Emma Park headed in a new direction

To protect both heritage and space for the community to safely come together, a group of residents from Linden and Risidale and surrounds have decided to take ownership of Emma Park and the Voortrekker Monument that features there.

The monument was dedicated to Johanna van der Merwe, a Voortrekker who survived an attack in 1838 despite suffering 21 assegai wound.

After forming the Johanna van der Merwe Voortrekker Monument Association last month, the group already came out to clean the park, collecting bags full of rubbish.

The litter and problem of displaced people in Emma Park are what drove the establishment of the association, chaired by Klaus Weber, who is also the chairperson of the South African War Graves Society.

“The association is in the process to adopt the koppie with the monument and will in future maintain the koppie,” Weber said.

The association was established by a group of people from the area, Die Voortrekkers, and the South African War Grave Society to restore the koppie to its former glory.

Weber said the koppie and monument could be turned into a tourist attraction and family leisure facility that will eventually generate revenue for Linden, Risidale and Montroux businesses. And the help of residents and businesses is very much needed.

The association now needs materials to start work, like fencing the park and renovating the walkway.

Ward 99 councillor, Nicole van Dyk is also in full support of the association’s goals.

“This was started with the core idea to get the community to start utilising this space again, and to take pride in it. My goal as ward councillor is to make sure this happens, creating a safe space where people can enjoy their families and take pride in their public spaces.”

Van Dyk also said the park has become a dangerous spot and it has the potential to become a hub for more danger. But by stepping in, the association might well be the solution.

“This new association is putting forward an adoption agreement to take maintain the koppie.”

Weber has been working hard to let the community and anyone interested know about their project. He has even been interviewed on Pretoria FM.

Listen to the Pretoria FM radio interview here

Chaleen Strydom, the association’s secretary and regional leader of Die Voortrekkers said that she was contacted by a tour group after the radio interview.

“They are planning a route and said that as soon as koppie is finalised, they want to bring tour groups through here.”

Details: Klaus Weber sawgsociety@gmail.com