A walk to talk about K56

In total 51 people joined the walk.

Chairman of the conservancy Margie Donde said the two ponies caught much attention among the 22 000 people. “The ponies did their job as the wow-factor required to draw attention to the plight. We did what we came to do. We highlighted our plight and created awareness about the Green Neighbourhood Project.”

The project, an initiative to promote environmentally sensitive practices and retain the open space of the conservancy, organised the protest as its members are concerned the rural nature of Kyalami is under threat of over-development with the proposed highway and construction projects. Cedarwood pupils, parents and teachers joined the protest as the school is in the direct path of the proposed road.

Principal of Cedarwood school Jayne Eurelle said, “Thank you to Margie and the Greater Kyalami Conservancy members for being so passionate about the cause and for being the catalyst for organising the team that did the walk. Also to the parents, pupils and staff members who took time out of their busy weekend to support such a worthy cause and showing true Cedarwood spirit.”

Cedarwood’s Dawn Schmitz said, “Everyone wanted to touch and ride the ponies and people questioned why they joined the walk, which was a fantastic opening to explain our cause.”

Mandy Collins of Sun Valley Residents Association said, “I loved being part of something so special. Many people were not aware that Kyalami is a conservancy and asked where they could vote to stop the K56 and agreed development must be controlled.”

Donde said, “Kyalami has the most viable equine industry in South Africa which requires open space, large properties and minimal traffic as residents often ride along the streets. The Gauteng Horse Society and SA Lipizzaner Centre attract thousands of riders and spectators and the industry supports thousands of jobs.”