Eden Park residents are coming together to celebrate the community’s 50th anniversary with a three-day event that will honour its history, achievements and the people who have helped build the suburb over the past five decades.

The celebrations, planned for September 24 to 26, are being organised by a community committee led by Bruce Fortuin and William Jarvis.

The event is expected to take place at the sports fields near the stadium and will showcase Eden Park’s past, present and future.

Bruce said the idea was born after he realised Eden Park would be celebrating its 50th this year.

“I made a short video on TikTok about Eden Park turning 50. Someone shared it on the Eden Park Kasie Facebook page, and the community’s response was overwhelming. That led to meetings where we started planning the celebrations,” he said.

The programme will include live entertainment, dance groups, soccer matches, food stalls, braais, cultural displays and exhibitions featuring old photographs and historical information.

“Our community is multicultural and diverse. We want everyone to be part of this celebration and showcase the different cultures that make Eden Park special,” said Bruce.

They also plan to recognise the first matriculants from Eden Park Senior Secondary School, former learners from Eden Park Primary School and long-time residents who have witnessed the suburb’s development.

William who has lived in Eden Park since 1980 and served as a councillor for 10 years, said preserving the area’s history is important.

“Eden Park did not just appear overnight. Families were relocated here from areas such as Germiston. We have a unique history that deserves to be remembered and shared with future generations,” he said.

He recalled that the first primary school consisted of mobile classrooms, the police station operated from a caravan, public transport was limited to buses to Alberton and Germiston, and residents relied on a single public telephone booth.

Jarvis also remembered the tragic train accidents before the railway bridge was built, saying many community members lost their lives at the level crossing.

Despite the challenges, he said Eden Park has grown significantly.

“Our people have achieved success in education, healthcare, business and many other professions. Many residents have renovated their homes, while others take pride in keeping their properties and surroundings neat. We must continue building a community we can all be proud of,” he said.

They also hope businesses, community organisations, schools, churches and the City of Ekurhuleni will support the celebrations through sponsorships and partnerships.

They also believe the anniversary is an opportunity to address ongoing challenges such as unemployment, housing shortages, illegal dumping and the need for more social workers and youth development programmes.

“This is our neighbourhood, our town, our city and our country. Let us all take responsibility for keeping Eden Park clean and creating a better future for the next generation. Clean it up, keep it clean,” said William.

Residents, businesses and organisations interested in supporting the Eden Park 50th anniversary celebrations or sharing historical information can contact William Jarvis on 082 454 6753.