Be the change you want to see

A PROPERTY company encourages community members, especially property owners, to be actively involved in community clean-ups. Spreading this message of encouragement are Tyron Smith and Ryan Eatwell who are real estate consultants at Wakefields Real Estate in Kloof.

This is after the duo embarked on a clean-up initiative called Trash Tuesdays a few weeks after they discovered that Inanda Road needed a solid clean-up. “We decided, why shouldn’t it be us who get the ball rolling? We set up our bright yellow station at 06:00 on a Tuesday and began the clean-up. Now, every single Tuesday morning – public holidays included – we are there with brooms and bags, so much so, we’ve become familiar faces to all those who drive, cycle, run and walk by,” they said.

Also read: More members join Keep Hillcrest Beautiful Association

The duo said for them, it’s primarily about not complaining, but rather doing – about spreading the word through action and hoping others will take up the baton. “Whether it’s in Inanda Road or any other road in any other suburb, be the change you want to see. Clean up and feel the difference,” they said.

They further highlighted the importance of clean-ups as this affects property value. “Our property values are directly linked to the cleanliness of the area in which we live. It’s a fact. By getting involved in turning that around, we have the power to be change-makers.

“If you’re a property owner, you’ll know that a clean street is not only a source of pride and a better place for your family to live, but the reverse undoubtedly affects property values. When it comes to property, perceptions are a major driver. Litter, an untidy verge, and an unkempt local park taint the perception of your property and inadvertently says something about the people who live in that road. Unfair, maybe, but it’s a fact. Prospective buyers don’t analyse who’s responsible for the general degradation of the area; they just see the area’s demise. Beyond the unsightliness, it hints at a downward slide. A good-looking, neat and clean street contributes to this – your major asset,” they said.

Also read: Clean up, Green up

They encouraged the community to snap out of the blame game and be the change they want to see. “Negativity is draining – no, we’re not confusing it with realism – but it’s not helpful or even healthy. Look around – it’s always easy to identify those community members, colleagues, friends and even strangers who always get up and show up when something needs to be done, for the greater good. They’re the ones who, no matter what, put their hands up for others.

Forget about the blame game – get out there, drum up support from your neighbours, and commit to a clean road or neighbourhood. Done consistently, even in small bites, it’s astonishing what can be achieved together.”

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