Wadeville Action Group drives community renewal with business-led initiatives

The NPO, the Wadeville Action Group (WAG), is taking over Wadeville with community-driven initiatives to clean the neighbourhood.

The WAG has 66 members today, from small businesses to multinational corporations resident in the area, and a growing roster of partners.

This diverse and active group is united behind a single goal of rebuilding and strengthening Wadeville.

In 2023, a diverse coalition of business leaders united with a shared purpose to drive positive change in Wadeville.

Recognising the need for a collective voice, they established the WAG as an NPO that represents the area’s business community and is implementing a programme of improvement and advocacy.

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WAG chairperson Malcolm Moriarty said, “Each member brings value to our mission, contributing their expertise, resources and dedication to our community’s future. Together, we are creating lasting positive change through collaboration and mutual support.

“The WAG’s goal is to ensure infrastructure is well-maintained, advocate for continued water and power supply without prolonged outages that affect the local economy, prioritise safety, and have businesses, residents and employees take pride in their environment.

“Through strategic engagement with local government and community stakeholders, the WAG is creating a platform that amplifies the voices of Wadeville’s business community and drives positive change in the area.

“While litter removal is the most visible part of the WAG’s activities, its responsibilities and ambitions extend well beyond cleaning and greening, and include rebuilding infrastructure, protecting and securing the area, improving services and governance, boosting economic growth and promoting social wellbeing,” said Moriarty.

He said the WAG had partnered with the National Cleaner Production Centre, an initiative of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, to rejuvenate Wadeville. It had also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ekurhuleni Municipality, enabling collaborative progress on service delivery.

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“Regular meetings, sustained pressure and persistent follow-ups are undertaken with the CoE and the local ward councillor to address the ongoing water and electricity challenges in Wadeville.

“These efforts remain crucial in driving accountability and securing long-overdue improvements in service delivery for the area.”

The WAG has initiated an economic study to quantify revenue generated by Wadeville through rates and taxes, losses to businesses from power and water outages, and the impact of delayed investment caused by infrastructure challenges in the area.

“Security and safety is key, hence, the WAG’s security portfolio is scoping the cost of a CCTV camera network and control room.

The WAG is making progress in these matters, but its influence can only grow if its membership expands and partnerships mature,” said Moriarty.

“The NPO’s immediate goal is to broaden its membership from 66 to 120. This would represent 51% representation in the area, which would allow the WAG to access national infrastructure funding to invest in Wadeville’s improvement.

“Our members generously provide their time and resources. Notably, this has included Ardagh Glass Packaging (provision of a vehicle and office space, assistance with financial and communication functions), Videx Mining (vehicle-tracker support, PPE donations and pothole repairs), SA Tube and Honing (PPE donations and operational support), Hyco (water supply for staff and services), Lasher Tools (hand tools and equipment), O’Reilly Industries (manufacturing of waste bins, Macsteel (office and storeroom space, payroll facilitation, vehicle servicing), Krost Shelving (procurement services).

“We want the WAG to be a truly representative organisation, and expanding our membership is an important next step in making sure that the WAG has the mandate and backing to set ambitious goals and sustain vital services, from daily area maintenance to enhanced security measures.

Whether through time, skills, or resources, every contribution makes a difference in Wadeville’s journey forward,” said Moriarty.

“The more businesses that join the WAG, the greater its reach, credibility and impact. If your company would like to get involved, visit info@wagroup.co.za,” said Moriarty.