Debate Heats Up Over Future of King David Mowbray Golf Course Redevelopment

The future of the King David Mowbray Golf Course (KDMGC) in Pinelands has sparked heated debate, with activist group Reclaim The City (RTC) calling for an inclusive redevelopment plan that benefits all communities, not just a select few.

The City of Cape Town’s Economic Growth Directorate has invited public participation to help shape the concept development plan for the 42.8-hectare site, located just north of the N2 Freeway.

RTC argues that the redevelopment presents a critical opportunity to correct historical spatial inequalities by ensuring that working-class communities from Langa and Athlone also benefit from the land’s transformation.

“The redevelopment of KDMGC is more than a change in land use; it is a reimagining of what public space can be in a city that continues to suffer from uneven distribution of green space and community facilities,” RTC said in a statement.

The group maintains that the City must demonstrate its commitment to reversing apartheid-era spatial planning by ensuring the project prioritizes affordable housing and accessible public spaces.

However, KDMGC chairperson Mike Flax has strongly opposed the proposed changes, arguing that the club, which has been operational for 115 years, plays a vital role in local employment, tourism, and community programs.

“The proposed development threatens to end the club’s role in supporting local employment through golf tourism, providing access to disabled golfers, fostering youth development programs, and preserving vital green spaces in the city,” Flax said.

KDMGC General Manager Trevor Steensma echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the course is more than just a sports facility.

“This is not just about a golf course, it’s about preserving a community cornerstone,” Steensma said. “We have over 25,000 rounds played by overseas visitors every year. KDM also has a unique local history as a true melting pot, uniting members from three clubs – King David, Peninsula, and Mowbray.”

The South African Disabled Golf Association (SADGA) also raised concerns, noting that KDMGC serves as the home of disabled golf in the country.

SADGA operations manager Lily Reich described the club as “a hardworking economic asset” with a legacy of accessibility for disabled players.

“For decades, it has provided a safe and accessible space for golfers with disabilities to develop their skills, build confidence, and experience the joy of the game. Losing this facility would not only be a loss for SADGA but for the entire disabled community in Cape Town,” Reich said.

Despite opposition from golf stakeholders, RTC has dismissed their objections as being driven by exclusivity rather than genuine concern for the public good.

“The chairperson argues that the golf course forms an important part of a ‘Garden City’ and serves as green space. Yet, there is enough green space in the area, including the neighboring Rondebosch Golf Course, Rondebosch Common, and various public parks,” RTC stated.

The group insists that redevelopment would not eliminate green space, as floodline constraints mean a significant portion would remain accessible to the public.

RTC Woodstock Chapter leader Deena Bosch stressed the urgency of addressing Cape Town’s housing crisis, calling the golf course a physical barrier between affluent suburbs and lower-income areas.

“We need housing. We have a housing crisis in the city, and apartheid spatial boundaries are still in place. That golf course is a barrier between the green leafy suburbs and the Cape Flats and townships,” Bosch said.

Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, acknowledged the public debate and assured that the process was still in its early stages.

“We are conducting various specialist studies to help inform the proposed concept for this site. Public participation will play a vital role in shaping the final development plan,” Vos said.

With tensions rising between those advocating for affordable housing and those fighting to preserve the golf course, the future of the King David Mowbray Golf Course remains a contentious issue in Cape Town’s urban development plans.

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