Westdene-Sophiatown Residents Association to raise funds for the recreation centre

The Westdene-Sophiatown Residents’ Association has gone back to basics and is raising funds for the Westdene Recreation Centre while simultaneously giving business people in the community a platform.

The beloved rec centre which, is home to the association’s veggie patch, is not in the best condition but residents are determined to whip it into shape.

Saying something should be whipped into shape is easier said than done and requires a large budget, which is sometimes stretched too thin for some departments within the City of Johannesburg.

The association’s chairperson, Dauw Steyn, explained that he, as well as many other residents, take pride in their area and said they will do everything in their power to bring solutions to the table for the sake of the community and its aesthetic.

The association subsequently established a community market, and the first market of the year took place on 27 January at the recreation centre.

Steyn said the association is planning to hold a community market on the last Saturday of each month going forward.

He explained that once the market is established in the community and it sees more feet, they are looking at increasing the number of markets. He added that they are looking at going from once a month to twice, then three times a month and also have a monthly night market.

“Right now, we’re not charging for stalls because it’s also a platform for residents to have their businesses take off. After we’ve had a few and we’ve consulted with all the stakeholders, we’ll look at keeping it free for the community but will charge residents from other areas.”

The association is also not planning on charging exorbitant fees for the stalls but rather starting a project that will be able to generate funds that could fix up small things in the community, especially the rec centre.

The market also gives the association an opportunity to network with residents and perhaps people with different areas of expertise can sponsor their services.

The recreation centre currently needs to replace some palisades in a few sections, as well as straightening the fence around its tennis courts.

Steyn explained that a resident has already offered to straighten the fencing and Exclusive Gardening Services will clear weeds between cracks in the tennis courts.

For more information about the market, contact the association on wsra.general@gmail.com; WhatsApp 063 530 5746.

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