From filling pot-holes to repainting playgrounds, fixing roadsigns, tree-felling, gardening and general maintenance… the community of Senekal is rallying together to restore themselves, and their small town.
Senekal, South Africa (01 April 2021) – In October 2020 a small town situated on the banks of the Sand River in the eastern part of the Free State province was thrown into chaos but just 5 months later, and the Senekal community is restoring the cracks in their community by restoring the broken parts of their small town.
From filling pot-holes to repainting playgrounds, fixing roadsigns, tree-felling, gardening and general maintenance… the community of Senekal is rallying together to restore themselves, and their small town.
“People came together to tackle problems in Senekal. There are three choices. (1) Complain, criticize, blame and post negative news on Facebook, (2) do nothing and say nothing or, (3) jump in, take part, contribute and DO something. The latter is liberating and good for your soul and community,“ Giel Bekker, chairman of the SMCF control board explains.
And the community has chosen to contribute and do something since the 6th of October 2020 when agricultural leaders and community members protested outside the Senekal Magistrate Court, as the trial of Mahlamba and Matlaletsa, the accused killers of farm manager Brendin Horner commenced.
Protesters stormed the court and a police car was turned over and allegedly set on fire. Gunshots were fired (according to eye-witnesses by the police), stun grenades were set off, court property was destroyed and a police vehicle overturned and set alight. Apparently, the community believe that the crime in South Africa is out of control, and the government is not doing enough to protect us.
Various groups and public figures, including Police Minister Bheki Cele, Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola, Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela and the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union, condemned the occurrences. Their next court appearance of 16 October was once again accompanied by demonstrations from different groups outside the court building.
But that ordeal feels like a lifetime ago and Senekal is rallying together to restore the cracks in their community by restoring the broken parts of their small town and since the start of the project, over 2,300 potholes have been repaired!
The restoration project was created by the community and totally reliant on volunteers to get the job done!
Check out some of the amazing photos here:
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