Atlasville residents urged to back their community with R50 contribution

Atlasville residents are being encouraged to reflect on the state of their neighbourhood as conversations around service delivery and accountability gain momentum during the election period.

The focus, however, is not on politics itself, but on how residents experience their environment daily and what can be done locally to improve it.

The Boksburg Community Project (BCP), a volunteer-driven initiative, is appealing to households to contribute R50 a month towards urgent spring clean-ups, park repairs and the maintenance of streets and the local vlei.

Helen Kruger, one of the founders of the BCP, says the project was born out of a simple need: to keep Atlasville’s public spaces functional and safe when resources are limited.

When the Boksburg Advertiser spoke to Kruger, she explained that the condition of the area is something residents see and experience every day, regardless of what happens at the ballot box.

She said that while elections often spark discussions about service delivery, the reality on the ground is that communities still have to deal with overgrown parks, littered open spaces, and damaged infrastructure.

Also Read: Keep Atlasville clean: Support the Boksburg Community Clean-Up Project

Kruger, however, is not a political figure and did not frame her comments as a call for residents to vote in any particular way.

Instead, she spoke as a resident concerned about the upkeep of her neighbourhood and the role people play in it.

“I am voting. I have voted since I was 18. Many people think their vote won’t count, but it might just be that one extra vote needed for change,” she said, speaking generally about civic participation.

She added that voting should be seen as a responsibility rather than a formality.

“Voting is a privilege. A privilege that people have died for in the past. It’s also your duty for the country you live in.”

Kruger said the BCP’s main challenge is not lack of effort, but lack of consistent financial support from the community.

According to her, only about 10 households out of more than 1 000 in Atlasville currently contribute monthly towards the project.

Because of this, the BCP has had to scale back its work in surrounding areas such as Impala Park and Beyers Park, where contributions were also inconsistent.

For Kruger, this raises a broader question about shared responsibility in maintaining public spaces.

“I live in Boksburg. I feel as a resident of an area, every person is responsible for the upkeep. If the municipality isn’t doing their job, you as a homeowner invested in a community should ensure your area has basics maintained,” she said.

She believes that well-maintained surroundings not only improve quality of life but can also help protect property values and reduce opportunities for crime.

Kruger referred to the “broken-window effect”, explaining that neglected spaces can quickly lead to further neglect if not addressed.

While election discussions often focus on national issues, Kruger said residents should also consider what is happening in their immediate environment and how they can contribute locally.

Also Read: Residents take action to tackle community challenges

“I don’t like getting political, but I think people need to research the party they are voting for and don’t go with the favourite,” she said, adding that people should be informed about the track records of those they support.

However, she emphasised that her main concern is not a political debate, but practical action within the community.

R8 000 needed for a spring clean.

The BCP’s immediate goal is to raise at least R8 000 for a spring clean-up of Atlasville.

The planned work includes litter collection, grass cutting, weeding the vlei, and repairing broken street poles and railings.

Kruger said the group has already stepped in where possible to maintain public spaces.

On Mandela Day, volunteers repaired bridges, painted the playground and gym equipment, removed dead trees and cleaned the local taxi rank.

“If BCP hadn’t been involved, I believe the vlei would be overrun with litter. The bins would be overflowing as the municipality hasn’t emptied them since Covid-19,” she said.

The group has also previously repaired and painted children’s equipment and bridge railings to keep the park usable for families.

Beyond maintenance, the BCP also aims to create small income opportunities for unemployed residents by hiring locals to assist with cleaning, lawn mowing, painting, and general upkeep.

“Your contribution will not only improve the community but also provide income for those who need it,” Kruger said.

The group already employs residents where possible, recognising that not everyone can volunteer in person but may still want to support the effort financially.

The date for the spring clean-up has not yet been confirmed. Residents will be informed through community WhatsApp groups once arrangements are finalised.

Those wishing to assist can contribute financially, volunteer their time, or help with equipment and labour.

Residents can contact Kruger via the Boksburg Community Project’s Facebook page or website boksburgcommunityproject.co.za, or call 079 492 2702.

Banking details:
Boksburg Community Project
Standard Bank
Account number: 301048886