“Die Moot Projek” in Pretoria is run by a community, working to keep their neighbourhood beautiful and uplifting people in the process.
Pretoria, South Africa (27 February 2023) – A community in Pretoria came together over the weekend to clean up an open space of land that was overgrown, had a rundown cell tower used as a drug den and a drainage system that was overgrown and flood-prone.
The “Die Moot Projek” was launched by members of the community, as a way for people to give back and to keep their community functioning. They undertake various projects which would otherwise be left undone. From cleaning sidewalks and clearing trenches and drain systems to prevent flooding, to adding colour and excitement to open spaces. The volunteers and community members have been working hard to make each project impactful.
“Our approach is theoretically founded by the Broken Window Theory which was applied with great success in New York in the USA. In short, it means that if the small things are fixed and maintained first, the big improvements will automatically follow in time. The theory also assumes that neat areas give an indication that the residents of the area care and are aware of what is going on around them and this in turn leads to reduced crime levels.” – Die Moot Projek
The latest project saw the teams paint a stunning mural on the side of a run-down cell tower and adding a lock wall, so people could “lock in” their commitment to keeping the environment clean. They worked on the field between Nico Smith Street and Terblache Street east of Codonia Avenue in Môregloed.
To make the area a productive one, they planted several fruit trees, which will be available for public picking.
Hundreds of people contributed, whether by volunteering or donating resources. The whole project has been a beautiful one and will go a long way to serving the community! They still plan to add a bridge, for easier access to the now beautiful cell tower and lock wall which is now being called the Moot Lock House.
“This is now a building that symbolizes freedom for the residents of the Moot.
If you agree with the following, feel free to visit the #MootLockHouse:
I pledge to:To treat my fellow South Africans with compassion, integrity and respect at all times and to look after and keep my animals safe as well as to nurture and keep my environment clean.
Steps to follow when you get there:1) Read the enterprise/”pledge”.
2) Only if you agree with the content of the “pledge” and to follow it, take a photo against one of the butterfly walls by standing where your body forms the body of the butterfly (a symbol of Freedom and located on the east and west sides).
3) Attach a padlock to one of the panels attached to the north or south side of the building as a symbolic gesture of your company.
4) Throw the lock’s key through the slot on the north side.”
You can find out more about “Die Moot Projek” via the website and Facebook page.