Better Bedfordview shares 2024 vision and goals

Community clean-up NPO Better Bedfordview plans to make a greater impact in 2024 with an array of initiatives aimed at uplifting and enhancing the neighbourhood and fostering community unity and collaboration.

The NPO’s chairperson, Marina Constas, said they aimed to gain more traction this year.

Uplifting the town hall precinct

One of Better Bedfordview’s key projects in 2024 is rejuvenating the area around the Bedfordview Town Hall on Hawley Road.

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“We are collaborating with the City of Ekurhuleni’s (CoE) Real Estate Department to uplift the shabby and neglected town hall precinct.

“Better Bedfordview is committed to working hand-in-hand with the local authorities to transform this space into an attractive, vibrant hub that reflects the pride and identity of the community,” explained Constas.

Better entrances

She said all the entrances into Bedfordview also needed to be revitalised and this project was a 2024 priority for Better Bedfordview.

“We want to ensure the entrances into our suburb are always clean, neat, attractive and well-maintained, to create a welcoming and uplifting environment for residents and visitors.

“Pristine entrances into Bedfordview will set the tone for the entire neighbourhood and inspire other suburbs.”

Clean-up team

The Better Bedfordview clean-up team of previously unemployed people will continue to play a pivotal role in 2024.

Constas said Better Bedfordview would create employment for 20 to 24 workers this year.

“This not only supports Better Bedfordview’s mission to clean, restore and maintain the suburb’s roads, parks, pavements and public spaces but reflects our commitment to helping to fight unemployment in South Africa.”

Support from residents needed

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Most of Better Bedfordview’s funding currently comes from business sponsors.

In 2024, the NPO wants to get support from more residents.

“We are hugely grateful for the caring, community-minded businesses contributing to Better Bedfordview.

“However, we need all residents to join the movement. We are asking for a modest monthly contribution of R200 from every resident in Bedfordview.

“It would go a long way in sustaining and expanding Better Bedfordview’s impactful projects. I appeal to all residents to donate this year.”

Residents can visit Better Bedfordview’s website to contribute: https://betterbedfordview.org.za/ or email info@betterbedfordview.org.za

Adopt-A-Pavement

The NPO plans to drive its Adopt-A-Pavement initiative this year.

To date, Insurance Zone, Bitventure, and Bedford Centre have partnered with Better Bedfordview to clean and maintain the pavements near their premises.

“This is making a huge difference.

“We urge other local businesses to adopt a pavement. We have a list of pavements in desperate need of attention. We can help to manage these projects, but we cannot do it all.

“We need businesses to adopt an area and keep it clean, tidy and well-maintained with Better Bedfordview’s support,” Constas stressed.

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Come and meet Better Bedfordview

Residents can expect to see Better Bedfordview on their streets in 2024.

“We will be taking to the streets this year and reaching out directly to residents.

“We are planning regular meet-and-greet events in the streets, gazebo days and information tables all over Bedfordview.

“We invite residents to meet the team of dedicated Better Bedfordview volunteers working tirelessly to make Bedfordview better to benefit all.

“This is a chance to connect, share ideas and actively participate in Better Bedfordview’s initiatives.”

Community-building events and fundraisers

Throughout the year, the NPO plans to host fundraising and community-building events.

These include its annual golf day and a soapbox derby later in the year.

Better Neighbourhoods

The Better Bedfordview vision, mission and model are set to impact more areas in South Africa in 2024.

In 2023, the NPO launched its Better Neighbourhoods concept.

“We are delighted with the growing interest in Better Neighbourhoods, through which we aim to share our recipe for success with other suburbs.

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“This is in line with Better Bedfordview’s vision to harness the collective power of engaged citizens to improve our neighbourhoods, and ultimately South Africa – one suburb at a time,” Constas explained.

“In 2023, we added Better Senderwood and Better Primrose to the Better Neighbourhoods fold.

“We have been engaging with role players in Fourways and are pleased to announce that Better Fourways will come on board soon.”