A growing change in the village

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With an abundance of tall canopying trees, ample vegetation and a lush atmosphere of greenery, Kloof is renowned for its old-world charms and exotic gardens. But what about its upkeep?

For the past 11 years, one group of proudly Kloof residents has been on a mission to actively revamp and maintain the ‘heart of the Upper Highway’ proving that a good blend of like-minded, working and retired, individuals (each with their own set of unique skills and experience) who are dedicated to putting in the time, can do great things.

While residents who are unaware of The Kloof Project might mistakenly believe it is the municipality in action, Get It decided it was time to highlight how this organisation, with the support of a few lovely local businesses, is transforming what they call ‘Their Little Village’. What they have achieved so far is nothing short of admirable.

‘What started with an idea and just a handful of interested individuals back then, has grown to a fully-fledged committee serving a wide scope of activities as a registered NPO with a Section 18A tax certificate. Looking back at photos of ‘The Village’ taken in 2009, it is hard to believe the transformation,’ says the secretary, Sandra Wickee.

All in their quest to maintain home values, have a business district that the public is proud of and encourage the conscious decision to shop and support local, the organisation ensures that much of  ‘The Village’ enjoys a fortnightly brush cut and makes sure the verges and lawns are kept neatly trimmed. Gardens are weeded and maintained by three paid gardeners with the wages financed by donors such as families, local businesses and organised fundraising events.

While the plan is to also improve the Village Road stretch with businesses along the route sharing the cost of fortnightly neatening up, focus also lies in beautifying the surrounds by planting hundreds more trees and maintaining indigenous beauties. In the past three years close to 800 trees have been planted by the organisation. Additionally, the committee plays an active role in helping oversee brush-cutting and the eradication of invasive alien plants along the new railway bicycle trail.

‘If everyone chipped in the sky would be the limit as to what we could achieve. Our sincere hopes are that every Kloof resident will be encouraged to commit to a weekly litter, gutter, weeds and debris check of just their own verge. This could literally transform the neighbourhood in a month! There are so many ways residents can get involved. If you see litter as you walk or jog, pick it up and toss into a nearby bin. Start your own ‘I love our verge’ campaign, draw up a family (or neighbour’s too) action plan,’ says Sandra.

With international landscape and nature-lover Chris Dalzell as the chairman, his wide net of contacts and tireless efforts with the garden team ensures the vicinity is a place where residents feel happy and inspired to drive through at the end of a workday. As the former curator of the Durban Botanic Gardens, and with 37 years’ experience, Chris’ dream has always been to create a ‘village in a garden’ for Kloof residents to proudly call their own.

Looking ahead, there are tentative ideas to introduce a mini skateboard park zone and an outdoor fitness zone to provide Kloof residents, of all ages, with more reasons to enjoy outdoor activities in their immediate surrounds. In order for these concepts to be developed though, donations of appropriate building products, services by business and residents offering skills and/or monthly donations are vital, says Sandra.

Residents can sign up for a My Village card, or adjust their existing one to include The Kloof Project as their beneficiary. Register via [email protected] for a free quarterly e-newsletter, follow weekly posts on Facebook: The Kloof Project, and feel free to post pictures of any cleaning or greening you participate in.

‘The more people who share in our vision and passion, the more we can effect positive change,’ said Chris.

Details: Sandra on 083 312 6654,  Instagram account: @thekloofproject.

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