WATCH: Bouquet Street residents spruced up their surroundings

The notorious Bouquet Street in Rosettenville is now a breath of fresh air after its community came together to clean it.

This street was infamously known for crime, prostitution and drugs. The community partnered with Guardian Angel Security (GAS).

Steve Dwarika from GAS said after one community member was shot and killed during a hijacking in Bouquet Street, the community called a meeting and devised ways in which they can take back the streets from criminals.

“In a meeting, it was said the street needs to be clean. I’m glad that everyone is on board, helping where they can. There were almost 10 bakkies full of rubbish after the cleaning effort. Recyclers were invited to take whatever they can use,” he said.

A drug house that was burnt years ago is being flattened and the community decided to use it as a playground for the children. The owner hasn’t come forward to claim it.

Some of the community members met with Southern Courier on August 15 to share their contentedness with the progress they have made.

Daniel Mangesha said: “There is a big difference on our street, no more dirt and foreigners selling drugs.

Prostitution was the order of the day here. I am happy that the area is crime free now.”

Dan Nhlapo added that as the community they are trying to help fight crime and drugs. “We are going to patrol here every night, pick up papers and I’m glad that everyone is involved,” he said.

James Tshabalala, who has been a resident of Bouquet Street since 2014, said at first he regretted buying a house here.

“We raise children and the situation was not conducive for that. I mean police would come and hang out with these foreigners who were selling drugs and promoting prostitution.

“Cars were racing up and down like crazy. After that shooting (hijacking) we came together and acted. It took us two days to clean this area. We didn’t get help from anyone, we pay taxes but we are neglected. I am proud of this community because we can now sleep peacefully,” he said.

Khathrine Ntuli noted that they found this place in the worse state. “I’ve been here for 10 years. And this place had been deteriorating, however, the community showed that people shall govern.

“The government has neglected us. There used to be women and men who clean streets but not anymore. I believe it was God’s timing that the shooting incident united us,” she said.

Another community member, who wanted to be anonymous, said they want to challenge other communities to follow suit. “We can’t wait for the municipality to act. We demonstrated that we can do it ourselves. Children can now happily play in the street.

“I’ve been living here for over 20 years yet I didn’t know my neighbour. This has helped us to unite. We invited the councillor, but he didn’t come. We are like a forgotten community. At least we have found our voices. Thank you to Steve from GAS, he is our hero,” she said.

Ward 56 Clr Michael Crichton said he didn’t recall being invited to the clean-up. “I received a call from a resident asking if the city could assist with picking up some of the bags, which I felt was a reasonable request. If I did miss one of the residents’ calls, I humbly apologise. I would not have intentionally not answered their call. I receive a lot of calls every day and unfortunately, I’m not always available to take the call but try to get back to everyone.

Some missed calls may fall through the cracks.

“I would like to congratulate the residents of Bouquet Street for their clean-up. They have done a fantastic job and would encourage residents of other streets to take up similar initiatives,” he said.