Kelvin on the rise
KELVIN - Residents join forces with local government, police and security companies to give Kelvin a new lease on life.
The residents of Kelvin are taking ownership of their neighbourhood with the help of local government, law enforcement and private security companies.
The Kelvin Residents Association (KRA) has been making great strides in the fight against crime and pollution and organised a number of successful community outreach programs to help give the neglected suburb a much-needed facelift.
Sean Naidoo, a Kelvin resident and member of the KRA, explained how his community is reclaiming their neighbourhood, “Our first initiative was to get the community together. To achieve this we formed local street captains within Kelvin.
“Their function was to get to know their streets and its residents. They utilise WhatsApp and created street groups which, in turn, roll up to our main KRA group. This has been helpful in getting the trust right and having authenticated people on our groups.”
Naidoo added that private security firms have also played a big role in securing the safety of Kelvin residents. “We created street SOS groups where Duma and ZSS security have been fantastic in providing excellent responses to our issues.”
Lillian Kekana, ex-councillor for Ward 109, and Liziwe Zulu, City of Joburg Region E director, were approached with the challenge of getting Kelvin cleaned up, and with their help and support, the Mayor’s office became involved which led to the launch of the Beautify Kelvin project.
Overall the coordinating of a residents’ association and finding closer ways to work with the community and ward has resulted in happier residents.
Newly-elected councillor, Werner Smit is happy to be part of the growing movement and believes that resident participation is key to a successful suburb. “It’s paramount to get involved with your local residents’ association as the spin-offs are huge.
“Residents’ associations amplify problems which result in sensible solutions that are not imposed from outside. Strong residents’ associations also ease and streamlines communication between the community and the council via the ward councillor.”
Smit added that the broader the base of membership, the cheaper it becomes per household in terms of paying for services on behalf of the community. “I am a member of the Kelvin Residents Association and the community spirit that it has sparked through its work and communication channels is admirable and commendable. Work well done!”
