What a city, what people
Few towns can match the sense of community in Benoni.
I don’t know about anyone else out there, but somehow I feel this place has more warmth and unity than most.
Benoni is quite a diverse place, with mosques, churches, temples and synagogues.
It’s a city with lakes, a mine dump, a ”steamboat” mall, an array of farms, a busy CBD and too much else to mention.
But, despite all the differences between the people and places of Benoni, this enthralling place has a community that works together.
The level of charity in this city is astounding.
I can’t begin to describe the dozens of charitable organisations and projects I’ve heard of during my time as a journalist here.
There are walks and marches to protest against crime and violence; constant calls for donations of clothes, blankets and food; markets, sales and shows to raise funds for those in need.
During my first weeks at the City Times, I joined iThemba Rape and Trauma Centre, in Wattville, for a campaign to raise awareness of drug abuse.
Meanwhile, the Benoni SAPS, CPF and community members have volunteered consistently for the past three months to clean up parks and open spaces around the city, in order to remove hiding places for potential criminals.
Not to mention the incredible response from the community after it came to light that the animals at the Bunny Park weren’t in great condition.
Every weekend (and often through the week as well) a multitude of events are going on, in support of one or other charity.
I only realise how truly selfish I am when I see how some people consistently give up their time and money and put in the effort to help others.
I don’t know whether it is coincidence that all these people live in or near the same town, or whether I just don’t see the good work being done in other places, but maybe, just maybe, it’s because there’s something in the water here that just makes it different. EvD
