Berea’s rising voice cannot be ignored

THERE is always a feeling of satisfaction when readers respond to our stories.  Response comes in many formats: there’s the angry response where we’ve written something that has really pi***** someone off;  complaints are a form of response we’ve become adept at dealing with, especially when stories have been ruthlessly cut or heaven forbid, dropped completely or held over. No one understands space constraints better than ourselves! Then there are the heartwarming responses when readers react to an appeal whether it be a charity, a blood drive, fundraiser or donations of food and clothing for the destitute. Those always leave us humbled and often in awe of the power of print and the generosity of the human spirit.

When Cheryl Johnson contacted me a couple of weeks ago to discuss the formation of the Save Our Berea Working Committee, she told me I was to blame.  Cheryl had read an editorial posted on the Berea Mail website where I discussed what I called Berea’s Seven Social Ills.  I was delighted to accept the blame, because nothing is more rewarding than seeing the effect of one’s words give birth to something concrete.

But what has been even more rewarding is the positive response from residents across the Berea to the Save Our Berea campaign.  People are engaging with one another, sharing stories of frustration and raising issues that need attention. People are standing together, united with one common goal in mind.  Berea has a voice that is growing louder and more demanding by the day.  It’s a voice that cannot be ignored. Not by apathetic neighbours, not by arrogant lawbreakers, not by the trolls who patrol the kerbs looking for illicit thrills and most of all, not by city officials tucked away in offices far away from the social ills that plague the suburbs.

It is time those responsible for enforcing bylaws, setting policies and delivering services take cognizance, accept responsibility and join ratepayers in clearing out the rot and returning the suburbs to their former glory. After all, it is ratepayers who live in these suburbs who contribute handsomely to the city’s coffers.  Devalued properties, abandoned homes and general lawlessness when it comes to illegal buildings, illegal businesses, crime and grime will eventually give rise to an exodus of rate paying property owners.  And if the City fathers choose to continue burying their heads in the sand and do nothing, then I fear the jewel that is Durban may not be the attractive host destination for international events the likes of which we have seen in recent years and which have major boosts for business and tourism.

I’m looking forward to seeing this campaign grow and join with other initiatives and working groups of residents who have taken it upon themselves to get things done and hold those who are entrusted with the task of keeping our suburbs, safe, clean and maintained, responsible.