The heart of Kelvin

Situated deep within the affluent city of Sandton is the little suburb of Kelvin. With just over 1 000 houses, the community in Kelvin is one big happy family. With assistance from the Kelvin Residents Association (KRA), it is now one of Sandton’s safer areas in the greater north.

Chairman of the KRA, Haroon Moolla spoke to the Sandton Chronicle about some of the work the KRA does.

“Our community is underpinned by the ‘Know thy neighbour’ concept. This has gone a long way to unite us in the fight against crime and at the same time, serve each other in times of need.

“One of our strengths has been our ability to leverage technology to communicate effectively and render assistance to each other almost instantaneously with the help of our Guardians group.

“Keeping our finger on the pulse in the affairs of Kelvin is something we do well.”

The association strives to always do good for the betterment of the area and its residents. Charity events, family fun days, security and government liaison are just some of the core activities that keep the directors and their volunteers busy.

Moolla explained, “We have a range of activities that bring and keep residents together, for example, our family days allows us the opportunity to network with our neighbours.

“Pulse, our charitable arm of the KRA, takes a keen interest in assisting two orphanages – one situated in Buccleuch and one situated in Kelvin. Housing about 30 children collectively, our Pulse team brings joy to orphaned children through outdoor activities and sponsorships. Everything from food to clothing.

“Holding annual activities for the residents has solidified the bond between neighbours, friends and family. The quick response from the Guardians of Kelvin provides round the clock assistance to our residents in times of crisis, security issues, accidents and medical emergencies. This is what strengthens our community and builds a sense of comradeship.”

Moolla added that the group of directors consists of eight people elected by the community and serves a two-year term. All with different backgrounds, shared interests and a common vision.

“I believe that we have a really great group of directors, people who are passionate about making Kelvin safer and a more comfortable place to live in. We have a tough job, a long to-do list and sensible plans for Kelvin but we can only achieve this through the financial support and active involvement from the community to make it a reality,”

Some of their short-term plans are to improve security by having a network of surveillance cameras and an automated boom system.

“As an early resident of Kelvin, I have watched this suburb evolve into a tight-knit community and it pleases me to work with people who share a common long-term vision for Kelvin, that is safer to live in and appreciates in value. We have a range of activities in the pipeline, foremost being improved security, community integration and funding for our planned projects.”

And when Moolla isn’t out in the streets of Kelvin or chairing KRA meetings, you can catch him at his New York Bagel Diner – BagelStreet in the Kramerville Design District.

Details: residents@mykelvin.org.za

Related article:

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/215939/kelvin-residents-association-year-in-review/