Ward 101 councillor Ralf Bittkau partnered with local businesses and other stakeholders on a massive clean-up campaign aimed at reviving and reducing crime at Golden Harvest Park.
Over 300 volunteers came together with the same goal of a vegetation and litter clean-up of the park, and to increase visibility for safety and security making it less desirable as a hangout for criminals.
Among the stakeholders was ASEZ WAO the young adult worker volunteer group from World Mission Society Church of God. They contribute to making improvements for mankind and the earth by taking care of their neighbours and communities with young adults’ passion and positive energy. They participate in environmental protection activities.
They carried out their 8 142nd worldwide clean-up campaign at Golden Harvest with a total of 75 volunteers who were on-site participating.
Bitkau lauded the volunteers who supported the initiative and made a lasting impact. “All of the people here are the cause of why we gathered today. We really need to make a difference at the moment –, we’ve got rivers being polluted and have watershed problems. That’s why what we are doing here is so important. For that, I really thank everyone, and I see this as the beginning of great works.”
Advent Hope Seventh Day Adventist Church in North Riding was also part of the clean-up. Carol Songelwa explained that they believed in being part of the community and being sensitive to the needs of the community and they have been looking for opportunities to partner with the community in ensuring that they live in a safe and clean environment.
“When the opportunity arose to join hands in cleaning up Golden Harvest Park, the church did not hesitate in volunteering its services. The park in particular has been part of the church for a long time. We are blessed to have been part of cleaning up this park; we enjoyed doing something great and meeting other community members.”
Golden Harvest struggles with challenges of safety concerns from time to time with the presence of gangs who create an unsafe environment and robbing of visitors. Cleaning and maintaining the park enhances visibility and crime reduction.
Pikitup, volunteer group Community Heroes, Johannesburg City Parks and local security companies were among the stakeholders involved in the clean-up.
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