AfriForum makes headway in clearing overgrown areas in Centurion
The neighbourhood watch team addressed a 34 000 square meter field in Bodo Road, Valhalla, among other areas.
Since the beginning of the year, AfriForum Centurion has cut an impressive amount of overgrown grass and cleaned up parts of the area.
This ongoing effort has been a hands-on initiative aimed at improving the community’s shared spaces.
Afriforum Centurion branch spokesperson André de Bruyn reflected on their work and noted that the team has been focussed on cleaning various areas since January.
“One of our first projects this year was in partnership with Khiev, the homeowners’ association in Kloofsig, where they tackled a large, overgrown area on the corner of Kloof, Maitland [Avenues] and Livingstone Road, in Lyttelton Manor.”
De Bruyn explained that the momentum continued throughout January and into February, with teams tackling other spots in Centurion.
These included clearing an overgrown yard on Starling Avenue in Wierdapark, cleaning up at the Polslag Voortrekker Centre in Glover Avenue, De Hoewes, and addressing a 34 000-square-meter field in Bodo Road, Valhalla, near the old post boxes.
He added that there were some challenges in cleaning the field on Bodo Street.
“When we arrived, we saw homeless people sleeping in the field.”
He urged residents in the area to report similar spaces to the branch to ensure that they can maintain these areas more effectively over time.
De Bruyn also shared the history of the branch’s efforts, which began a couple of years ago.
He recounted how the branch started its first project, which involved clearing a 6.4-hectare park in Valhalla.
“Back then, the team invited community members and garden services to lend a hand.”
Since those humble beginnings, the branch has steadily grown its capabilities and purchased equipment including brush cutters, chainsaws, robust Kudu lawnmowers, and even a tractor with a heavy-duty slasher.
“With time, we started to buy our own equipment, and we picked up speed as the community joined in to help,” De Bruyn said.
Today, the branch operates with two vehicles, trailers, and a team of 12 men who are permanently employed to clean areas across Centurion.
De Bruyn noted that in 2024 alone, the branch cut 40 hectares of grass and collected 58 tonnes of garden waste from parks, open spaces, and overgrown fields.
Image: Supplied
He urged residents to join their efforts and help expand their operations by building neighbourhood teams, each equipped with its own vehicle, trailer, and tools.
“There is a lot of work outstanding in Centurion, and we are definitely not going to sit on the porch. Be the change you want to see,” he said.
Residents in the area have expressed their gratitude for the work done by the AfriForum Centurion branch.
Some residents in Centurion have praised the branch for its efforts.
Mary Peterson, a resident of Wierdapark, said the work the teams have done since last year has made a big difference.
She said some parks and roadsides look completely transformed.
Image: Supplied.
“When there is overgrown grass in these areas, it’s easy to forget their beauty. It’s so nice to see the progress that has been made.”
Ethan van Tonder, who lives in Valhalla, expressed his appreciation but also pointed out an ongoing concern.
“I’m glad they are taking this initiative. The work has been impressive, especially in areas that needed attention.”
He added that there is still a lot of overgrown grass in other parts of Centurion,” he said.
Van Tonder emphasised he hopes the branch will receive more support to expand its efforts even further in the coming months.
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