Illiondale residents raise funds to oppose township development
“Some donated large sums of money towards the fund.”
Residents of Illiondale banded together when a bake sale was held to raise much-needed funds.
The July 27 event raised funds for the residents’ legal team opposing a proposed township development.
The township development will see 3 000 units constructed between the P91, Sebenza and Illiondale and at least 1000 additional vehicles travelling through Illiondale.
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Ward 18 Alderman Heather Hart said if the development gets the green light, Illiondale’s beloved peace, quiet and local green spaces might be destroyed.
“We need to save the tranquillity, peace and beauty of Illiondale,” said Hart.
It is set to have two entrances, one on Crawford Road, on the southern side where 2 000 units will be located and the second will emerge from ERF460, on the northern side where 1 000 units are set to be built.
In May, Hart said it was said between R50 000 and R80 000 needed to be raised for legal representation.
Community member Lisa Dalgleish said the bake sale raised R7 888.
It was organised by Dalgleish, who was assisted by Florence Baloyi and Mpule Seatlholo.
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Explaining why the community decided on the bake sale, Dalgleish said, “We weren’t receiving enough financial donations from the community.
“People find it easier to pay for something they can see than just handing money over.”
She said that in total, R70 000 needed to be raised. Following the bake sale the community reached their goal.
“Community members were great. Some baked and others donated goods we could use for the bake sale. Some donated large sums of money towards the fund,” said Lisa.
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Following the bake sale, Lisa said, “It is clear that the residents of Illiondale are behind us and we will not give up this fight.”
She said the community is a peaceful, beautiful area filled with diverse birdlife and nature.
“If this development takes place and they use our road as their access point then the tranquillity and peace will disappear,” said Lisa.
