THE Clarendon Neighbourhood Watch aspires to do more than simply tackle crime in the area.

Recently the members along Clarendon Road took the initiative to begin beautifying their neighbourhood.

In addition to cleaning and maintaining the neighbourhood’s verges (in between the municipality’s scheduled cuts), they also adopted the spot of land on the corner of Clarendon Road and Eastview Road from council, and have begun upgrading the little corner into an area the community can enjoy.

Through these efforts they have also provided additional income to a local gardener, Xolani Madlala (25).

“Most residents have been in full support of the project, and we have been collecting R100 per month from the members to pay for Xolani’s assistance. Everyone has been complimenting his hard work and the progress of the project,” said the watch’s new chairperson, Denise Masson.

Madlala is employed once a week, during which he maintains the verges and plants donated to the adopted spot.

“The community has been extremely generous. We would wake up in the morning and there would be a bunch of plants donated by one of the members. The neighbours surrounding the adopted spot have also allowed us to use some of their water. We have also never been in need of compost or black bags. Another resident has offered to install a floodlight in one of the trees, which will make the corner much safer at night,” she said proudly.

Since the initiative started one resident has also hired Madlala for additional gardening. He is hoping that more people will provide him with additional employment.

Madlala told the Northglen News that he was grateful for the income provided by the watch, as he was the breadwinner of his family. Prior to the initiative he had struggled to make ends meet.

“I live with my brother (15), two sisters (18 and five) and Gogo (62). She is a pensioner and only receives a small amount from the government. This job has helped a lot,” he said.

Residents have also donated shoes and clothing for Madlala. Masson said she hopes that the initiative will have a ripple effect within the community and inspire other roads to follow with similar projects.

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