Originally published on 2 February 2025
In Alberton, a local estate agency has demonstrated the power of community spirit by organising a park clean-up, transforming a valuable green space into a cleaner, safer, and more inviting environment for everyone.
What was the problem?
The park, a central gathering spot for families and residents, had become overgrown and untidy, detracting from its natural beauty and limiting its appeal as a recreational space. The lack of regular maintenance had created an unsafe environment for children to play and families to relax, prompting concern among local residents.
How did they fix it?
Rawson Properties, a local estate agency with a strong commitment to community engagement, took the initiative to organise a park clean-up. By bringing together staff, volunteers, and local residents, they were able to revitalise the park and restore it to its former glory.
So, how did they do it?
Community mobilisation and participation: Rawson Properties effectively mobilised their staff, local residents and volunteers to participate in the clean-up effort. This inclusive approach fostered a sense of shared ownership and responsibility for the park's upkeep.
Hands-on cleaning and maintenance: The team worked side-by-side, mowing the grass, trimming overgrown areas and tidying up the park. Armed with lawnmowers, trimmers, and a shared goal, they transformed the park into a cleaner and more attractive space.
Enhancing natural beauty and safety: The clean-up efforts focused on enhancing the park's natural beauty while also ensuring a safer environment for children and families. By removing litter and debris, they created a more pleasant and hazard-free space for recreational activities.
Fostering community pride and collaboration: The success of the clean-up served as an inspiring example of what can be achieved when community members work together towards a common goal. It brings a sense of pride and ownership in the local area and encourages further community involvement in local initiatives.
Recognising the value of green spaces: The initiative highlighted the importance of maintaining and protecting green spaces within the community. By investing in the park's upkeep, Rawson Properties demonstrated its commitment to creating a better quality of life for local residents.
Acknowledgements
Author: Lonwabo Keswa
Original article: Agency leads park clean-up
Photograph: Lonwabo Keswa
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 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.
Tshwane
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