Property team ready to clean

When Rawson Linden approached the CPF Randburg and offered to partner with them on any planned Mandela Day initiative, little did the CPF anticipate the amount of commitment that would be shown, according to CPF Randburg chairperson Sandy Andrew.

Andrew explained that the large grounds on which SAPS Randburg sits are difficult to maintain, particularly when the station does not have permanent gardeners.

She added that the front lawns and beds are maintained by a volunteer, but the area at the back of the station was totally overgrown, with the three tennis courts sprouting weeds through their surfaces.

Andrew said, “In addition, vagrants are in the habit of cutting their way through the wire fence and using the area as a rubbish dump – and a latrine! ”

Jandri Coetzee, Rawson Linden’s franchise owner, accompanied by Cindy Purchase, an agent, surveyed the mess on 17 July morning, promising to return with their team the next morning, 18 July.

True to their word, that’s exactly what they did.

On 18 July, the energetic agents – who are more of a family than workmates – got stuck in and cleaned most of the area over the next two and a half hours.

Over 30 black bags were filled, waist-high grass cut down, and a large pile of weeds and branches readied for collection.

Sandy Andrew was also part of the team.

“I felt like I was working in slow motion! Yellow T-shirts were buzzing backwards and forwards like busy bees. I couldn’t believe the difference in the area when they had finished,” said the chairperson.

Coetzee is excited about the partnership with the CPF.

“As our area includes parts of Bordeaux, we have been looking for a way in which we can contribute to SAPS – and therefore to the community. In conjunction with SAPS Randburg and the CPF, we will be continuing to commit our support. We have some ideas on how we can offer the dedicated SAPS members somewhere to relax and bring their families, using the cleared spaces,” explained Coetzee.

She added that the CPF has asked them to present these ideas on paper and these will be forwarded to SAPS Randburg, hopefully for approval!

“We envisage a two-year plan, which will include securing the back area with palisade fencing and resurrecting the tennis courts.”

Kensington Resident’s Association’s Arlene Leggat hopes the project will be approved. “Anything that develops an area assists in restricting places for criminals to hide. One of our focus areas is the fencing of problem areas,” said Leggat.

Andrew thanked Coetzee and his team for their enthusiasm and their determination to make a difference.

“We need more angels like these in this world!, ” concluded Andrew.

Details: Jandri Coetzee Rawson Linden: jcoetzee@rawson.co.za or Kensington Residents’ Association: espcc@icon.co.za or CPF Randburg Sandy Andrews sandyandrewcomms@gmail.com or 083 433 6085.