The South Coast community launched “Tidy Towns Shelly to Margate” as a way to restore their beautiful coastline and get everyone involved in the process.
Shelly Beach, South Africa (11 April 2022) – The South Coast community are taking over the care of their beaches by replacing the paving and pathways, cleaning the beaches and grassy areas, and replacing the wooden poles to keep people off the dunes.
Reg Horne started the initiative, and it has been embraced by the entire community and local businesses as well.
United communities have the ability to overcome the odds because they stand together through the hard times and celebrate when times are good. The Tidy Towns initiative has become a beacon of light within the community and sees many people getting involved in uplifting the community every week.
While individuals are playing a vital role in the restoration and cleanup projects, it is the local businesses that are putting their money up to make sure the towns stay tidy, and while they are at it, they are creating small pockets of employment for people in need.
Many will argue that the Government has a duty to provide these services as that is was taxes are for, but the reality in South Africa is that service delivery is seriously lacking. While many complain, others take action. The Tidy Towns group have established a relationship with their local municipality and is working towards bettering the community together, filling in the gaps where the municipality is unable to help.
“We are a group of dedicated volunteers, trying to make our South Coast, Shelly Beach to Margate, the Tourism attraction of KZN.
We are committed to making a difference in the lives of those who need a place in our community, and with their help we are turning the tide on dirty streets and beaches.
We are not in this for any other reason but to see the community rise and our local tourism flourish.
We are working with our municipality and we both have a vision to make the South Coast a paradise which improves employment and quality of life for all.” – Stephen Herbst
Initiatives like Tidy Towns Shelly to Margate are not new, but they are always inspiring and go to show what a little bit of effort and civic duty can accomplish.
The group on Facebook is made up of around 4,000 people but goes beyond social media and touches so many lives. If you live along the South Coast, you can join in and help via the Facebook group here.
