Palestinian flag brings political protests to Houghton Golf Club

Chaos erupted outside Johannesburg’s Houghton Golf Club on Wednesday 22 April as protesters descended on the normally quiet, tree-lined sanctuary, forcing it to shut its gates. 

Supporters of the Economic Freedom Fighters gathered at the entrance, chanting and demonstrating, while structures of the African National Congress (ANC) mobilised alongside anti-Israel activists, threatening mass action. 

What was until now a place of recreation and coexistence between Jews, Muslims, and others has, in a matter of days, become a flashpoint of political confrontation. 

At the heart of the storm is an incident on 17 April, when Johannesburg businessman Louis Seeco arrived at the club as a guest, with a large Palestinian flag attached to his vehicle. He had a 06:58 tee-off time. 

At about 10:45, the club’s general manager, James Loughnane, was informed of the prominent flag display. “I went outside to see for myself and knew the flag was bound to elicit strong feelings, so I decided to write a letter explaining the club’s position,” Loughnane told the SA Jewish Report. 

After Seeco completed his round, Loughnane went to explain the club’s long-standing ethos of inclusivity and political neutrality. 

“I introduced myself, and explained that we don’t allow flags of any country, or political or religious symbols to be displayed at the club, as these could be divisive,” he said. 

In a letter issued to Seeco, Loughnane made the club’s position clear. “Houghton Golf Club is proudly diverse and inclusive. It is precisely because we value and respect the wide range of backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures represented within our membership, staff, and guests. Such displays are, by their nature, divisive and can be experienced as inflammatory or exclusionary by others.” 

The letter continued, “The Club does not promote, endorse, or take positions on political or religious causes. Our purpose is simple and clear: Houghton Golf Club is a golf club ‒ a place of sport, fellowship, relaxation, and mutual respect.” 

“He told me he supported the Palestinian people, as does the South African government, and referenced South Africa’s case against Israel at the ICJ [International Court of Justice],” said Loughnane. “He continued, but I made it clear I was not going to debate the issue and asked him to leave.” 

Within hours, the incident exploded online after Seeco posted on Facebook. 

“I was confronted by the GM of Houghton Golf Club for displaying a Palestinian flag on my car,” he wrote. “I explained that I stand with my government in opposing what I believe to be the genocide of the Palestinian people. The exchange ended with him informing me that I am no longer permitted at the club. I am at a loss for words, but I remain firm in my belief that Palestine will be free.” 

In subsequent responses to comments, he added, “A flag on my car? If I went there with my Methodist regalia would they be offended? What about the kippah and the tzitzit? These Zionists must accept that the position adopted by government is the position of this country. Let’s not pretend that we do not know what the broader agenda is.” 

As the post gained traction, a powerful narrative took hold ‒ that Seeco had been “banned” from the club. 

Inside Houghton, that claim is fiercely rejected. 

“He was a guest, not a member. You cannot ban someone who is not a member,” said one source. “He was asked to leave.” 

The ANC soon intervened, issuing a statement saying, “We condemn the actions taken against Mr Seeco, which we view as an infringement of his constitutional right to freedom of expression.” 

Regional ANC representative Mantombi Nkosi escalated things, warning, “If we do not receive feedback, we will not hesitate to march and mobilise to that club because we will not tolerate such unconstitutional, unlawful, and apartheid style of doing things.” 

By Wednesday, those threats had materialised, with the ANC calling for a picket on Friday. 

Protesters gathered outside the club gates on Wednesday. Tensions flared, and members described scenes of intimidation as the situation deteriorated rapidly. 

“I’m afraid to mention my name. I need to protect my family, my life, and my business,” said one Jewish club member. 

Inside the club, the mood has shifted from disbelief to alarm. “This has turned very ugly,” said another member. “Very quickly.” 

Loughnane, speaking as protests unfolded, remained resolute. “Any visitor displaying any flag of any country would be treated the same,” he said. “There isn’t an approved list of flags. The exact same letter would have been issued to any member, visitor, or guest.” 

He warned that the unfolding events illustrate exactly why the club enforces neutrality. 

“Houghton Golf Club is a haven of tranquillity, safety, camaraderie, and fellowship ‒ that’s who we are and what we represent. This situation has proven our point. Emotions run deep. This is precisely why we do not allow political or religious displays.” 

In a bitter twist, it has emerged that Seeco had engaged with the club just days earlier. On 5 April he had written requesting support for the Greater Alexandra Golf Club and Academy. Two days before the incident, Seeco collected a bakkie-load of donated second-hand equipment from the club. 

“It is so regrettable and bitterly disappointing that it has turned so ugly,” said Loughnane. “We are a club that brings people together. This is one of the most helpful clubs in South Africa, our ethos is to support wherever we can.” 

Among members, however, there is growing suspicion. 

“Seeco deliberately arrived at the club, knowing it has a large Jewish membership base, with that flag, knowing full well it would cause upset,” said one member. 

Another was more direct. “I believe Seeco came to Houghton to cause trouble. He is an agitator and a provocateur who has gone on multiple news channels, repeatedly advancing claims of genocide in Gaza.” 

Others describe a simmering unease now brought to the surface. 

“For a while there has been an undercurrent of unpleasantness and nastiness, everyone can feel it,” said one member. 

Another added, “This was premeditated. Planned to get maximum reaction.” 

For decades, Houghton has functioned as a rare shared space where politics is deliberately left outside the gates. That fragile balance, members say, is now under threat. 

“This isn’t a protest ground,” said one member. “It’s a shared space. If you allow one political display, you open the door to all of them ‒ and then everything changes.”