s Algoa Bay Yacht Club has been evicted from its premises after 60 years of serving the local and international boating community.

The club lost a four-year legal battle with Transnet, initiated by a 2014 eviction notice after was alleged it owed Transnet R2m (€138 000) in unpaid rent. Yesterday, February 28, The Port Elizabeth High Court upheld the notice of eviction issued by Transnet, and the Club was told to vacate the premises that day. Advocate Albert Beyleveld SC, the Club’s legal representative, commented that a draft order was issued soon after stating that the Club would be able to stay on the premises on a month-to-month basis until a suitable replacement tenant was found. However, a subsequent order did not include this clause.

Rental of R22 000 (€1 518) per month had previously been paid, covered by the Club’s members. But Transnet claimed that the amount wasn’t market-related, and increased the rent to R37 000 (€2 550) per month in 2009, and R49 000 (€3 380) in subsequent years.

Club Commodore and Chairman, Alan Straton, said the Club’s members were devastated by the news, and was quoted on March 1 by Herald Live stating: “It will be a huge wrench to hand over the club buildings and land reclaimed that was paid for by member subscriptions over 60 years.”

Transnet submitted the advertisement for suitable suppliers to tender for the establishment of a restaurant or bar at the Yacht Club premises, but to date no tender has been awarded. “The procurement process to find a new tenant is at an advanced stage and an announcement on the outcome will be made shortly,” said Transnet spokeswoman, Margorie Makama.