There’s a movement taking root in South Africa’s suburbs… and it’s all about local action, shared pride and transforming communities for good. Edenvale is the latest to join in.
Edenvale, South Africa (16 June 2025) – Something exciting is happening in South Africa. While headlines might often focus on what’s going wrong, there’s a powerful movement quietly growing in our suburbs, bringing people together, cleaning up our communities and proving that change starts right outside your front door.
And now, there’s a brand new “Better” making waves in the East Rand.
You may have already heard about Better Bedfordview or Better Fourways, Better Linksfield or Better Senderwood… and now, Better Edenvale has officially joined the growing Better Neighbourhoods family, and with it, a renewed mission to uplift, improve and care for the community.
Better Edenvale is not entirely new; it’s the evolution of the Edenvale City Improvement District (ECID), a dedicated group that’s been making steady improvements in the area for years. But now, they’ve rebranded, refocused and reignited their mission by joining the “Better” movement.
“Remarkable improvements have been achieved by ECID over the years. Now it is time for a change and for a new, community-building collaboration,” says Mark Verhoogt, Chairperson of Better Edenvale. “We are delighted to align ourselves with Better Neighbourhoods and help to achieve a shared vision to improve South Africa, one suburb at a time.”
The new chapter officially launched at a feel-good event hosted by Mugg & Bean at The Verge Shopping Centre, where local businesses, property owners, and community members came together to celebrate this fresh start, and a shared belief that we can make our towns better, together.
What does Better Edenvale actually do?
Better Edenvale is a volunteer-led, apolitical nonprofit that works to clean, uplift and maintain the Edenvale central business district and surrounding streets. With funding from local businesses, property owners, and residents, the organisation is focused on creating cleaner, greener, safer spaces… from Horwood Street to Voortrekker Avenue and all across the Eastleigh CBD.
Their work is about more than just rubbish removal or fixing pavements. It’s about pride, care and showing up for your neighbourhood. It’s about creating places that feel safe, inviting and full of possibility. Not just for customers and residents but for employees, families and future generations.
“A clean, safe neighbourhood makes a business more profitable,” says Mark. “Customers prefer shopping, dining and doing business in areas that are clean, safe and inviting. It’s also good for employees — happier, healthier employees are more motivated and productive.”
Why being part of the Better Neighbourhoods family matters
By joining the Better Neighbourhoods network, Better Edenvale now has access to a collective of like-minded changemakers. That means shared knowledge, collective bargaining power, more visibility, and a stronger voice when it comes to holding municipalities accountable.
“The unified Better Neighbourhoods brand is growing and gaining recognition across communities,” explains Mark. “The power of the shared brand provides a stronger sense of recognition and trust across communities. It also gives all the Better Neighbourhoods NPOs a powerful collective voice to demand better service, greater accountability and transparency from the municipality.”
It’s about people. And people are showing up.
Better Edenvale is entirely run by volunteers. People who give their time, skills and passion without expecting anything in return. People who believe that change doesn’t only come from the top down, it also comes from neighbours coming together, rolling up their sleeves, and doing what they can.
Mark also made sure to thank Mugg & Bean at The Verge for supporting the launch and donating delicious snack platters for the day. It’s small moments like that which show just how strong the Edenvale community already is.
Want to get involved?
If you live in Edenvale or own a business in the area, this is your invitation to join in. Better Edenvale is asking for support, whether that’s through funding, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.betteredenvale.org.za or email info@betteredenvale.org.za. You can also follow the movement on Facebook: Better Edenvale.
Because when neighbours care, communities change. And the more, the Better.
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