The Pompidelik Community Initiative is inviting residents, families, businesses and community members to a family get-together at Alberton Dam on May 17 at 13:00.

The gathering aims to bring the community together and create awareness about the current condition of Alberton Dam and the surrounding area. It will also give residents an opportunity to show support for the vision of restoring the space into a cleaner, safer and more family-friendly environment.

The event will not be a clean-up day or restoration project yet, as the organisers are still waiting for guidance and approval processes from the City of Ekurhuleni before any physical work can begin.

Instead, the day will focus on community connection, awareness and support. Residents are encouraged to bring picnic blankets or chairs, along with snacks and drinks for their families.

The long-term vision for the Alberton Dam Restoration Project includes improving cleanliness and safety around the dam, restoring public spaces and play areas, improving signage and bins, and promoting environmental awareness.

City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the City is aware of the current state of Alberton Dam and that maintenance plans are in place to remove litter and debris from the dam.

He explained that the current siltation challenge requires dredging and the removal of silt through a multi-year project plan, which includes quantifying silt, identifying the best dredging methods, undertaking environmental authorisation processes, and implementing the dredging plan.

Zweli also confirmed that the City’s Water and Sanitation Department takes water quality samples every two weeks and welcomed collaboration with communities on initiatives that support environmental restoration.

Janine Strydom, one of the residents who also led the initiative, said the group’s vision is not only focused on the dam water itself, but also on restoring the surrounding area into a cleaner, safer and more family-friendly community space.

‘From where it stands now, we cannot do any alterations until we get clear guidance from Ekurhuleni. So if we can fast-track their approval, we can start making a change a lot sooner,’ she said.

For Jacques Nel, the Pompidelik initiative is deeply personal. His love for bringing people together began in the kitchen with his late mother, who taught him that food is a way to show love and build community.

After her passing two years ago, Jacques started the Pompidelik food truck in her honour. Although he later lost the truck during difficult times, he continued building Pompidelik as a lifestyle and community brand focused on unity, resilience, food and music.

Community members who want to support the project, learn more or simply enjoy time with others are encouraged to attend the gathering.

Residents can also join the official WhatsApp group and follow updates on the Pompidelik website and social media pages.

Community members are encouraged to join the official WhatsApp group for project updates and discussions at the Alberton Dam Restoration Project. 

Official updates regarding the initiative will also be shared on the Pompidelik website and on Jacques Nel’s official TikTok account, @pompidelik.

Pompidelik will not request public funds for this project. Any payment request claiming to be linked to the initiative should be treated as suspicious and reported through the official project channels.

Community members can also contact Pompidelik via the official project WhatsApp number on 066 239 4973.

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