Bon 3 residents transform suburb into safe and thriving community

Bonaero Park resident and Bon 3 member Justine Vorster has called the suburb home for 40 years.

Over time, she has watched the area evolve and, through the efforts of ordinary people, become a model of community spirit and safety.

Vorster said the transformation began in 2021, when a few residents decided that enough was enough.

Open spaces were unsafe, overgrown, and littered, and crime rates were high, making parks unusable.

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“Two of our members, Barry and Ralph, took the first big step, they bought a tractor to cut the grass in the field area near the airport.

“From there, a dedicated group of volunteers began cleaning up every weekend, picking up litter, trimming trees, and restoring our parks,” she said.

With growing community participation, the Bon 3 Virtual Monitored Area (VMA) was created.

Supported by Mamba Security, the team installed three number-plate recognition cameras, significantly improving security and reducing crime.

Today, Bonaero Park Bon 3 is considered one of the safest and most beautiful areas in Kempton Park.

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The initiative has achieved:
• Clean, safe parks with swings, climbing frames, and play areas for children
• Spaces for families to picnic, walk, run, and cycle
• Weekly exercise sessions led by Dat Gents
• Regular community events, including vendor markets. The next vendor market is scheduled for 6 September.
• Increased property values, making Bon 3 highly sought after.

Vorster explained that ongoing maintenance requires community support.

“We currently have two gardeners working once a week, tractors that need fuel and maintenance, and ongoing costs for camera monitoring and community upkeep.

“We rely on membership contributions, and the suggested contribution is R145 per month per household. With more members, we can do much more, from fixing potholes to expanding services,” she said.

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Looking to the future, Vorster hopes the model can be expanded across all of Bonaero Park, including Extensions 1 and 2.
“Imagine every corner of our suburb being just as safe, clean, and welcoming,” she said.

Residents interested in joining Bon 3 or starting a similar initiative in their area can email bonn3vma@gmail.com.

“Together, we can keep Bonaero Park a place where families thrive, children play safely, and neighbours support one another,” Vorster added.