Better Bedfordview marks four years of making a difference

Better Bedfordview which is a volunteer-led, apolitical registered non-profit organisation, is creating employment for youth and previously unemployed South Africans.

June 15, 2026

Naidine Sibanda 1 minute read

Colin McCrorie, Marina Constas, Anjela da Silva and Paola Catinella celebrate Better Bedfordview's fourth birthday. Photo: Supplied

Better Bedfordview celebrated its fourth birthday in the sweetest way on June 9 at the Bedford Crossing Shopping Centre.

Residents showed up for a slice of cake and a photo at the celebration.

Started by concerned residents to clean up, restore and maintain roads, pavements, parks and public spaces, Better Bedfordview is a volunteer-led, apolitical registered non-profit organisation (NPO).

Gail Diers with Carol and Frank Payne at the Better Bedfordview birthday celebration. Photo: Supplied

According to the NPO chairperson, Marina Constas, they have a Section 18A certification from SARS.

“We depend on funding and support from residents and businesses. To ensure that Better Bedfordview is sustainable, we appeal to residents to contribute R200 a month and businesses between R1 000 and R5 000, but welcome all donations gratefully,” she said.

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Constas shared that Better Bedfordview’s vision is to improve its neighbourhoods and ultimately South Africa, one suburb at a time. She said that while improving, uplifting and maintaining the area, Better Bedfordview is creating employment for youth and previously unemployed South Africans.

The Better Bedfordview team members share a birthday cake. Photo: Supplied

“There are currently 25 people working in Better Bedfordview’s team, some of whom are employed through the Yes4Youth programme supported by our main business sponsor,” said Constas.

They sweep streets, tidy, pick up litter, weed, cut grass, paint, pave, plant and fix potholes. The chairperson noted that Better Bedfordview has made the streets safer for all road users by fixing more than 900 potholes to date, as well as painting road markings, speed bumps, and kerbs, and repairing paving.

Lucky Mzindle and Carol Payne are part of the Better Bedfordview team. Photo: Supplied

In addition to making Bedfordview better to benefit everyone, Constas said Better Bedfordview is working to promote local businesses and foster collaboration and community spirit.

Through the Better Bedfordview Loyalty Programme, contributing members qualify for the NPO’s loyalty card, which gives discounts at participating local businesses and restaurants.

The Better Bedfordview community comes together in celebration of the NPO’s fourth birthday. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

ALSO READ: Better Bedfordview grows greener, safer suburbs through community action

Better Bedfordview founded the growing Better Neighbourhoods initiative, which includes Better Senderwood, Better Primrose, Better Fourways, Better Linksfield, Better Edenvale, Better Kensington and Better Bryanston.

For more info, visit https://betterbedfordview.org.za/ or email info@betterbedfordview.org.za