Community takes matters into their own hands

ON Saturday, the community of Morningside took matters into their own hands as they came together on a campaign called #savejamesonpark in an effort to clean up Jameson Park which they said was once a ‘gem’ in Durban. According to Fred Bester, who lives across the park, they decided to clean the park and slowly return it to its former glory because not only is it in dire need of a revamp, but the park was once a Durban attraction and holds many memories in the community.

“We live right across Jameson Park in Morningside. This once-iconic park was one of the jewels of Durban. The park boasted hundreds of rose bushes, manicured lawns and beautiful gardens. On a beautiful day, many species of birds would visit this park, and you could see ducks splashing around in the pristine pond and water features.

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“The pond is now empty, green and does not function anymore,” said Bester. Bester further said they have tried to engage the local councillor and the municipality about the state of the park. As a community, their desire is to have the park returned to its former glory, but they say their letters have not been responded to by the relevant parties.

And that’s why they resorted to mobilising each other to do something about the park. “A group of desperate Morningside residents are coming together to address these challenges with the municipality, Parks Department and ward councillors, but this doesn’t seem to be getting resolved. Over 70 community members who reside near the park have started a group called #savejamesonpark, and they are pursuing resolutions with governing bodies responsible for this park.

We have engaged in writing to the councillors and managers, but these letters don’t seem to be achieving anything,” said Bester. The group says they plan to keep this initiative running by meeting on the first Saturday of every month to clean up their local park and return it to the pristine condition it was so well known for.

“We only managed to clear part of the top area, and 15 full refuse bags later, that section looked amazing. On the first Saturday of every month, at 09:00, the #savejamesonpark community will meet again in Jameson Park and clean the park to maintain the cleanliness of our neighbourhood. Our next cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, February 3, at 09:00, if anyone wants to help. We will continue to engage with all stakeholders to ensure that the municipality takes back their responsibility to ensure our parks (and beaches) stay clean,” added Bester.

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Ernest Smith, DA councillor of Ward 28, says he is aware that a community clean-up of the Jameson Park took place. Although he was unable to attend, he further stated that they were aware of the state of the park and that maintenance by the City started on the first week of January. “They started last week – the first week of January – with maintenance of the park.

“I will be meeting with the Mitchell Park Trust, which is comprised of the Park and Recreation staff for both parks, to get an update on the progress,” said Smith.

The eThekwini Municipality was not available for comment at the time of going to print.

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