THE UMBILO Business Forum held a productive meeting recently where they discussed criminal elements and issues affecting the Umbilo community and businesses.
A highlight on the meeting agenda centred around discussions about their social responsibility initiative to rejuvenate a dilapidated house in Glenwood that will serve vulnerable youth and community members. UBF’s Usha Stevens said although they had a long way to go, the mammoth task at the moment was to raise funds for renovations.
Stevens said the UBF was engaging with the Health Department and Universities to get trainee social workers to assist once the house was ready. “Our UBF initiative is to uplift and rejuvenate the rapid regression of the area and eThekwini are considering our proposal which hopes to provide youth between the ages of 14 to 24 years with fundamental and developmental opportunities with a strong social skills component. All our members have pledged to contribute something to the project and we have already confirmed a security company to secure the property and the park for the project,” she said.
Andre Cumming, a first time attendee of the meeting said it was “very productive”. “It is nice to see that the business community is responsible and has come together to try and make a difference to the area,” he added.
Businessman Mike Pienaar, told Berea Mail the UBF and its engagement with the Durban South Basin area management had made inroads, contributing to some upgrades in the area with regard to refuse, street light issues which also contributed to crime and grime. “We still have larger issues around the Dalton Hostel, residential squatters and petty crime, but through collaboration with UBF Metro Police and the Heath Department, we are working on the issues which will take some time,” he added.
Tony Blaunfeldt, chairman of the UBF said he was happy with the well-attended meeting and the positive impact the Forum was making as more businesses got on board to partner with police and other organisations to fight crime.
