A group of passionate Meyersdal residents has come together to form the Reviving Meyersdal Community Group, a volunteer-driven initiative dedicated to restoring and enhancing the suburb’s natural charm.

The group was created to address the visible decline in public spaces and to reignite a sense of pride and ownership among residents.

“Growing up, I remember driving through Meyersdal and thinking, ‘I want to live here one day.’ It was an area known for its manicured gardens and welcoming streets. Today, we want to restore that feeling for everyone,” says Tarryn Farrell, founder of Reviving Meyersdal.

Visible progress in just weeks

Although the initiative only launched a month ago, noticeable improvements are already underway.

Along Hennie Alberts Street, the Meyersdal Nature Estate has taken responsibility for maintaining part of the stretch, setting an example for others to follow.

The group’s first large-scale community project will focus on three key garden areas along Nelson Mandela Avenue:

• The Meyersdal name sign land

• The land directly opposite the sign

• Two garden beds at the intersection of Nelson Mandela Avenue and Blue Crane Drive

Permission for the projects has been obtained from the City of Ekurhuleni, with support from Ward Councillor Tim Denny, who has played a key role in connecting residents with municipal departments to set clear boundaries and ensure compliance.

“I am proud to support this initiative and to see residents and the municipality working together in such a positive way,” says Denny.

Sustainable and water-wise landscaping

The planned gardens will feature carefully chosen plants, including drought-tolerant and water-wise species, hardy plants with protective thorns, and indigenous vegetation that supports local wildlife.

Many of these will be propagated from bulbs and cuttings from the first three garden areas, allowing for sustainable growth and future expansion throughout the suburb.

Community partners have already stepped up to assist. Nova Lifestyle Interiors, represented by Chirese, has arranged plant discounts to help fund the revamp, while Fortress Defence Security Solutions (FDSS) will assist with cleanup, preparation, and security on planting days.

Inspired by other success stories

Reviving Meyersdal takes inspiration from other community-led success stories such as Better Bedfordview, which works with Ekurhuleni City Parks to maintain public spaces, and Clean Projects Benoni, where residents have transformed local streets and gardens through teamwork and dedication.

A call to action

The group is encouraging residents, estates and local businesses to take pride in the areas beyond their property boundaries. Even small efforts, when multiplied across the suburb, can lead to meaningful change.

“Our long-term goal is to restore Meyersdal to its former glory while showing that a motivated community can make a difference even when municipal services are limited,” Farrell says.

Residents interested in joining or supporting Reviving Meyersdal can volunteer their time, donate plants or share their gardening skills. The group also runs an active WhatsApp community for coordination and updates.

For more information, contact Tarryn Farrell at 076 189 6675 or email [email protected]