Can I borrow a cup of brown sugar?

Scores of residents from Sundowner Ext 7 gathered at the Tourmaline Road Park on 30 October and had fun getting to know their neighbours.

The successful fun event saw children playing and parents also enjoying music by the rock band The Graeme Watkins Project.

The family fun day was organised in an effort to increase the fight against crime through regular communication between residents.

One of the organisers, Michael Frauen said the funds that were raised during the day would go to the formation of a residents association. “Over the past six months, we have seen residents coming together as one community,” he said.

He indicated that the WhatsApp group which was recently set up had strengthened the suburbs in terms of communication. He said they were busy with the constitution to get their association ready.

Since the new ward councillor’s term began, the park has received attention as residents initially complained about its previous state.

The park was allegedly used by criminals as a getaway route through the bridge under Northumberland Avenue. This initially contributed to crime incidents which have since dropped.

“We are raising funds ourselves to put up a fence and the council is set to approve, hopefully before Christmas,” he said.

Ward 134 councillor Wendy Alexander said it was good to see the community together. “It is exciting to see that the City of Johannesburg’s vision of recreational space being used, is finally happening,” she said.

Graeme Watkins, a resident from Sundowner and a member of the rock band, said the event was great for residents to get to know one another. “We are sharing our talent while at the same time we communicate effectively and it helps to get rid of crime in our community,” he said.

One of the residents, Sam Gondwe said things were much better compared to the last time. “Since they started the WhatsApp group, people are interacting now and it has been a great experience to stay in Sundowner,” he concluded.