United for Edenvale – Councillor proposes single volunteer NGO

To streamline and pool the resources of the several community volunteer groups in Edenvale, an Ekurhuleni councillor recently proposed creating a single NGO to serve the town.

Brought forward by Ward 19 Clr Bill Rundle at a public meeting on May 7, the proposal would see all current groups working as one to improve Edenvale.

Already, each community group uplifts the town through the efforts of their volunteers with projects such as pothole repairs, trimming of trees, vegetation removal, street and park clean-ups, and repainting road markings.

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Speaking to the community members at the Edenvale Community Centre, he said they aimed to bring interested parties together through the meeting.

“There are so many splinter groups in the town striving to do something with limited resources and, with no disrespect, achieving little success in the areas they operate. Edenvale is 20km²; so on this basis, we cannot fix the town and we cannot maintain the town,” said Rundle.

Rundle emphasised that groups, irrespective of who they represent, had to unite and pool their resources.

“There are a lot of issues in this town that were not here when Ward 18 Clr Heather Hart and I started as councillors. This town was maintained and equipped when Edenvale municipality was in charge.”

Hart explained that while Edenvale may have problems, she believes it to be one of the better towns in the City of Ekurhuleni.

“There are areas of concern, such as the Avenues and Illiondale, but strong communities such as Illiondale are determined to make things possible. The community of Edenvale is resilient and bands together during times of hardship,” said Hart.

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She described the town as the garden of Ekurhuleni.

With ward committees already established with each portfolio member elected by the community, Rundle proposed a marriage between the existing community volunteer groups and ward committees to create one body.

“The two ward committees, or Hart and I, cannot run the town because the city did not employ us. Because the legislative council employs the councillors, we have no authority to give any official an instruction, and we cannot interfere with their duties,” said Rundle.

“I propose we register an NGO with a board of 10 directors, and those 10 directors work directly with each ward committee,” said Rundle.

He said the NGO will have a proper admin setup, a treasurer, its own bank account and an administrator.

“Together they will analyse and prioritise issues based on resources available,” said Rundle.

“Hart and I will not be involved; we will merely provide oversight and give reports improving communication between the council and the community.”

With a 58-strong audience, the community members and stakeholders in attendance supported the proposal.

For more information, to offer ideas or to get involved, contact Rundle on 074 111 2488, alternatively at Bill.Rundle@Ekurhuleni.gov.za
Information regarding a follow-up meeting will be provided as soon as possible.