The residents and I are not happy with the front page story of August 7 ‘Garden for Alan Grobler’.
It took a lot of hard work and many contributed towards the garden. Mrs Ferreira had good intentions to report something good but not all the information was given to the COURIER.
There are two residents. Yvonne and one other, who wants to remain anonymous, got together to beautify the area for residents that have a passion for keeping the area clean and beautiful for all to be proud to live in Gillview. Yvonne started the garden between the traffic light and Rifle Range Road and asked residents for donations of plants.
She came to me and asked for help and Clr Rashieda Landis contacted Joburg City Parks and Zoo. They came a week before Mandela Day with amazing staff led by Eddy Mitileni and erected this wonderful site at the entrance of Gillview.
Plants were brought in, garden features were added and signage was put up and Yvonne and residents were over the moon. Natasha from TPS Security went out and bought lunch for all that worked on site. As Yvonne said, Gillview is on the map. There was so much excitement on Mandela Day that the passing cars stopped and congratulated Eddy and his staff on a job well done. City Parks and Zoo can be very proud to have a team and staff that are so dedicated to their jobs. It’s not just a job and salary. It’s the passion they have for the community and drive that keeps them working with smiles. Thank you City Parks and Zoo.
The residents agreed to put a plaque dedicated to Alan Grobler in the garden where he will be remembered for the dedication he had for them in the area. Whenever residents had a problem they knew they could put their trust in Alan. The residents were devastated on hearing of his death in 2015. Alan’s wife, Natasha, has continued running TPS Security and was honoured by being asked if the dedicated plaque could be put up. It has always been Alan’s aim to bring the residents together and all fight for the same goals.
We had residents from Chrisville, Fadella and Zaaid Tiry donating their huge palms trees, with the assistance of City Parks and Zoo that have been planted on the opposite side of Rifle Range in Side roads, Chrisville. Also, a helping hand was Oom Piet from Chrisville who gave gardening tips and lend a hand with his donation of plants and weed killer.
On behalf of myself and Landis we are very proud and thank every resident involved, City Parks staff and Region F office and special thanks go to Yvonne, our anonymous resident and TPS Security for the hard work and true spirit to keep a community together and being proud of the area they live in.
Scott Macgregor, Ward 55 committee member
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