WHAT started as a shared vision between the local councillor, a traditional leader and a business entrepreneur, during the opening of Ibhubesi Inkosi in the CBD, in February, is now starting to progress into reality.
Ward 97 councillor, André Beetge, traditional leader, Inkosi Phathisizwe Luthuli, and business entrepreneur, Clayton Wayne, all shared a vision of what they would like the CBD to look like going forward.
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“When André started sketching the vision of a green park, and people sitting at tables while sipping tea, with a craft market in the background, it rekindled my own childhood memories to the point where I pledged both financial and other support towards the node.
“What further impressed me was that the discussion never centred around political gain or bias but instead the uplifting of a section of the town essentially ‘forgotten’ by the municipality, or for that matter, the owners of the privately owned buildings, in the best interest of a community,” said Wayne.
According to Beetge, the old CBD has been a point of discussion for several years with the Durban South Business Forum successfully managing to force a municipal viability study around 2010/11.
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“Hopeful, as the optimists were at the time, it was never destined to become anything more than a conceptual study, as the centre square, surrounding streets and parking area, belong to the municipality. The buildings are all privately owned, which means there would have to be contributions from the private sector to ensure the success of any future plans,” he said.
He added that that’s where the problem starts, as although there is a responsibility on the municipality to maintain the council-owned parts of the CBD and surrounds, there is an equal responsibility on the owners of the buildings and/or their tenants to contribute towards the upkeep, beautification and security.
“It cannot, as is widely expected, be left to the municipality to carry the burden. This further extends to the type of tenant and the associated clientele that such enterprises could attract, as these could contribute to the general decay of standards maintained around the node,” said Beetge.
There has recently been some positive changes that include the cutting of trees by the municipality, repurposing of the unused and vandalised ablutions, at cost to a third party, the painting of parking bays and traffic lines, increased security and the beautification of the gardens and verges, of which has been largely funded by Wayne.
“But, one cannot expect Wayne, who is only a single enterprise tenant as opposed to a building owner, to carry the burden by himself. The community could contribute plants and shrubs to beautify the CBD by delivering them to Wanderers’ Haven in the CBD. There are already discussions with senior-citizen establishments regarding their involvement in this exciting community project,” said Beetge.
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He said the real hope would remain vested with occupants and owners of the CBD who should equally contribute, both financially and otherwise, towards the uplifting of the area. “Unfortunately, and despite rumours, there hasn’t been any visible action forthcoming from this sector,” said Beetge.
With the municipality being increasingly unable to fulfil service delivery expectations, he stressed the need for citizens and businesses in particular to play a more active role in uplifting the Amanzimtoti area. “We are left with two options: either accept or be part of bringing around positive changes,” said Beetge.
They are planning to meet with building managers along Beach Road, with regards to tending gardens on the promenade, facilitating additional lighting and assisting with discouraging homeless people from staying in the area.
Their goal is to include like-minded individuals who are prepared to spearhead community projects.
“This town is our town, and turning it around without necessarily relying on the alms of the municipality, is in our best interest, so let’s do this together,” he said.
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