Dullstroom, Mpumalanga

“If something is not working, I don't moan about it. I'd rather say, ‘How can we fix it?’” explains Keith Parsons, a former aircraft mechanic turned signage specialist and now, hands-on active citizen in the small Mpumalanga town of Dullstroom. 

At the beginning of 2024, Parsons scaled down his Joburg-based sign-making business and relocated to Dullstroom full-time. Over the last year, he has breathed new life into Drive Dullstroom’s Destiny (DDD), an organisation committed to making the town a bright gem for both visitors and residents to enjoy. 

What was the problem?

Like many South African towns, Dullstroom had its share of service delivery issues. Potholes riddled the roads, and irregular refuse removal meant illegal dumping hotspots popped up. Public parks and heritage sites began to be neglected. 

How are they fixing it?

Since expanding their team to four full-time maintenance staff in recent months, Drive Dullstroom’s Destiny has ramped up the big undertaking of caring for a small town. DDD has repainted street markings, fixed potholes, added new signage, and put dozens of bins around the town. The team cuts the grass in local parks, maintains public tennis courts, clears fallen trees, and keeps the route of the Dullstroom Parkrun clear.  

The organisation has replaced the fence around a municipal water station, restored a local wetland trail, unblocked stormwater drains, cleared overgrowth from the town cemetery and cleaned up illegal dumping hotspots. 

In big part thanks to the town being so well cared for, Dullstroom’s economy is flourishing with new businesses, restaurants and guesthouses opening. Longtime residents have discovered newfound pride for their town, while visitors are impressed with how spotless and colourful Dullstroom is.  

Importantly, DDD's efforts are not restricted to the wealthier, more touristy part of the town. Their efforts extend into cleanups, maintenance and bin placements in the nearby township of Sakhelwe. “We try to look after everyone,” says Parsons. 

What makes it work?

“Just do the work, get in there and do it”

Parsons and the Drive Dullstroom’s Destiny team are dedicated to rolling up their sleeves. Maintaining Dullstroom takes commitment, and every day they tackle grass cutting, pothole repairs, clearing blocked drains, and much more to ensure the town is well cared for.

Rather than asking for donations before doing projects, Parson says, “We’ve got to do it, and then people will donate.” By doing everything they could with limited resources, DDD has attracted the attention of residents, organisations and businesses who have eagerly contributed to their work.

Visible projects

 “When you're just picking up litter and cutting the grass, no one notices,” says Parsons. It's been essential for DDD to carry out a whole range of projects that really make the town sparkle, like painting planters on the main road. “You’ve got to do the stuff that turns heads. Once people see, people are going to give,” he says. 

In-kind donations

One of DDD’s greatest strengths is a knack for securing in-kind donations and equipment loans. The local Free Masons lodge has contributed an old tractor, while Springbok rugby player and local farmer Kwagga Smith lends his bulldozer to help fix the town’s landfill. Mafube Colliery, a nearby coal mine, supplies protective gear and used drums that can be used as  bins, and a Dullstroom accounting firm keeps the group’s books free of charge.

Through a friend who owns a hardware store, Parsons sourced a dozen drums of paint at cost, enough to refresh every road marking in town. Afriforum added to the effort by donating tar and training DDD’s staff in road repair.

Focus on roads

One of the most transformative donations for Dullstroom comes from Trans African Concessions (TRAC), which manages the nearby N4 highway. The company lent DDD repair machinery worth half a million rand, allowing them to fix roads and take on other public works. They also pay for a warehouse space in the town for DDD to store equipment and are donating millings for the organisation to make its own tar. 

Regular donations

Many local residents and several estates and fishing clubs within and surrounding Dullstroom provide a monthly donation to DDD. Hotels and lodges cover the costs of fixing up the street near their establishments. Drive Dullstroom’s Destiny also regularly partners with the local ratepayers association and business and tourism associations. 

Maintaining a good relationship with the municipality

In some instances, Drive Dullstroom’s Destiny and municipal officials work together to repair roads and maintain stormwater drains. Parsons believes that residents' efforts to do their part have meant that the municipality is more motivated to carry out their responsibilities to the town. 

Revamping the town’s landfill

In a longer-term effort to deal with litter and dumping around the town, DDD is working with local reclaimers to improve recycling and management of a local landfill. Parsons has donated signage to keep the local reclaimers' warehouse organised and is helping to direct recyclables directly to the warehouse. Plans are in the works to create a town composting area. 

Leading with positivity

Parsons throws himself into the work of looking after his town with energy and commitment. He lends his own tools and contributes 10 to 20 hours of volunteer time each week. “When I get involved, I’m very hands-on,” he says. 

At the heart of Drive Dullstroom's success is an optimistic, action-oriented approach. “My thing is no negativity. I don't moan about what the council doesn't do. I just do it. I don't moan about the litter. I just pick it up,” says Parsons. 

Acknowledgements

Author: Maru Attwood 

Photos: Drive Dullstroom’s Density