Houghton Golf Club bars member over Palestinian flag display

Louis Seeco says he was told he could no longer use the club after an exchange with management over the flag on his vehicle.

A member of Houghton Golf Club was told he would be barred from the premises after displaying a Palestinian flag on his vehicle in the club's parking lot on 17 April.¹²

Louis Seeco said in a Facebook post that he was confronted by the club's general manager, James Loughnane, following a round of golf.¹ Seeco said he explained that he supported the South African government's position opposing what he termed the genocide of Palestinian people, but was informed he was no longer permitted at the club.¹

In a statement, Loughnane said the club prohibits political and religious flags and symbols on its property to ensure no member, guest or staff member feels excluded, confronted or offended.¹² He described the club as "proudly diverse and inclusive" and said such displays are "by nature, divisive and can be perceived as inflammatory or exclusionary".¹² The club does not promote or take positions on political or religious causes, Loughnane said.¹

The Economic Freedom Fighters in Gauteng demanded a formal apology from the club.² Representatives of the party visited the club on Wednesday, while members picketed outside displaying Palestinian flags.² Gauteng EFF chairperson Nkululeko Dunga said the club's stated reason for banning political or religious symbols was flawed.² He said there was nothing neutral about silencing expressions of solidarity with an oppressed people, calling such neutrality a political stance that shields injustice.²