On Sunday 25 February, between 9am and 2pm, Observatory, Salt River, Woodstock and District Six will become a car-free gallery for residents and visitors to enjoy Open Streets.
The theme for the day is “Coming together to create solidarity around the water crisis”. It will be an opportunity for citizens to engage in constructive conversation and action about how we can all work together to reduce our water consumption. This will be in the form of playful activities, creative showcases and simple discussions.
Open Streets is citizen-driven and all activities are organised by volunteers. This event is free to the public. From live graffiti to a reading corner for children, the street will become a playground for people of all ages.
Maria Mvungi from Sun-kissed Salsa said, “Our initiative was born at Open Streets in Obs back in 2013, and we are always thrilled to invite the public to dance in the street. Salsa is the type of dance that bridges cultures and ages, and we are excited to be part of this citizen-driven initiative.”
Visitors can enjoy various activities and performances, WWF South Africa will host a ‘Water Wise Hub’, the Cape Town Science Centre will host a ‘Hack the Water Crisis’ event, ActionArte Foundation SA will be putting on a circus/theatre performance around the theme of water, and Miss Earth South Africa and Explore4Knowledge will co-host the ‘WATER Cape Town’ awareness campaign. The City of Cape Town will also have water-saving information available at the Open Streets information booth.
“Open Streets is a great way to with engage each other on important issues in Woodstock and Salt River. We will be holding an advice assembly on the street where tenants and occupiers facing eviction can drop in and get support and solidarity. There will also be some fun activities to get to know your rights,” says Maxine Bezuidenhout from Reclaim the City.
It’s not all fun and games! Open Streets is also for community expression.
If you are want to see Cape Town residents come to life, pack in some bicycles, skates or just some comfortable shoes and stroll or ride the 3km route of the M4 (Main, Victoria and Sir Lowry Road).
For more information on Open Streets, contact: [email protected] or 072 214 6736
Picture: Facebook
