Centurion community joins hands to restore a piece of its heritage
A community-led restoration project is bringing new life to the Centurion Lake greenbelt, with residents and organisations investing in a space they hope future generations will inherit.
Alan and Beverly Hammond from Friday Club. Photo: Supplied
Residents, businesses and volunteers have joined forces to take ownership of Centurion Lake through a multi-year project to revive the neglected historic area.
The Make Pretoria Great Foundationsays the community restoration project will continue for at least four years to restore local heritage and create a greener environment.
The foundation’s latest step was the planting of 30 trees along the northern bank greenbelt next to the river at Centurion Lake and the restoration of historic features, including the original 1982 monument, on Heritage Day, September 24.
The trees were planted from the original monument near the Centurion Hotel towards the braai and picnic area.
Foundation spokesperson Anel du Preez said the 30 trees represent what the organisation hopes to achieve after 30 years of decay.
“We chose to respond by planting 30 trees, not only as a practical step towards restoring and greening the area, but also as a symbol of growth, renewal, continuity and hope,” said Du Preez.
Members who attended the event planting trees. Photo: Supplied.Volunteers planting trees as part of the initiative. Photo: Supplied
Trees symbolise growth and renewal
The tree planting formed part of a broader restoration effort that began in May, involving volunteers, businesses and community organisations.
A key part of the project is restoring the area’s heritage, including the original 1982 commemorative planning monument, which was restored and unveiled on September 24.
Du Preez said Deon Klingbiel of Remember Me Tombstones researched archives to establish the monument’s original wording before sourcing the rare red granite used on the original monument and reproducing the inscription.
“Rather than simply replacing it with something new, we wanted to restore and honour what was already there and tell its story again,” said Du Preez.
Klingbiel noted the permanent cornerstone monument is still being made and will be unveiled once completed.
Volunteers planting trees as part of the initiative. Photo: Supplied
Four-year plan aims to encourage community ownership
Several organisations contributed to the project, with some providing trees, water and other support for volunteers.
Du Preez said the support demonstrated what can happen when people decide to become involved rather than wait for someone else to act.
The foundation hopes the improvements will change how people experience the space and encourage greater community involvement in the restoration effort over time. According to Du Preez, visible restoration can send a different message about an area that has been neglected.
“This place matters, and the community has a role to play in looking after it,” she said.
The second monument. Photo: Supplied
The original monument that was restored. Photo: Supplied
Restoration work will continue beyond Heritage Day
Du Preez said the foundation intends to continue working with local stakeholders, businesses, volunteers and community organisations throughout the planned four-year restoration.
“Heritage Day was ultimately about more than looking backwards. It was about taking responsibility for what we have inherited and asking what we are going to leave behind,” said Du Preez.
Tshiamo is a junior journalist focusing on community news in Pretoria, particularly in the Centurion area. Tshiamo writes for the Centurion Rekord as well as Rekord’s online platforms.
