Meet the chairs in Randburg
RANDBURG – Residents' associations speak out about what they do and if it is enjoyable.
Four chairpersons of residents’ associations have disclosed what their roles entail and whether they enjoy them.
Vandia Gardens Resident’s Association chairperson Kym van Straaten said that her association focuses on security.
Van Straaten chairs meetings, answers phone calls from residents, writes letters to the City of Johannesburg regarding problems, and tries to fairly represent the rights of all residents in the area.
Central Sharonlea Resident’s Forum chairperson Richard Shuttle said that he delegates the different work in his area, but personally helps with security.
Often he and committee member Michael Embleton patrol the area and report suspicious activities.
Randpark Ridge Village Association chairperson Phil Culham said that his job mainly entails looking after the environment in the area.
He and others tend to Hy Many Park, Essenhout Park, and nearby rivers.
Linden Community Association chairperson Leisl-Mae Fourie said that if authorities fail to resolve service delivery and crime issues, her association “sorts them out” within different port folios.
“I am glad to be part of the community and glad some people help a bit,” Van Straaten said.
“It is not that time consuming.” Shuttle said that the best part of his job is the satisfaction he feels in keeping the area crime free and clean.
The worst part is the apathy of residents who do not contribute to the betterment of the neighbourhood. “I enjoy what I do very much,” Culham said.
“SA is one of the most beautiful places to be. If people just looked after it there would be no trouble.” Fourie said that she enjoys her role as chairperson, especially because she works with “incredible people” in a “fabulous community”.
Details: Linden Community Association lindenjhb@gmail.com or Vandia Gardens Resident’s Association www.vgra.co.za or Central Sharonlea Resident’s Forum
082 312 7942; Randpark Ridge Village Association 011 792 7761.
