Youth initiative cleans up image of Kenneth Gardens
A group of concerned Kenneth Gardens residents have started a society to help clean up the property.
WHEN life gives you lemons, make lemonade is a popular adage that few people take to heart, but that is exactly what a group of concerned young men who live in the Kenneth Gardens housing estate in Umbilo are doing.
Tired of the negative connotations associated with Kenneth Gardens, the group of youngsters have taken it upon themselves to clean up their surroundings and formed the ‘Kenneth Garden Youth Society’ with the aim of making Kenneth Gardens a better place to live in.
Chairperson of the society, Mo Msibi, said the men had seen an article in Berea Mail on the untidy state of Kenneth Gardens, and the municipality’s response that there was no service provider to help clean up.
“We then took the initiative and did a clean up in Kenneth Gardens on 13 November. However, we are still trying to get the municipality to assist in removing the mess,” said Mo.
He said the group was looking to make a change, and were tired of the negative connotations tied to Kenneth Gardens. “It’s said that it’s up to the youth to make a difference, but we are trying and are not getting any help from the municipality,” he said.
The society offers to remove old furniture, heavy equipment and rubble and rubbish dumped around the grounds, as well as undertaking landscaping, grass cutting and gardening services to make the community clean and livable.
“Currently there is an ongoing clean-up project every Sunday from 11am to 2pm. We are removing rubble and planting trees, vegetables and flowers. We aim to create a vegetable garden and plant nursery, where produce can be sold,” said Mo.
He said the group would be grateful for any contributions from the community to help make the project a success.
“So far we are raising funds ourselves and have created a donation form to take around the area for sponsorship. There is a man who has offered to help with a van, but we need to raise funds for diesel,” said Mo.
The group is in need of equipment like gloves, bags, rakes, spades, a grass cutter, boots and protective equipment, as well as any flower and vegetable seeds. They have also asked for the donation of a sound system to use when they host events.
They will host an event entitled ‘Health is Wealth’ on 9 December, and have invited the ward councillor, members of the Umbilo Business Forum, South Durban Basin and DSW to attend.
“We believe that if we invest in young people we invest in the future of this nation. We are well aware of the challenges, but we do believe that one’s life is a result of choices, and we want to be an agent in helping young people make life, health and career choices that will propel them to a great and fruitful destiny. This event will focus on health and cleanliness,” said Mo.
The group is appealing to any local shops and businesses who can help with any donations of refreshments for the event.
If anyone is interested in helping the society further their goals, they can contact Mo on 079 192 3162 or Andile on 083 733 1491.
