Standing at the pulpit of the Benoni-Oos NG Kerk, in Putfontein Ds Albert Jooste watched week after week as his congregation shrank.

With only 20 church members attending the Sunday service, Jooste started investigating the cause.

“Congregants felt unsafe attending services because vagrants were loitering between mountains of building rubble that have accumulated in the overgrown veld, opposite the church in Kerk Street,” he said.

“The smell of burning plastic and raw sewage was overwhelming.”

Preaching to increasingly empty pews, Jooste turned to his faith, asking for guidance to address the deteriorating environmental conditions surrounding this beacon for the faithful.

“I prayed for an entire year, pleading for assistance. We researched various options to conduct a clean-up privately, but financially, the church could not carry those costs,” he said.

At the end of last year, the answer to their prayers showed up at the door.

Kerk Street has been identified for rejuvenation, restoration and continuous maintenance as part of the Gauteng Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment’s Bontle Ke Botho greening project, with the assistance of the Benoni waste management department.

“This is a big undertaking, which included repairing sewage leaks as well as removing 36 truckloads of illegally dumped rubble along a 40m stretch of road,” said Noria Maja of Benoni waste management.

“I requested to head up this six-month project, which will include regular clean-ups undertaken by identified members of the community under the Bontle Ke Botho banner.

“Eighteen indigenous plant species have thus far been established, with more shrubs earmarked to be planted along the 800m stretch of road. We hope the beautification will deter dumping and encourage members of the community to enjoy the newly revived green space with respect.”

Lesetja Ramanyai, of the Gauteng Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, said he hoped that the rejuvenation will foster a spirit of conservation among the learners at the neighbouring Laerskool Putfontein.

“It is only when we notice the positive changes in our environment that we will be moved to take action to preserve its beauty,” he said.

“We want the children to participate in taking ownership of this space so that one day they may return and tell their children how the towering trees started as saplings, taking root in soil that was once polluted.”

What has changed for the congregation?

“As news spread about the ongoing clean-up programme, congregant attendance increased to 80 every week,” said Jooste.

“This would not have been possible without the commitment of government officials who saw the potential this area holds and the prayer for assistance.

“We are grateful and promise to help in achieving the goal of transforming this street into a beautiful green space for all to enjoy.”

Ward 25 Clr Marinda Beukes lauded the initiative, saying that projects like these prove that when joining hands, positive outcomes can be achieved to the benefit of the community.

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