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On 16 October 2003 JDA delivered a letter of eviction dated 16 October 2003 to Khanya College. Letter gives Khanya College and Workers Library and Museum until 31 March 2004 to vacate premised.
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WLM and Khanya College, represented by Eli Kodisang and Oupa Lehulere respectively, responded to JDA in a letter dated 13 November 2003.
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Luli Callinicos, a board member of the WLM, initiated meeting with JDA. Graeme Reid - CEO of JDA - attended meeting at WLM on 3 December 2003. The meeting was attended by members of the Board and Management Committee of the WLM and lasted for about 20 minutes. At this meeting Reid listed JDA concerns about the sustainability of the WLM, and stated that their brief was to ensure that Newtown is sustainable and that it brings people into the city. He indicated that they did not intend to evict KC and WLM but they wanted to ensure that the space was utilised to its maximum, including contribution to tourism in the city. Reid also indicated that other organisations like Cosatu want to use the space. At the end of the meeting Reid undertook to write a letter to the WLM explaining its status in the precinct, and clarifying the issue of the eviction letter.
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A follow-up meeting was held on 7 December 2003. G. Reid and Peter Stark represented JDA. Reid made a presentation - which is attached - outlining JDA's approach to the development of Newtown. He suggested a way forward with included developing a vision, reviewing activities to support the vision, reviewing institutional arrangements, finalising programmes and a developing a plan for sustainability. Reid indicated that the WLM/KC have to submit proposal by 16 February 2004.
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A letter outlining the vision of JDA and their targets for the Newtown precinct was handed over by Reid .
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On the 8 February Peter Stark, the consultant to the JDA, once again briefed the WLM/KC board and management meeting on the plans of JDA for the area. He indicated that his consultancy has been appointed project managers of the cultural programme. This was a basic repeat of the presentation given on the 7 December 2003. Starke indicated that the JDA was prepared to assist WLM/KC on the development of our business plan. He indicated that there were other proposals on the table, and that 'time was ticking'. We indicated to him that WLM/KC had not been informed about the 'bidding' process, and he promised that we would not be expected to submit proposals to the specifications required of other bidders. On the issue of the lease he indicated that this was not within his mandate to comment on the issue. At the end of the meeting he promised to deliver the bidding documents to KC. He also indicated that JDA has no intention of evicting WLM/KC, but wants to work with us to develop the facility.
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On the 25 February 2004 we sent a letter to the JDA in which we indicated that they had not responded to our letter of 13 November 2003 (letter is attached). To this day we have no response neither to the letter of 13 November nor to that of 25 February.
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On 1 March 2004 we submitted our plans for the compound complex to JDA.
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The WLM initiated a meeting with the JDA to discuss the plans we had submitted. The meeting was held on Thursday 25 March 2004 at the JDA offices in Market Street.
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At the meeting of 25 March, after much acrimony and discussion, it was agreed that
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The lease would be extended up to 31 May in order to allow the JDA to respond to the proposal submitted by the WLM/KC,
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For the WLM/KC to respond to the assessment by the JDA
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For discussion between the two parties to continue with the intention to find a solution to the impasse
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On 6 April 2004 the JDA delivered the letter extending the lease until 31 May in order to allow for discussions.
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The JDA delivered its evaluation of the submission by WLC/KC on the 6 April 2004
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WLM/KC delivered its response to the JDA assessment on 12 May 2004
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Following the delivery of its response to JDA, WLM/KC tried, (unsuccessfully for a long time) to set up a meeting with the JDA. These attempts to facilitate discussion have involved:
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WLM/KC tried to set up a meeting with Prof Peter Stark, who indicated that he is not able to meet as he is awaiting further direction from the JDA.
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Numerous phone-calls to JDA to try to set up a meeting to discuss the exchange of documents between the two parties.
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Luli Callinicos, a member of the Board of the WLM, had an informal meeting with Reid in Cape Town, at which Reid indicated his preparedness to engage in discussion with the WLM.
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Meeting finally secured on 27 May 2004 at Johannesburg Property Company offices in Braamfontein.
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Meeting mainly attended by JPC people, with only one person from JDA. JPC representatives had not read WLM/KC submission, and no much progress in meeting. JPC reps promise to look afresh into WLM/KC submission and respond before mid-June. Meeting ends in disagreement about JPC's view that lease is terminated. WLM/KC indicates that we reserve our rights in law, as we are of the opinion that the termination by the JDA is illegal. No response is forthcoming by mid-June.
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WLM/KC organise a meeting the Board of JDA to pursue discussion further. Meeting set for 22 June at JDA offices.
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Only the Chair of JDA comes to meeting, and claims that he has not been informed about the various discussions and proposals submitted by WLM/KC. Mr Nkosi (chair of JDA Board) indicates that he will speak to JPC concerning the issues raised in the meeting.
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JPC send a letter on 21 June 2004 stating its disagreement with our intended use of the premises, and says WLM/KC must vacate premises.
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WLM/KC send letter to JPC indicating that we do not intend to vacate premises, and that we regard ourselves as having another lease for another 2 years.
Last Updated 30th June 2004
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