Originally published on 17 February 2025

Since the start of the year, AfriForum's Centurion branch has been making significant headway in clearing overgrown grass and tidying up neglected areas, enhancing the community's shared spaces and improving the overall beauty of the area.

What was the problem?

Centurion, like many urban areas, has faced challenges with the upkeep of public spaces, often resulting in overgrown grass, untidy verges and neglected parks. These conditions detract from the area's natural beauty, can pose security risks and generally diminish the quality of life for local residents. The local municipality's resources are often stretched, making it difficult to maintain all public spaces to an acceptable standard.

How did they fix it?

Recognising the need for action, AfriForum Centurion has taken a proactive approach to addressing the problem. Through a combination of community mobilisation, strategic investment in equipment and dedicated teamwork, they have made a tangible difference in transforming neglected areas into more attractive and usable spaces.

So, how did they do it?

• Community mobilisation and partnerships: The group actively engages with local residents, homeowners' associations and businesses to identify areas in need of attention and mobilise volunteers to participate in clean-up efforts. They have fostered a strong sense of community ownership and shared responsibility for the upkeep of public spaces.

• Strategic investment in equipment: Recognising the importance of having the right tools for the job, AfriForum Centurion has steadily invested in a range of equipment, including brush cutters, chainsaws, robust lawnmowers and even a tractor with a heavy-duty slasher. This investment has enabled them to tackle large-scale projects efficiently and effectively.

• Dedicated teamwork and professional expertise: The branch operates with two vehicles, trailers and a team of 12 permanently employed individuals who are dedicated to clearing overgrown areas and maintaining public spaces across Centurion. This combination of volunteer effort and professional expertise ensures that the work is carried out to a high standard.

• Targeted clean-up projects: AfriForum Centurion has undertaken a series of targeted clean-up projects, addressing specific areas in need of attention. These projects have included clearing an overgrown area in Kloofsig, tidying up a yard in Wierdapark, cleaning at the Polslag Voortrekker Centre and tackling a large field in Valhalla.

• Long-term vision for community improvement: The group has a long-term vision for improving the community's shared spaces, which involves building neighbourhood teams equipped with their own vehicles, trailers and tools. They actively encourage residents to join their efforts and become part of the solution.

Acknowledgements

Author: Bennitt Bartlome

Original article: AfriForum makes headway in clearing overgrown areas in Centurion

Photograph: Supplied

Get your community involved

Is there a community-driven group or caring business in your area? A dedicated group of committed people can effectively solve local problems.

Think about starting or joining community groups like a street WhatsApp group, residents' association, or community policing forum (CPF) to get help and to stay informed and involved in local issues.

How to set up a community group

How to start a WhatsApp group

How to start a residents' association

How to set up a community policing forum

How to set up a neighbourhood watch

How to organise community action

How to use media to create pressure for change

Know your rights – how local government works

It’s important to understand how your local government works so that you can work with them to support what they are doing while your community continues to keep them accountable and deliver services on time. Remember you have a constitutional right to many of the services provided by local government, as well as to accountability and transparency, wherever you live and regardless of how much you earn. It is also where money collected from taxes and rates goes.