Photo: – Leyton Mokgerepi / Twitter
Photo: – Leyton Mokgerepi / Twitter
The exciting developments at The Blyde – a Balwin-owned complex that boasts luxury apartments, on-site gyms, and its famous manmade lagoon – have been greatly undermined this week, after a row about short-term letters and their occupants took a very sour turn.
The non-residing owners is important in the Blyde issue guys, if you want to talk about something make sure you understand everything. pic.twitter.com/AaiMmL2Hl1
— LaMathonsi❤️❤️ (@MathonnHonest) September 19, 2021
Trouble in paradise for The Blyde
Just a few days ago, officials representing developers at The Blyde confirmed they would charge non-residents and guests staying there a total of R250 per person, per day to access the so-called ‘Pretoria Beach’. Alongside this unpopular policy, discussions were also held about increasing levies for property owners who are renting out these pads.
Tensions boiled over this weekend, as protests and demonstrations flared up at the entry gates. A heated ‘Twitter space’ – which saw developers clash with investors – also grabbed attention, as ‘The Blyde’ became a trending topic.
Balwin properties come under fire for Pretoria Beach
Whereas the big-wigs at Balwin argue that extra charges ARE required to help regulate which guests can use the facilities, short-term letters are livid with the decision – given that the costs are already covered in their pricing schedules.
Balwin has been lambasted for allegedly ‘forcing’ those who rent our their properties to agree to dubious contract agreements, with some investors saying they were coerced into signing documents for the fear of ‘losing their income’.
Levies, letters, and litigation: The Blyde becomes a hotbed for controversy
Sadly, a more sinister undertone has been put forward by a group of short-term letters – who feel that the proposed changes are ‘classist’, and have the potential to exclude black citizens, based on who exactly can afford to stump up the cash. A statement released on Sunday 19 September cut to the heart of these issues…
“A majority of investors and short term letters are black – and through their investiment, hundreds of families from the Mamelodi townships have been giving jobs and a means of investment. Balwin, however, is a white-owned company that is taking advantage of some homeowners. Buyers are now left with apartments they cannot let.”
