While Durban ratepayers were left fuming over eThekwini Municipality’s approval of the members-only upmarket Pencil Club for “strategic city meetings” at R16,000 a day, the Denis Hurley Centre (DHC) has taken a different approach.
It offered its own meeting rooms to the city.
The tongue-in-cheek offer appeared in the DHC newsletter after reports the municipality would be forking out thousands to hold meetings at the posh Umhlanga venue.
“Officials claim the Pencil Club is the sort of environment they need to use to show investors the best of Durban.
“The DHC would be very pleased to offer meeting rooms in our own building for city officials to welcome potential investors — and at a fraction of the price!
“Sadly, we cannot offer cigars or expensive cocktails. But we can definitely show investors the best of what Durban is: a city where people of all faiths work together; where Durbanites are willing to donate food and volunteer time to help those most in need; where marginalised people like the homeless, refugees and drug users are helped to turn their lives around; where young people from our top schools are open to learning and being challenged; and where artists, musicians and dancers enjoy sharing their talents with the community,” the DHC said.
For that money, last year, the Denis Hurley Centre served 161,000 meals to homeless people; saw 32,000 patients for primary health care, TB and HIV support; and provided training and empowerment programmes for dozens of people who want to change their lives.
— The DHC
It costs the DHC roughly R16,000 to run the centre each day.
“For that money, last year, the Denis Hurley Centre served 161,000 meals to homeless people; saw 32,000 patients for primary healthcare, TB and HIV support; and provided training and empowerment programmes for dozens of people who want to change their lives.
“The DHC relies entirely on funds and donations from the general public, faith groups and corporates. We receive no funding from eThekwini, though a proportion of the medicines in our clinic are provided by government. Our budget for 2023 is R6.2m or about R16,000 per day,” it said.
DHC director Raymond Perrier said it was shocking “eThekwini would even consider prioritising spending ratepayers’ money like this when there are so many social needs that they could be funding”.
“What is even worse is how eThekwini consistently ignores the needs of the poor and regularly spends money on policies that are designed to exclude or even harm people at the margins. This from the place that aspires to be Africa’s most caring city,” he said.
eThekwini municipality did not respond to a query about whether it would be taking up the DHC’s offer.
Last week the municipality defended its decision to hire a meeting room in the Pencil Club.
“The city’s economic development and planning cluster tabled a report where it sought approval to use The Pencil Club for meetings with investors. The Pencil Club was found to be an ideal location, as it is situated near various new developments including but not limited to the Raddison Blu hotel, Oceans Mall, and the Sibaya precinct among others.
This presents a chance to showcase and demonstrate the city’s offerings and enhance investor confidence. In addition, the strategic positioning of The Pencil Club offers an advantageous perspective, allowing investors to appreciate the city’s beauty and scenery due to its elevated height.
— Municipal spokesperson Lindiwe Khuzwayo
“This presents a chance to showcase and demonstrate the city’s offerings and enhance investor confidence. In addition, the strategic positioning of The Pencil Club offers an advantageous perspective, allowing investors to appreciate the city’s beauty and scenery due to its elevated height,” said municipal spokesperson Lindiwe Khuzwayo.
She said a comparative cost benefit analysis was conducted for six other venues in the city.
“The average cost for venue hire only per day, at the following establishments is as follows: Moses Mabhida Stadium is R13,860; Durban International Convention Centre is R25,000, Max’s Lifestyle is between R10,000 and R15,000, Octavia Hotel is R25,500, the Oyster Box is R8,000, and Botanic Garden is R8,500.
“Based on the analysis, the costs associated with venue hire at The Pencil Club align with market standards and are competitively priced. The Pencil Club offers a total of six meeting rooms, with venue hire prices varying from R3,000 for a capacity of six people, to R16,000 for a larger space accommodating up to 80 individuals.
“Furthermore, it is important to highlight that the utilisation of The Pencil Club would be occasional, dependent on budget availability, and in line with specific requirements and status of the clients being accommodated,” said Khuzwayo.
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