Brixton and Auckland Park community members got together to spruce up Kingston Frost Park.
Sophia Weltz, chairperson of the Brixton Community Forum explained that every second Saturday of the month the two communities gather at the park not only to clean it up but to build relationships too.
She said the park was a place where the two communities intersected, adding that the city had provided the community with amazing five-a-side soccer courts and revamped the children’s playground.
To join in on the fun, Children of Fire, Auckland Park Residents’ Association and Johannesburg mounted police were invited to get their hands dirty.
Unit commander, Captain Gary Botha, said he was happy to have been approached by the community to join the clean up.
“Our main focus was to make the youngsters from Children of Fire happy. It was fantastic to see them interact with the horses as for most [of them] it was their first time touching a horse.”
On the day some weeding and dirt collection was done.
“Brixton is one of the most diverse places and that is why we love living here,” said Weltz.
She added that the day was a great way to spend time together and to understand each other better after doing something together.
Residents also cleaned out a clubhouse they plan to use for more children activities and they also painted over rude graffiti that had made it’s way onto an alley wall.
Weltz shared that the initiative was also a good way to work with the police force as, at times, they may seem intimidating. It was a good way for the community to form a relationship.
Botha explained that the community had requested that there be more mounted police patrols in the area.
“For this to happen it is very important that the stations in the area must send a request to the provincial commissioner as we are told by him where to go.”
Remember to share your stories with us by posting on our Facebook Page Northcliff Melville Times or you can tweet us @NewsNMT.
