Brixton makes its table bigger

As she stood in a Brixton alley, chairperson of the Brixton Community Forum, Sophia Welz, could not help but to take in the view of some of her fellow community members enjoying a braai the forum had planned.

“We are lucky to have a number of alleys in the community that we use for a number of events.”
There was no particular reason for the gathering except the pleasure of spending an afternoon with neighbours and building a relationship that promotes the idea of safety, which is what comes from getting to know one another.

Read more: A Brixton braai that kept the winter blues at bay

Welz said having this braai in this small alley meant that everyone has to talk to each other. The novelty of such events is every time they host them someone meets somebody new who has seemingly lived in the community for years but had never met before, which is a very exciting facet for the chairperson.

Also read: Mayor addresses residents at IDP meeting in Brixton

The chairperson said its not easy living in Joburg, as some see it as scary and dangerous. “In Brixton we have this microcosm of what it’s like in the country. So we have people that have a bit, quite a lot, and those who don’t have anything – as well as all sorts of nationalities so it’s really a big mix of people.” This community prides itself in its history of community events that also include children. “It’s all about who is in the community and how big can we make the circle, and how long can we make the table and not how high can we make that wall,” said Welz.

She did add that all this takes work and its not easy, but it is worth it. She loves living in a community where you know your neighbour and its easy to ask for assistance when needed. It also helps that they are a small community.

The day also included the unveiling of Brixton’s first blue plaque, for a wood and iron house.

Related article: Brixton-based choir celebrates first birthday