Business and property owners along Old Pretoria Road have launched a new initiative aimed at restoring the area to its former glory and ensuring that one of the key entry routes into the City of Mbombela (CoM) remains clean, safe and attractive.

The newly established Old Pretoria Road Improvement Initiative Forum is a collective committed to improving this important alternative entrance to the city.

Interested parties are invited to make a monthly contribution of R1 000 to assist with labour, diesel, maintenance, and other operational expenses needed to keep the area clean and safe.

The forum has partnered with We Care 4 Nelspruit (WC4N) and AfriForum to carry out maintenance and improvement projects in the area.

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These partners contribute labour, tools, products and resources to help create a safer environment and a more appealing experience for customers and visitors.

According to WC4N founder Pastor TJ Maré, the initiative was born out of a shared desire among stakeholders to uplift the area amid concerns that the CoM was not doing enough to maintain it.

“The businesses are taking ownership of the area where they operate. Most areas in the city are deteriorating, and they want to prevent that from happening here and ensure the area remains clean. We agreed that the cleaning will continue on a weekly basis because the property owners want to ensure the area remains attractive,” said Maré.

He said stakeholders are planning a number of additional improvements, including better lighting and enhanced security measures, as well as beautification and landscaping projects along the route.

Maré also expressed concern about illegal informal trading, food stalls and vehicle repair activities taking place along the road, saying these negatively impact the image of the area.

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“We have realised that the CoM is not doing enough to keep the area clean. Those who are affected are not going to sit and wait. Instead, they are using their own resources to ensure the area is properly maintained. They want to create a beautified gateway to the city for both visitors and residents,” he said.

Forum member Kobus Jacobs said the initiative aims to upgrade the area, support business growth and create a better environment for customers, employees and the broader community.

A small team of local businesses and residents has already begun implementing improvements.

These include repainting street furniture, removing illegal posters and unauthorised traders, cutting grass, refurbishing pavements, repairing and maintaining potholes, improving the general appearance and upkeep of sidewalks, increasing security visibility and addressing prostitution-related activities in the area.

“Every business counts, every action matters. Let’s take pride in our streets and build a better future together,” said Jacobs.

He added that the project’s vision extends beyond Old Pretoria Road and includes connecting routes such as Kiepersol, Hardekool and Plankie streets, as well as Stinkhout Crescent.