If the eyes absorb the pristine, the heart and mind perceive the power of possibility.
The members of community custodians Roodepoort ICE, hit the streets of their area to clean up a few problematic streets and corners, April 2. Assembling in the early Saturday morning chill, a short briefing split the crew into teams and they dutifully moved to their various assigned sections to begin the day’s work.
The clean-up was a way for the community group to remind the municipal entities that their recent meetings were not for show, but part of a prolonged commitment from the community group to rejuvenate their suburb. Ward 84 councillor, Johannes Goosen, got his hands dirty in a show of support, while Pikitup supplied plastic bags and ensured the bags of rubbish were removed.
However, Roodepoort ICE chairman, Madidimalo ‘Papie’ Rakabe stressed the importance of not leaving the beautification of the suburb at the feet of the municipality.
“We are a major contributor to how our neighbourhood looks and we need to start thinking long term about reviving our neighbourhood. A clean neighbourhood is drug free and crime free,” said Papie, urging his neighbours and fellow residents to take responsibility for their surroundings by not littering or engaging in illegal dumping.
The teams covered as many of the streets between Edward Street and Currie Street as possible, identifying areas that would be tackled next time. “We hope that this community clean-up initiative will snowball into many cleaning campaigns. Participation from various stakeholders, including the community, will bring us closer to a clean and safe community,” said Roodepoort ICE Deputy chairperson, Emily Bezuidenhout.
That consistent reminder of their intentions is vital and Papie stressed the need to promote social cohesion.
“People don’t really know each other and this is a way to see each other and help each other. Every activity we do as ICE, more than anything is to get the neighbours together. When neighbours know each other it becomes easier for them to fight for each other,” he said.
