The City of Cape Town had spent over R4 million on recent upgrades to the Rondebosch Library, while renovations took 16 months to complete.
However the CoCT failed to allocate funds towards the improvement of the perimeter itself, Cape {town} Etc reports. As such, residents of the Rondebosch area alongside others came together for a ‘planting session’ to bring a little life to the library’s surrounds.
The ‘planting session’ took place on Saturday, 14 December and participants included Rondebosch residents, the GSCID Cleansing team with support from some homeless individuals too and the Rondebosch CPF.
The team has also committed to help water the area until next year’s rainy season begins. Several donations of succulents / aloes along with higher quality soil were received, to aid in the launch of the project. Ward 59 Councillor, Mikhail Manuel, has given permission and has further commended the idea. Before and After shots of the project have been included below.
The Rondebosch Library is part of the 1829 Rondebosch area, which is not part of the Rondebosch Belmont Zone, however members of the public noticed the neglected perimeter and wished to give it some care.
The groundwork / soil was prepared on Thursday 12th December 2024 by individuals who fall part of GSCID’s Homelessness Programme.
The planting took place on Saturday 14th December 2024. Community members from the 1829 Rondebosch area, Belmont Zone and Rondebosch CPF Members attended and those who couldn’t make it, coordinated their plant donation drop-offs.
Mr Ivor Manuel is GSCID Cleansing’s Manager, is a highly respected member in the community. He has always gone out of his way to try to improve neighbourhoods, in every sense of the word. Mr Ivor Manuel attended on his day-off to support the initiative.
The cherry on the cake is that it rained on Thursday night and Sunday too – after planting. ‘Couldn’t have wished for better timing’ stated a coordinator of the project.
This Rondebosch library planting initiative serves as ‘a light-hearted manner’ of building cooperation and understanding within the community.
It may be small and indifferent, but might make a difference to someone’s well-being, especially to the vast elderly community who visit the library regularly.
Before:
After:
Also read:
Picture: Supplied
