An aerial view of the former Congella Sports Club along Umbilo and Hannah Road in Durban. Criminals and homeless people invaded the club house.
Criminal elements and the homeless have invaded three former Umbilo sporting facilities, leaving them in a deplorable state in the eThekwini Municipality’s Ward 33.
The Congella Sports Club, Frere Tennis Club, and Ray Keyte Tennis Club are in a non-functional state and in a terrible condition, said Councillor Fran Kristopher when she posed questions on Durban's sports and recreation facilities during a council meeting in May 2026.
Kristopher said none of the facilities benefitted the community, and proposals tabled by various entities to partner with the municipality to maintain, upgrade, and convert these facilities were ignored.
Kristopher said the Congella Sports Club, in particular, was dilapidated and has been due for improvements for over 10 years, with no clear direction from the municipality assets.
