Taking the initiative to revive suburbs in Boksburg North
A survey was conducted in Boksburg North to determine whether residents were also experiencing what had been identified as problem areas.
A group of concerned Boksburg North residents and business owners have formed a committee to initiate positive change in the suburb.
The committee is headed by Gys Loubser, the minister of the Dutch Reformed Church Boksburg East, which is situated in the heart of Boksburg North, on the corner of 10th Street and 14th Avenue.
He has been a resident of Boksburg North for 32 years.
Loubser explained the committee, known as the Boksburg North Initiative (BNI), was born out of many years of frustration.
“Several people have tried, over the years, to renew our suburb, but our efforts were isolated and none of us knew what the other was trying to achieve.
“We all realised Boksburg North was rapidly declining and each of us was trying to do something about it, contacting the powers that be and, unfortunately, mostly getting nowhere.”
For Loubser personally, the main concerns were the deterioration of 14th and 15th avenues, drug dealing and prostitution.
- Survey
It was evident to him that various business owners and developers were making an effort to rejuvenate parts of the suburb and also actively trying to root out the drug and prostitution problems.
“Business people like Beric Tempest and Fanie Lindenberg were doing their best to develop the area between Cason Road and Fourth Street, around the swimming pool, and Chris and Harry Xinisteres were actively developing the area around the bakery and restaurant in Charl Cilliers Street, hoping to create developmental hubs from which Boksburg North could be inspired to further growth.”
Loubser felt it was time to take the next step. “The survey, with the help of the church’s social services arm, Tutela, indicated the community has had enough.
“This is when I decided to get some of the residents and representatives from churches, schools, social services, business and police, among others, together to establish a forum through which we could co-ordinate our efforts and consolidate our resources and influence,” said Loubser.
The first meeting was held on October 12 last year, and the following people were elected onto a steering committee: Gys Loubser (chairperson and representing churches), Marius Gertzen (vice-chairperson/churches), Aletta Bosman (secretary/social services), Beric Tempest, Harry Xinisteres, Fanie Lindenberg (business) and Victor Seeiso (community safety).
- Integrity
“The main aim of the BNI is to stop drugs and prostitution, to engage on a more formal basis with the province regarding 14th Avenue, to engage with landlords who over-populate their premises, and to work towards a climate in which businesses will be happy to invest in the development of Boksburg North, and especially into the quality of life of residents,” Loubser said.
The BNI’s values, he added, are integrity, people-orientation, boldness, flexibility and simplicity.
“We are continuing to consult with other roleplayers that we feel can be of help.”
Anyone who is interested in becoming involved with the BNI or would like to find out more can email Loubser at fiddler@absamail.co.za
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