Breathing new life into a forgotten playcentre
Reviving an abandoned playcentre can serve as a catalyst for community revitalisation in Gamalakhe.
A beautiful playcentre meant for the youth, more especially in Ward 27 in Gamalakhe, has been in a derelict state for more than five years, and now community members have decided that enough is enough.
They have resorted to cleaning up the Mabhinki branch playcentre to create a safe environment for the youth.
Siyabulela Mzindle, interim MK Party Youth League Co-ordinator, said they could not sit back and witness a beautiful place going to waste.
“It must have been about five to six years ago, and we stand to be corrected, that the municipality cleaned up the old bus depot and created a playcentre for the community. Everything was good, but maintaining the centre was forgotten, and this attracted the bad elements and brought danger to the young children who loved playing there. As time went by, the children were not safe anymore, many incidents were reported, and the children’s once-loved play place was taken away,” he said.
Mzindle was instrumental in getting the community together to clean up after he saw the beautiful infrastructure, including swings, slides and exercise equipment.
Mthobisi Mavundla said the area became a dangerous place, and they decided to clean up and give it back to the youth as they missed it.
A team of about 20 community members, all working voluntarily, started cleaning and removing overgrown bushes, weeds, broken bottles and litter a week ago.
To continue to keep the area in pristine condition, the volunteers are requesting assistance from the community and business owners. These include brushcutters, spades, wheelbarrows, gloves, and basically any equipment that can help them clean and maintain this area.
“We also have plans to include a changeroom with water, proper fencing, lighting and security for the youth. We plan to hold tournaments and youth development programmes, meetings and much more,” said Mzindle.
He added that no one explained to the municipality because common sense dictates that a strategic plan should have been in place to maintain it.
Musi Xolo, a local pastor, said he is grateful for what the community is doing for the youth. “I can see a bright future ahead, and someday, who knows, with all the infrastructure and space for more sporting facilities, we can create a star right here.”
If anyone is willing to assist, contact Mzindle on 071 9582740.
The spokesperson for Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, Simon April, could not be reached for comment before going to press.
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