More than just a suburb

This unity within certain communities is often lacking.

Unfortunately, most of the time residents hide behind gates, barbed wire and electric fences for protection. As a result, they deprive themselves of the sense of community that comes with walking the streets and befriending their neighbours. However, one such neighbourhood has managed to create a touching sense of camaraderie. Hurlingham Manor on the border of Sandton and Randburg has become a setting for long-lasting friendships and community for many of their residents.

A particularly strong and long-lasting bond has been established between the Kalil, Lahoud, Kluyts and Meyer families who have all lived in Hurlingham Manor for more than a decade. Amanda Lahoud and Heather Kluyts recall fond memories of their children, Roxanne Lahoud, Sherene Lahoud and Kirsten Kluyts riding bikes together in the streets of Hurlingham Manor. Lahoud and Kluyts have remained friends even though their children are now adults.

Helene Meyer has also been a long-standing friend of Lahoud and has been a beautician for the Lahoud and Kluyts family for the past several years. Helene runs her business from her house and said she loved the sense of warmth and friendship that comes with being a part of this community.

The biggest link between the Kluyts, Meyer and Lahoud family is Francis Kalil. She has opened her home to many members of the area and often drops off her homemade pies at her neighbours’ houses. She also makes sure that the guards at the security boom are well-fed.

Kalil said the sense of community within Hurlingham Manor makes the residents feel safe and more welcome.

There is something very beautiful about the intertwining of different people within one area. Your best friend could be waiting just across the road and all you need to do is remove yourself from the cage of safety that you often become far too engrossed in.