‘You can have nothing and be happy’- Alison

A little act of kindness goes a long away for the one in need.

This is a simple statement that governs Kensington resident Ms Alison Roberts’ life.

She was born in Port Elizabeth and raised in a loving environment. After high school her family moved to Johannesburg. She started working for one of the major companies as a receptionist. “I worked my way up in the company and that led me to working in the franchising and customer service,” said Alison. Her community work and involvement started in 2003 which resulted in a role as councillor – a position she has held for eight years.

The beginning of the journey

Joining the Kensington residents’ association was the first step towards community involvement. Alison has a big heart and helps those in need – whether neighbour or stranger. “I’m the kind of person who feels you can make a difference no matter how small the act of kindness is. I always reflect on the story of a man walking on the beach. He sees star fishes have been washed onto the beach and he picks one up and throws it back into the sea. Then someone sees him and asks him what is he doing as there are so many star fishes, what differences will that make. The many says, ‘It makes a difference to that one’. I use that philosophy,” said Alison.

Building a relationship with Jumpas

Alison is well known in her community as she was a councillor for years. She is especially known to the Jumpas, Denver and Magologolo informal settlement for her kindness and the selfless work she does within the community.

“When I was councillor a huge fire engulfed Jumpas and I went to help – in that moment something happened. My heart felt the residents’ pain of losing their homes. Since then I have been involved with the settlements and have seen the people grow from strength to strength. They have taken so much pride and ownership of the area. We now have toilets and running water because of the stand the residents took and taking pride in their space and area,” said Alison.

Lessons learnt

Alison said we should live our lives to change another person’s life.

“I always find people who need help and even though I planned my day to do something else, there will always be a moment of someone in need, and if I can make a difference I make sure I do it. My day can vary from rescuing a toddler playing in the middle of the street, to a lady I met in Rhodes Park who had just escaped from attackers and needed help.

“Those are the days that make me happy and appreciate what I have. If I made a difference to one person it matters and it’s enough for me,” said Alison.

She said people always give with expectations and that should not be the case.

“When you give or help someone it should be with kindness and helping a fellow man. I have received criticisms from people questioning my work and projects in Jumpas. However I believe if you give your best in every situation that comes your way, you will sleep well at night.

“I give my best to everyone I help and Jumpas is close to my heart. These residents have changed my perception on life, I now approach life differently. Material things that mattered before don’t matter to me now.

“You can live with nothing but be happy, yet have everything and not be happy,” said Alison.

Alison is also chairperson of the Cleveland Community Police Forum and besides assisting in the fight against crime, she often sends out requests for donations of clothes, perishables and anything else that one may not be using any more for those in need.

“I currently have a woman needing shoes and these donations help in such cases,” said Alison.

She said she cannot see herself not being involved in the community.