CITY PRIDE: Before Joburg’s new mayor cuts the ribbon, meet the people who cleared the site
To whoever takes the council seats after 4 November, regardless of party: you inherit a city whose residents have been carrying the load you were elected to carry. You owe them more than a thank-you post.
As the city prepares for its new mayor, it's essential to recognize the people who have been actively working to improve Johannesburg. These individuals, regardless of their background, have been clearing illegal dumping sites, building community gardens, and fighting for the rivers that run through their neighborhoods. They have been doing this without waiting for permission or funding from the city.
One such individual is Lebo Malepa, who transformed a dump site into a community park and an abandoned land into a food garden in Soweto. During the Covid-19 pandemic, his efforts provided meals for hundreds of people who lost their income. In Kliptown, another settlement, young men were seen planting trees and greening barren lanes, demonstrating their commitment to making the area beautiful.
The community in Soweto is actively involved in clean-up efforts, urging residents to separate their waste from recyclables to create jobs and maintain a working recycling economy. Organizations like Water for the Future Global South, Friends of Zoo Lake, and Pave the Way are also working towards improving the city by addressing issues like water scarcity, public spaces, and road cleanliness.
These community-driven initiatives are not limited to rubbish removal and river care; they also encompass neighborhood rejuvenation projects, art initiatives, and advocacy for a livable inner city. This diverse group of residents, young and old, township and suburban, race and gender, is dedicated to shaping the city's future.
To those who will be taking the council seats after the upcoming election, it's crucial to recognize the work already being done by these residents. They are not looking for more enforcement or additional bylaws; instead, they are showcasing new ways of living together and inviting the city to open up possibilities. The new council should provide support and opportunities for these individuals, such as allowing them to use neglected public land, connecting them with water for food gardens, and creating partnerships that extend beyond individual terms.
Ultimately, the measure of a council's success will be whether the residents who have been leading the way find it easier to continue their efforts. So, come for a walk and meet the people who are actively fixing Johannesburg – bring gloves if you'd like.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
