Communities
Photo Credit: Supplied

An organisation that began in the KZN Midlands has inspired hope and action in communities across South Africa as it rolls out its program to help communities implement tried-and-tested solutions to fix themselves and, ultimately, #FixSA, too.

 

South Africa (10 March 2024) – Led by its founder and CEO, Matt Hogarty, Love Cities is in the middle of a nationwide campaign to onboard community partners to deliver, no vague promises of change, but actual, tangible progress.

“What makes us different is that we started this more than seven years ago, we have tried and tested every program in our toolbox. We have failed in some areas, but we have succeeded in many others. Learning from this gives us an edge. It means we can fast track implementation and impact,” explains Hogarty.

As a network, Love Cities offers its members varying layers of support, mentorship and even, and this is hugely exciting, access to a unique fundraising platform that will generate residual income its members can use to help implement their projects.

Love Cities is a non-profit organisation delivering a national movement for positive change. It believes that for far too long, South Africans have been dependent on politics and found themselves in a position where politics has seeped too far into their everyday lives – active citizenship has been placed on the backburner as communities rely too heavily on government will and ability.

Love Cities is calling on people to put aside their political differences, to leave politics where it belongs in voting booths, parliament and council chambers. Through Love Howick, Love Notties and Love Mpophomeni, it has proven that when South Africans move together, they take ownership of their spaces, and drive the change and progress that is so desperately needed.

“We keep saying government must, municipalities should, but the truth is they are not willing or able to deliver what all our people need – progress and results! So, do we sit back and complain, or do we rise and fix this amazing country ourselves, one community at a time?”

“Think of it this way, if your house is on fire are you going to stand outside and say the fire department must come, even though they are not answering the phone, or do you grab what you can, find hosepipes and buckets, call for your friends and neighbours to help? Decay, corruption, neglect, poverty and unemployment (and potholes) are burning through our country right now. Are we going to let it continue or are we going to grab those hosepipes and buckets?” asks Hogarty.

5 Provinces in 7 Days

In an extraordinary journey that commenced on February 23rd and wrapped up on February 29th, the Love Cities team embarked on a transformative 7-day roadshow, touching the hearts and minds of hundreds across South Africa. From the lush landscapes of Winterton to the vibrant streets of Johannesburg, before winding its way back to KZN, the mission was clear: to share the replicable success of Love Howick and inspire a nationwide movement to #FixSA through community action and partnership.

Spanning five provinces – KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, North West, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng – the roadshow became a beacon of hope and a call to action. In towns like Bloemfontein, Potchefstroom, Centurion, and more, communities gathered in anticipation, eager to learn how they could catalyse change in their own backyards.

Communities

The success of Love Howick over the past seven years has been a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in enacting significant community upliftment. Love Cities is set to amplify this model, proving that when sectors unite, the impact can be monumental.

The highlight of the roadshow was the gathering of minds in various locations, where government officials, academic leaders, NGO networks, and key figures from the private sector engaged in crucial dialogues about forging effective collaborations. The atmosphere buzzed with electricity as discussions unfolded on tackling socio-economic challenges and driving sustainable development. The consensus was unanimous: through teamwork, South Africa’s pressing issues are not insurmountable.

“Our gatherings across the country have been nothing short of inspirational. To see such a diverse group of people, from all walks of life, come together with a shared commitment to our nation’s future has been incredibly moving,” said Matt Hogarty, Founder and CEO of Love Cities. “We have to believe that the collective solutions we carry as a Nation are bigger than the problems we face,” says Hogarty.

The roadshow was not just a series of meetings but a celebration of community spirit and determination. In Pretoria, visionary leaders came together to explore mobilization for positive change. Potchefstroom’s session revealed the keys to sustainable, long-term community transformation, emphasizing Love Cities’ four-pillar approach: Investigate, Innovate, Incorporate, and Invite.

The journey brought to light the incredible initiatives already underway in places like the West Rand and Kroonstad, the latter having won ‘Dorp van die Jaar’ in 2022. Each stop added new partners to the Love Cities family, united by the vision of reviving South African towns and cities.

As the Love Cities Road Show 2024 concludes, the work is only beginning. “With every conversation, every handshake, and every new partnership, we are laying the groundwork for a future where every South African community can thrive. Together, we are stronger, capable of overcoming any obstacle and transforming our nation one community at a time,” concludes Hogarty.

About Love Cities: Love Cities is an initiative aimed at fostering sustainable community development through collaboration and partnership. Building on the success of Love Howick, Love Cities seeks to empower individuals and organizations across South Africa to take action, create safe and prosperous communities, and contribute to the nation’s growth.

For more information about Love Cities and how to get involved, visit the website www.lovecities.co.za or follow on Facebook or Instagram.


Sources: Website Submission
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About the Author

Tyler Leigh Vivier is a writer for Good Things Guy.

Her passion is to spread good news across South Africa with a big focus on environmental issues, animal welfare and social upliftment. Outside of Good Things Guy, she is an avid reader and lover of tea.

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