Port Elizabeth’s Algoa Bay Yacht Club told Tourism Update that, as of March 3, the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) had changed the locks and evicted the organisation from the premises.
After a four-year legal battle with TNPA over alleged unpaid rent amounting to over R2m (€136 000), the club was evicted on February 28. Club Commodore and Chairman, Alan Straton, told TU. But it seems the Club has been refused bidding permission on a number of events since 2010: “Since 2010 the local Port has refused either the city or the yacht club bidding on the following events: Volvo Ocean Race Stopover, Extreme Sailing, Laser Nationals, and East Cape Provincials. The City of Cape Town estimates the economic impact of the Volvo Ocean Race at R500m (€34m) plus 32 000 bed nights. Extreme Sailing's estimated economic impact to a city like Cardiff is in the region of R300m (€20.4m).”
This is a significant loss for the region’s tourism, especially in light of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s mandate that the industry should look at doubling its tourism numbers. “Tourism currently sustains 700 000 direct jobs, and is performing better than most other sectors,” said the President in his State of the Nation Address last month. This decision by the TNPA seems to counter this, as Straton says 26 direct staff have lost their jobs through the eviction.
The concern, says Straton, is that both national and international yachts sailing along the coastline, will now have one more compelling reason to avoid Port Elizabeth, in addition to the manganese ore dust pollution.
“The club still exists as an entity but without a building in the harbour,” says Straton. “The marina has an existing lease, and we are operating from an office whilst we chat to a number of citizens and members who have offered us facilities. One generous member has offered an office, storage and other facilities free of charge.”
