Upper uMhlanga gets a makeover
To kick off the project the trust has employed a local vagrant, Thabetha Sosiba, to clear the invasive alien vegetation and rubbish at the M4 bridge over Egret Lane.
RESIDENTS in the upper uMhlanga area can expect to see some positive changes in their community in the near future.In an effort to improve the security, aesthetics and community involvement, Andrew Fraser, the chairman of the Upper Umhlanga Security Trust, has initiated a community improvement project.
To kick off the project the trust has employed a local vagrant, Thabetha Sosiba, to clear the invasive alien vegetation and rubbish at the M4 bridge over Egret Lane.
According to Fraser, they will also be working with a horticulturist to beautify the area with indigenous plants. Once the landscaping has been completed Sosiba will be able to maintain the area.
“The project already has a positive spin-off. By employing Thabetha we are providing him with a source of income and as more small projects arrive the more steady income he will receive,” said Fraser.
Speaking to the Northglen News last week, Sosiba said he had gained an immense sense of pride from the work that he has done clearing the vegetation.
“I struggled to find work. Now I get to eat and I no longer have to sleep in the bush. I feel like I am making an impact,” he said.
Fraser added that he and the rest of the trust hoped that the project would facilitate the participation and interest from other members of the community as not “everyone is necessarily concerned with safety and security”.
“We realised that our previous solutions to security was no longer enough and we needed to start thinking outside of the box. Not only would a holistic approach be more effective but we also wanted to involve more residents in our projects. While some people are passionate about security, others are passionate about conservation or the social issues in society. Through this project we hope to tackle all three these elements to ultimately improve our community,” he said.
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