Centurion residents transform neglected areas into beautiful gardens

Residents in Eldoraigne and Rooihuiskraal North have taken pride in their communities by transforming neglected areas into beautiful gardens while tackling illegal dumping spots in the process.

This initiative, driven by the residents, not only beautifies the neighbourhoods but has also fostered a sense of unity and responsibility among them.

Diana Dean, who spearheaded the creation of the garden at the Eldoraigne Library, reflected on the project that started around eight years ago.

“We just wanted to make the area beautiful so that even when people drive past, it looks nice,” she recalled.

She said the initiative aimed to ensure the ward appeared clean and well-kept.

Dean said it was a community effort that saw residents donating plants and materials to bring the vision to life.

“As the garden matured over the years, it started to look nicer.

“We didn’t exactly know what we were doing at first, as this was the first garden made in the area.”

Kobus Coetzee is another resident making waves with his efforts on Frederik Street.

In 2022, he turned his attention to a filthy veld plagued by overflowing dustbins.

“This was an issue that was close to my heart as I had walked this exact route for many years on my way to school,” he shared.

Coetzee said he approached the local high school’s principal and board with a solid plan and quotes in hand for a donation towards the project.

“My vision and plans for the area were well received. The board and principal were excited about my vision and wanted to support me as an ex-learner of the school.”

The area was subsequently cleaned of rubble, and new kerbing and dustbins were installed.

Indigenous plants and trees have also been planted.

“The cleanliness, neatness and security of the area have greatly improved.”

Coetzee said the transformation has drastically reduced littering and crime, making the area safer for school children who previously faced the risk of being robbed.

“I would like to thank the school, councillor Billson and the Eldoraigne community for their selfless assistance in furthering the safety of the school children and the community as a whole,” he said.

Anette Cronje took responsibility for a garden on Edwards Street, which initially started during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

After two previous caretakers did not finish the project, she stepped in, ensuring the garden remained clean and well-maintained with community donations.

“The community has been donating yearly towards it and we make sure the garden looks clean always.”

Gillian Coetzee shared the story of the garden at Estcourt Park, which was reclaimed by residents of Wierda Park 2 and Rooihuiskraal North.

She said it was allegedly littered and overrun by vendors who had taken over the space illegally.

“We started to clear the space and slowly but surely got ahead with a cleaner ground to start the garden plan,” she explained.

With support from a local hardware supplier, the community received truckloads of compost, and two dustbins were purchased through donations to AfriForum.

Coetzee said a freshly painted signboard now marks the garden’s entrance, and volunteers from Brushstrokes helped paint the wall.

“After two years of hard work and dedication, the park is now filled with trees, shrubs, and plants donated by residents and councillor Billson.

“The park is now basically developed, we need to keep it looking good,” Coetzee emphasised.

Fred Serfontein, who leads the Hendrik Verwoerd Street Garden, started his project in 2018 by planting trees and watering them twice a week.

He faced some challenges, particularly the need for a nearby water source to keep them alive.

“The nursery school next to the garden used to help water the garden,” he said.

“We tried to make the garden look nice, but when you are without water, it makes it difficult because you can’t always wait for the rain, which might take months to come, leading to the plants dying.”

In Nicator Drive, Maxi de Villiers said she saw an opportunity at a dumping ground when she moved to Rooihuiskraal North four years ago.

Finally taking the initiative last May, De Villiers said she found joy in working with her neighbours to create a garden despite facing challenges.

“Although we faced some challenges at times, it was nice working together with the community and we even made friends,” she said.

Billson said the gardens are an active measure to stop urban decay while pulling communities closer together.

She said all of the areas that currently have gardens were unkept or dumping sites.

“We are creating a new garden later this month at the corner of Hendrik Verwoerd and Theuns van Niekerk streets.”

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