On Saturday, 9 November, a few community members gathered on 5th Avenue in Florida to do their part in cleaning up the community.
This clean-up was part of an initiative coordinated by Mbuso Nxumalo. He had identified the problems of mess and rubbish on that road and the various safety risks that come with it. With family members living on the road, Mbuso was not only concerned for his family’s safety, but the safety of other residents as well.
With the help of Florida CPF (Community Policing Forum) and ICE (In Case of Emergency), the first clean-up project was held on 24 September, with about 20 people attending it. Their most recent clean-up was not as well attended, mainly due to the Rugby World Cup Final and the rain experienced in the morning, but the organisers are hopeful that more residents will participate in the future.
The initiative was originally brought to the attention of the Record by a neighbourhood group on Facebook that had thanked the residents and also supported their cause, saying more clean-ups would be held twice a month. After reconsideration of resources and volunteer availability, the clean-ups will now be conducted once a month, with the next one being held during the second week of December.
For now, this group will be concentrating specifically on 5th Avenue between Maud Street and the corner of Hull Street. This is because the community is concerned that the street is slowly turning into a shanty town with people abiding by their own laws. The main concern is that it is developing into a haven for drugs which could lead to prostitution and other severely illegal activities if it is not dealt with.
Mbuso has also reiterated the fact that it is not the duty of a ward councillor to single-handedly solve these issues. The councillor’s duty, while looking out for the best interest of his or her ward, is predominately to represent the community’s interests in local government. While the councillors try their best to be involved in community initiatives, there are certain things they cannot assist with until the residents log a complaint with the City and can provide reference numbers for the councillors to follow up on.
“We can sit and wait, complaining about issues and councillors, but I learned that as residents we need to be involved ourselves, otherwise the situation will continue to deteriorate,” said Mbuso.
Mbuso said that he was encouraged to start this initiative by the work being done by Rodney Churchill and other members of ICE.
He was especially impressed with the success of the Florida Train Station clean-up, saying it was like a completely different place. “I felt that if I could just do it with my street, some difference will come out of it.”
Mbuso and the other community members are hoping to spread this initiative as far and wide as they can, encouraging other areas and streets to start doing the same. It will keep the community safer, more accessible, and more inviting. They would like the community to become more educated on the importance of cleaner environments, which will ultimately be healthier. Liquor Man on 5th Avenue has contributed to the initiative by sponsoring bottles of water to keep the participants hydrated.
Ward 70 councillor, Caleb Finn, expressed his deep appreciation for the willingness of the residents to look after their street and the initiative to start a project like this, thanking them profusely. “The City, unfortunately, has constrained resources and although efforts are being made to do more regarding visible service delivery, it is necessary that we partner with residents, and I would encourage others to take part. This is a prime example of such a partnership.”
If you would like to participate in the 5th Avenue clean-up, there is a link to a WhatsApp group that can be obtained by contacting Mbuso on 076 380 9717 or Amy Slocombe at amys@caxton.co.za.
“Spare some time to make a change and be a part of the initiative and contribute to your neighbourhood.”
