Organisations team up to beautify Atlas Road

The three community organisations with the support of volunteers aim to restore and beautify the intersection to a welcoming landmark for both cities.

March 27, 2024

Jani de Beer and Tayla Smit 2 minutes read

Armed with a pick axe Rob Downs of Farrarmere gets to work to uncover the terraced garden.

The intersection of Atlas, North Rand and Main roads was a hive of activity on March 16 as community clean-up organisations descended to clean up, restore and beautify the gateway to Boksburg and Benoni.

The partnership, which included Litter Bugs, Homestead Helpers for Benoni and Boksburg Community Project, saw up to 30 volunteers roll up their sleeves to participate in the two-day event, which has been dubbed as phase one of the undertaking.

Raking in their community service hours are Ashton International College learners, Aiden Sim-Nel (17), Keira Straussner (18) and Dylan du Rand (17).

The project kicked off on March 15, when Litter Bug volunteers took to the streets to collect litter and refuse.

After filling their bags, industrial equipment made its way to the site.

Lawnmowers and brush cutters whirled into action revealing a long-forgotten terraced garden that used to serve as a beautiful welcome to the two cities.

Katelyn Greene (17) of Ashton International College stumbled on a mound of refuse which had become overgrown with grass.

“This is a high-density intersection with thousands of road users entering and exiting our cities,” said Boksburg Community Project founder, Helen Kruger.

“For too long it has been neglected. We hope by turning our focus to this site and restoring it to a green oasis it will become a welcoming landmark for all that pass it during their commute.”

Stoking the fires, members of the Rotary Club of Benoni Aurora said that they decided to join hands with the initiative offering to prepare and serve hearty boerewors rolls for the volunteers as a token of appreciation for their continued efforts.

Andrew and Shannon Knipe doing their part in cleaning the area on the corner of Atlas and North Rand roads.

Tugging at tangled vines and pruning some of the existing shrubs, Sumai Borman of the Avenues Residents Association said that by becoming involved in such projects, members of the community are not only contributing to the aesthetics of their cities but taking ownership of the quality of the environment they live in.

“We need to stop moaning and start doing,” she said.

“We cannot continue complaining about service delivery issues from the comfort of our homes. When we get involved, that is when change happens.”

Seen here are Margeret Pappas and Sumarie Borman.

The effort was supported by businesses such as Alaska Spur, Kärcher and Tazzman & Co.
Volunteer brothers Andrew and Shannon Knipe said they joined the clean-up because they want to live in a clean community.

“We hope that we inspire others to do the same for their communities,” said Andrew.

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