Scout earns two prestigious Cord awards after decade-long gap

Every morning on her way to school, Hoërskool Jeugland learner Rorisang Mashego and other learners face the chaos and traffic caused by potholes on Christoffel Street, prompting her to raise funds to repair them.

Mashego said it is frustrating to see teachers get stuck trying to enter the school and watch transport drivers swerve across the road to avoid damage, which causes additional traffic.

She has personally seen many cars get damaged by these potholes and it’s getting dangerous for everyone.

ALSO READ: Park Pipe Band honours Baden-Powell at Scout celebration

Her main goal is to get the whole stretch of road fixed, especially the worst sections, which have potholes about five to ten deep.

“It’s a huge problem for everyone in the neighbourhood; for residents, the trapped traffic makes it so hard just to leave their homes,” said Mashego.

“For us learners, we get stuck in that mess right outside our school and end up being late and getting demerits. Motorists also constantly risk damaging their cars and for pedestrians trying to cross, it’s dangerous because you have to decide between dodging a pothole or a car.”

There is no exact date for when Mashego will start her project as she is still raising funds and looking for sponsors. Norkem Park CPF Sector 1 has offered assistance.

ALSO READ: Kempton Park scouts celebrate major wins at Baden-Powell Parade

Mashego is focusing on raising enough funds to start the project around the Hoërskool Jeugland area, but her first goal is to tackle the potholes on Christoffel Street.

For the materials and equipment, the learner will need supplies like tar, asphalt with water and compacting tools to flatten everything out and ensure a smooth surface.

“I would love for residents and local businesses to contribute a small amount of R10 or more to help fund the materials, or time they can spare to help with the repairs,” added Mashego.

“Donations of materials would also be appreciated to support this initiative.”

According to Mashego, she approached the ward councillor, who referred her to CPF Sector 1 chairperson Willem du Plessis, who has supported her initiative and offered sponsorships to help with the repairs.

Mashego is grateful that her plan and vision were taken seriously. She was initially worried that her age would keep people from taking her seriously, but she felt supported.

ALSO READ: Norkem Park residents demand urgent action over vandalised Scout Hall

“I want this project to be proof that when communities work together, we can truly fix the problems in our neighbourhoods. By uniting our efforts, we can make our school and community safer and better for everyone.

“I also want to encourage other young people to get involved and show them that just because they are young, it doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of making a massive difference.

“I am not working with any formal organisations yet, as my initiative is completely student-led and supported by local residents and community members,” Mashego continued.

Norkem Park CPF Sector 1 chairperson Willem du Plessis said Mashego contacted him and Sector 1 was impressed to see a young learner identify a problem in the community and take action.

The CPF believes community safety is about more than crime prevention. Road safety is also important, so the sector decided to support the learner in turning the idea into a project that can make a real difference.

“Our role will mainly be to support and assist the learner by helping to create awareness around the project and reaching out to residents, local businesses and other stakeholders who may be willing to sponsor materials or contribute towards the project.

ALSO READ: Kempton Park Scouts celebrate outstanding achievers

“We can also help connect the learner with the relevant people and organisations. We want the learner to remain the driving force behind the initiative while the CPF helps open doors and bring the community together behind it,” said du Plessis.

Du Plessis added that potholes are not only an inconvenience; they can become a serious road-safety risk, especially at night, in bad weather, or when motorists have to swerve suddenly to avoid them.

And all this in front of a big high school. This initiative is therefore about making the roads safer while also showing what can happen when young people and the community work together.

“With Ekurhuleni running short of tar, this can make a big difference,” added Du Plessis.

ALSO READ: Kempton Park Scouts call for sponsors to support young Cub Scouts

“We would really like residents, businesses and other stakeholders to support the learner, whether through donations, materials, equipment or simply helping to spread the word.

“Even a small contribution can help. Most importantly, we want our young people to see that when they take initiative and try to improve their community, the community will stand behind them.”
For more information, contact Rorisang Mashego on 071 528 6310.