Better Bedfordview embarks on new and exciting projects

Residents can expect several exciting projects and events from the NPO Better Bedfordview.

Continuing on its successes of 2024, the community-driven NPO remains committed to maintaining and beautifying the Bedfordview suburb, expanding its loyalty programme and fostering more engagement through various events.

Marina Constas, the chairperson for Better Bedfordview, described their plans for this year as exciting.

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Last year was a busy one for the NPO because it focused on aesthetic improvements and environmental sustainability.

“Last year, the NPO spent a significant portion of our funds on painting kerbs and enhancing our suburb’s aesthetics.

“The work done was planting water-wise, eco-friendly plants, and we even visited the Johannesburg Country Club for ideas on creating a streamlined look across the suburb,” explained Constas.

Last year, the organisation expanded its imprint by inspiring other neighbourhoods to adopt the concept, which birthed Better Primrose, Better Senderwood and Better Fourways.

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As an apolitical initiative, they want to continue encouraging community involvement and work with other communities to adopt the model of a Better Neighbourhood.

One of its standout programmes is the loyalty initiative that rewards residents who contribute R200 or more monthly. Residents receive a loyalty card, granting them discounts at various local businesses.

The programme is said to have grown, with more partners coming on board, including Union Tiles, Africote Paint and BMW.

However, the NPO invites other businesses to join, “We want our residents to get involved, whether financially or through donations, volunteering time or offering skills.

If residents have gardening tools, brush cutters or even expertise in marketing or other areas, we are always looking for ways to engage the community,” Constas added.

They will host various events throughout the year to bring together the community of Bedfordview. So far, there will be a movie night on March 14 at the Glendower Golf Club and a business and community networking breakfast in June.

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The spring day walk and Best Pavements Competition will also return.

Constas asks residents to engage and become active, “There are still not enough residents with flesh in the game. Ultimately, something like this is a tightly controlled budget with money coming in and going out.

It’s not like we have money to spare. We would be in financial trouble if one sponsor or a few pulled out. We do need the residents to buffer us.”

The NPO’s supervisor, Lucky Mzindle, said residents could also contribute by helping repair the machines and donating tools they can use on-site.

“The more equipment and help we get, the more we can do for residents to maintain their properties.”

Echoing that statement, Constas said, “Then look around if your neighbour can’t afford to cut his lawn, offer help to your neighbours to keep things clean.

“If companies, individuals or a little group of friends wants to adopt a pavement or an island, that would make a huge difference in our area.”

Mzindle said one challenge is understanding what leaves do to the environment, soil, grass and flower beds.

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“Other residents tend to want to remove all the leaves from their gardens, flower beds and the grass, of which only a bit is supposed to be left there. The rest could be put aside for compost we can use later in our flower beds,” said Mzindle.

Another challenge is the rising homelessness in the area.

The movie night will raise funds for feeding schemes that help homeless people.

“We are not insensitive to the plight of the homeless, but at the same time, we can’t have the homeless sleeping all over Bedfordview.

“We have been to social welfare and discussed shelters. And we are aware that shelters in Johannesburg are full. So, the problem emanates from the government at the end of the day,” said Contas.

She said homelessness is a security risk for residents and urged them not to give money to homeless people but rather support NPOs looking after them.

She called on residents to support the businesses that support the community.

“We have to support the businesses that support the community. That is something we feel strongly about.

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Regarding new business and development coming into the area, my view and feelings as a property lawyer is that the developers must be made to put in infrastructure and contribute towards that infrastructure.

And there must be a substantial contribution developers need to make if they want to come into our area,” stated Constas.

The team pleads with the community to be kind and patient when they see the team on the roads.

To contact the team, visit betterbedfordview.org.za