A local businessman is taking the well-being of his community into his own hands and hopes that others in the area will follow suit.
Nick Swart and his business partner Chane Marques recently opened a unique dry-cleaning business on Conrad Drive and hope that they will be able to start somewhat of a social revolution in the area.
“There is a positive vibe in this area. Positive people see the world differently and if that positivity spreads, it can be powerful,” said Swart.
Swart admitted that in recent years, businesses have been leaving the area and there has been an ongoing steady decline but is certain that with the right input, it can be turned around.
“There are crime issues in this area but I believe that if we all work together, this can change. We need to create a collective voice and work together to create change that will then spread throughout Randburg, and even further.”
So what needs to be done? Swart’s plan is simple. First and foremost, security needs to be enhanced. His idea is to harness the potential workforce of homeless people in the area. “We provide work for them, as car guards and so on, and secure our neighbourhood at the same time. If people feel safe, they will return.”
Next, Swart believes that the community needs to come together and create a more powerful collective voice with which to approach council with issues. “We need to speak to for example, JRA about how busy the road is, and what can be done about it.”
After this, Swart sees the inclusion of local security companies with could set up base in the area, put up cameras and patrol.
“The truth is that if every business works together, and does whatever they can; if we all think outside of the box, we can create success that will spread far and wide. At night, this area is dark and dangerous. I have put up some lights. There is potential for other businesses here to create further employment and grow this little economy,” he said enthusiastically.
He further suggests empowering young people with entrepreneurial flair. “Take people who know how to get the job done and who have an entrepreneurial spirit and grow and guide them into creating their own businesses that will support them and later create further employment. We need to think beyond ourselves right now.”
Swart said that these small, new SMMEs would rely on others for a while and would be able to share services which otherwise would not be viable, if done alone. “This is a model with merit that will change lives and families. If we put in the effort to upskill others, it’s up to them to use the skills – some will, some won’t. But either way, you tried.”
Marques spoke of a post-lockdown reawakening. “People use this park all the time – they are excited to be out and about and to be outside again. There really is a positive vibe happening here that we can use to rebuild.”
Marques and Swart believe that they have a unique business that will grow and they want to bring the community along with them. Their laundry service makes use of world-class computerised equipment, and is green, as far as possible. “We are different. This is a busy area with good exposure. We have what we need to be successful,” concluded Swart.
Details: www.whistleclean.co.za
