Anjela da Silva recognised by Women Who Inspire
“I think through this exercise, I realised that civilians have a huge responsibility to support their community and to support council and government,” she said.
WEB HEADLINE: Women Who Inspire – Anjela dreams of a better South Africa
Sharon Mdaka
Anjela da Silva is an exemplary figure who embodies resilience, leadership, community spirit and transformative change.
As we celebrate Women’s Month, it is fitting to spotlight Anjela who wears many hats and is committed to serving and giving back to her community.
She is the Residents Action Group (RAG) chairperson and a crucial force behind Better Bedfordview.
A couple of years ago, she and her young family were the victims of a harrowing home invasion.
The incident, marked by fear and devastation, left an indelible mark on her and her loved ones.
Yet, what could have been a story of victimhood became a catalyst for remarkable change.
“My son was 18 months old when we endured the home invasion. At the time I was running my business from home.
“I came home after a meeting, and my garage door was open. Our helper was tied up with my son in the house. She was screaming, going crazy, and it was such a traumatic event.
“They took all my office equipment, our documents, passports, jewellery, and TVs,” explained Anjela.
She said following this horrific incident they became extremely security conscious.
In 2019 she joined RAG on a consulting basis.
“I thought perhaps I could add some value to RAG from a strategic perspective, in terms of how we fight crime and how we address some of the challenges.
“What can I do to make a difference? If we could perhaps help in the community in some way to reduce crime, which is very difficult.
“It's not something we can do as an individual. It's overwhelming when you look at it but if every person does their bit in society and doesn't say, well, it's another person's or institution's responsibility.”
Under Anjela’s leadership, RAG has embraced innovative technologies, including advanced surveillance and has installed about 60 solar lights, to bolster safety and reduce crime rates.
Her strategic insights and dedication have significantly elevated the organization's impact, ensuring that Bedfordview remains a secure and resilient community.
But Anjela’s commitment extends beyond fighting crime.
As a director of Better Bedfordview, she has been instrumental in revitalising the suburb through community-driven initiatives.
Better Bedfordview, also a non-profit organisation, focuses on environmental cleanup and community enhancement. This includes restoring neglected parks to creating employment opportunities.
“Better Bedfordview has been a huge success in terms of what it has done for the neighbourhood. And we have created a playbook for other suburbs.
“We have got, for example, Primrose following suit, Senderwood and Fourways. We just want to share what we've learned for other organisations to do similar things.
“I think through this exercise, I realised that civilians have a huge responsibility to support their community and to support council and government,” she said.
“We have seen the fixing of potholes; painting of roads; and greening, cleaning the parks. This has gotten the community back to the parks.”
She defines herself as someone who isn’t afraid to take on a challenge and believes that if you dare to try something, good things come.
“I have learned that giving back and making a difference can be incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s through community work or just helping a neighbour, every effort counts.
“I encourage everyone to find their way to contribute. It starts with yourself and extends to those around you.”
She emphasises the importance of personal involvement and encourages residents to start by cleaning their pavements and getting involved in local projects.
“A strong community that works together can withstand many challenges, from crime to environmental issues. “We all have something to offer, and when we give back, it enriches not just those we help but ourselves as well.”
Nominate a Trailblazer
As we celebrate the incredible women making a difference in our communities this August, we invite you to nominate others who are breaking barriers and achieving great things.
Share their stories with us by emailing sharon@caxton.co.za to highlight the incredible women shaping our world.
