Beautifying the Parkmore neighbourhood with Lerato Thahane
Through the clean-ups, the community members are not only beautifying their neighbourhood but also building stronger bonds among them who share a common vision for a better, more sustainable future.
Have you ever walked down your street and been disgusted by all the litter lying around?
Community member Lerato Thahane couldn’t stand by and let Parkmore be covered in litter, so she started clean-up initiatives in the area.
“The journey that led me to start these clean-up campaigns was born out of my deep love and connection to Parkmore. This vibrant community is not just a place, it’s my home, a place where I envision raising my family and building an incredible sense of community,” she said.
Thahane added as she drove past 11th Street, she witnessed the litter and neglect, and it struck her that this space didn’t reflect the values and spirit of the amazing people who lived there.
“I couldn’t stand by and let this continue, so I took inspiration from a meaningful conversation at a braai with fellow young families from the area. We all recognised that positive change begins with us, the residents, because if we want to see our neighbourhood thrive and be a place we can all be proud of, we have to actively be a part of that transformation.”
The 35-year-old said the initiative started on July 1 and more volunteers were needed.
“We clean about two blocks on 11th Street and 10th Street from Benmore Shopping Centre down to Victoria Street. Throughout our four clean-ups, we have experienced a remarkable journey of positive change and community empowerment.”
Thahane concluded that with each successive clean-up, they have observed an encouraging trend as if their collective efforts were instilling a sense of responsibility and pride in their fellow residents.
Related article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/331248/the-bryanston-parkrun-cleanup/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/330979/first-of-many-rivonia-clean-ups/
