The residents of South Crest have recently started the South Crest Residents Association (SCRA) to uplift the area and address problems in the area.
Their first two meetings took place on October 31 and November 2 at the South Crest Dutch Reformed Church on Jan Meyer Street.
Five residents Ben Lock, Cynthia Lock, Hennie Grobler, Deidre de Carvalho and Leopold Dussing formed the board of the SCRA and will be the go-to persons for the suburb’s residents.
If one combines the years these board members have been residents of South Crest, it adds up to 159 years.
More about the SCRA
SCRA is an initiative for South Crest residents for the benefit of South Crest residents.
“To watch over, promote and protect the interests of its residents and to oppose any matter deemed detrimental, SCRA was established to bring back the pride of the residents,” said Leopold.
According to Dussing they want to open the platforms of communication to EMM and stakeholders to keep residents informed on the affairs of the EMM, especially on matters which affect property owners.
SCRA is there for residents to suggest and promote improvements in policy and administration to benefit the community.
“Together we are one voice – to work and co-operate with anybody to achieve the objectives of the association and to foster and promote a strong community spirit, co-operation and awareness,” he said.
“The association wants to take hands and work with stakeholders such as the council, local security companies, SAPS, local businesses, estate agents, local CPF forums and the residents.”
He said that they plan to address smaller projects where results can be seen faster and then, together with the residents, tackle bigger projects.
The benefits for residents
• A neater and safer environment.
• Inner city development examples.
• The residents are looking after one another.
• To instil in councillors and public officials an awareness of the wishes and needs of the residents of South Crest.
• Create an environment where the community work with stakeholders to decrease criminal activities.
• Create a more desirable suburb for potential residents.
Changes SCRA already made
• Grids in tunnels in Primrose Street and Eeufees Street.
• Repainting of adverts in Voortrekker Street.
• An alarm system at the substation, which is guarded by SOG Security.
• The board members and the DA team painted over the graffiti in the area.
Volunteers needed
Leopold said they are looking for one resident of each of the streets in the suburb to become a street captain, representing their street.
“This is to make communication easier between residents and the association.”
He also spoke about the importance of knowing your neighbourhood and your neighbours.
Those interested can contact Leopold on 076 040 2133.
