Residents of Kensington, Johannesburg, are coming together to make changes in their community through local initiative Better Kensington group, which is targeting rejuvenation and maintenance of the area.
According to Better Kensington representative Kevin Mark Pass speaking to Salaamedia on Local Matters, the group has a long way to go, adding that they are still new, with most of their projects only being months old, as well as having a small budget.
However, with the help of residents, the organisation has achieved a great deal, one of which is their beloved Rhodes Park that has a rich history.
The park is home to a library, tennis courts, soccer fields, community hall, as well as a dam and is currently undergoing massive cleaning and renovation processes.
Mr. Pass added that they hope to bring back the Discovery Parkrun to Rhodes Park, which in his opinion, will see more people involved and interacting with each other in their own backyard rather than going to the ‘out-of-town’.
He noted that the most amazing turn out in his experience has been the hope generated within residents.
Minor rehabilitation projects such as cleaning of pavers, painting curbs and walls have helped the community open up.
The conversation has now shifted from lamenting on the decay of the community to focusing on what they as residents can do for the area.
The residents have regained optimism and hope, as well as unity and solidarity as they are reminded that they have a role to play in bettering their community.
With local government elections around the corner, Mr. Pass hopes that whoever is in government, maintenance will be done and more jobs created.
On the other hand, he added that the group will continue their work regardless of who is in power.
“Please let us do our work, it does not matter who is in government,” he urged.
To Better Kensington, it is not all about painting and beautification, but also about bringing the community together, reminding them that they can make a difference, one step at a time.
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Image via Wikipedia.
