A force to be reckoned with
Smiling radiantly and looking relaxed, Lee-Ann Louverdis made light work of her busy role as chairperson of the Parktown North Ratepayers and Residents Association (PNRA).
The 50-year-old businesswoman and mother has accomplished much since taking charge as chairperson.
Since taking over seven months ago, the firebrand and her team, dubbed as the “powerhouse” by ward councillor Tim Truluck, have transformed the PNRA from a relatively silent association to contributing to visible change in the area.
“When we took over we came in with renewed energy, and as a result revival has taken place in the area,” she says.
The energy of the committee was seen in the programmes they began in an attempt to improve the community.
One such programme is Streets in Motion, and with this project, the PNRA committee hoped to get individual streets to become more community minded and help one another. Other programmes include the Community in Action (CIA) squad.
“We are going back to a concept that’s very much like ubuntu, that spirit of taking care of one another,” she said.
Her passion for community issues began with her tenure as a member of the Parkview Community Policing Forum (CPF), and taking the initiative, she started a street committee in her own street before being asked by the previous PNRA committee to run for a position.
In all that she has pursued, Louverdis places family above everything as she said she could only do it all by having surrounded herself with the right people.
However, with the success of the PNRA, Louverdis commends the team for their dedication and support.
“It’s been a bit of a juggling act, especially with a business of my own, but I surround myself with people who support me, so that helps,” she concluded.
