Durban's big success tackling drug abuse
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
@SACitiesNetwork @sacitiesnetwork
Durban’s big success
tackling drug abuse
Pioneering approach to substance abuse could be new model for South African cities and towns
[DURBAN]
Located in a refurbished formerly-abandoned com- withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings, giving to respond to this dire situation, and with input and
munity hall, the Bellhaven Harm Reduction Centre drug users a better chance of building their lives out- buy-in from a myriad of stakeholders, were able to
has been supporting narcotic and heroin users to side of addiction. Traditionally, drug rehabilitation move forward with a methadone program for these
overcome their addiction through opioid substitu- processes focus solely on the addiction itself and can shelters. Through the insights and efforts of Marks,
tion therapy to reduce withdrawal symptoms - fail to engage with the broader context of the indi- Wilson, Scott, and Shaun Shelley, of SANPUD
a pioneering form of treatment in South Africa. vidual. Many South African drug users have pur- (South African Network of People who Use Drugs),
sued rehabilitation for their addiction with little to shelters were connected with psychiatrists and the
The center has been the result of a powerful collabo- no success, as rehab facilities require individuals to other medical professionals necessary to safely ad-
ration between different spheres of government, pri- arrive at the centre already clean, and the relentless minister the drugs, while Scott collaborated with
vate agencies, NGOs and academia. The cause has effects of withdrawal can be too much to overcome. SAPS and Metro Police to build a new approach for
been tirelessly spearheaded by Prof Monique Marks how the police could best support the harm reduc-
of the Durban University of Technology, Michael When South Africa went into its first hard lock- tion efforts and ensure the safety of all involved.
Wilson of Advance Access and Delivery, and the for- down on 26 March 2020 the eThekwini Municipali-
mer Deputy Mayor of eThekwini (now Urban Lime ty provided its homeless populations with a network Through Scott’s connections with the private
COO), Belinda Scott. of shelters across the city. sector, the programme was able to secure fund-
Drug users among these populations battled severe ing from FNB and Urban Lime for the provision
The harm reduction approach focuses on meeting withdrawals and often tried to escape the shelters in of costly methadone to drug users entirely beyond
drug users where they’re at, understanding that the search of drugs and relief from their symptoms. The what the local government would have been man-
process of reducing someone’s reliance on drugs is desperate chaos and violence often caused by the se- dated to finance. This group of collaborators also
gradual, and mobilising strategies to support drug verity of withdrawal, made these shelters frightening campaigned for the Department of Home Affairs
users with aspects of their care that have been nega- to live inside and almost impossible to manage to spend time inside Durban’s shelters during the
tively impacted by their drug use. safely. hard lockdown to ensure that each citizen had an
ID book, enabling them to access much needed
Opioid substitution therapy, a key method of the The eThekwini task team in charge of these shelters, grants and other government resources.
harm reduction approach, provides drug users with comprised of politicians, academics, police repre-
doses of medication like methadone, which reduces sentatives, and non-profit organisations, was moved CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
July 2021 Good Hood Stories vol. 1 2
Good Hood Stories: lessons for an
all-of-society approach
M
unicipalities in South The Integrated Urban Development It is an approach where government
Africa are undoubt- Framework (IUDF) is our national has the humility to reach out for help
edly going through framework to drive urban develop- when it is needed. It is an approach
a difficult time. This ment in an integrated and sustain- where communities are treated as
has been particularly true since the able way. It recognizes that govern- partners and not just as constituents.
outbreak of the COVID-19 and the ment cannot do it all, and instead The projects showcased here demon-
multi-dimensional pressures the relies on innovative and collaborative strate that South African cities are
pandemic has placed on municipal- partnerships through an “all-of-soci- still places of creativity, collaboration
ities. Yet even before the outbreak, ety” approach. The projects celebrat- and innovation. It is my wish that the
there has been a growing sense of ed through the Good Hood Stories lessons drawn from these stories can
dissent and unhappiness from resi- campaign, can serve as a blueprint be applied across our urban spaces. Sithole Mbanga
dents towards municipalities. While for what an all-of-society approach CEO
the cause for residents’ discontent might look like. It is an approach As citizens, government officials, South African Cities Network
has no doubt been legitimate, there where government enables the in- businesspeople – young and old –
have nonetheless been cases of ex- novation and energy from ordinary we all have a part to play in the de-
emplary work from all sectors of so- people doing extraordinary things velopment of our city spaces.
ciety that need to be recognised and for their neighbourhoods and cities.
celebrated.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
IMAGE BY MATTHEW GRIFFTHS: LEFT: A nurse measures each client’s dosage of methdaone. Each client works with by doctors and psychiatrists to taylor their journey towards a life less dependent on
drugs. RIGHT: one of the 150-200 clients that come to the center each day takes his dose of methadone.
Moving out of hard lockdown, the currently serves over 500 people. The present within the urban fabric in or- The kinds of partnerships and
methadone program within eThek- centre’s commitment to non-confron- der to have meaningful contact with approaches on display here are un-
wini’s shelters has allowed multiple tational healing enables users of the the drug using population. The precedented not only because of the
users whose addictions had kept space to engage with, appropriate and location near a shopping mall, close to way that each collaborator reached
them on the streets for years to reu- adapt the building and its spaces in public transport services and the inner beyond their usual roles to achieve
nite with their families, access social new and personal ways that respond city has been key in moving towards a goal, but also because of the hu-
grants, build careers and become to their journeys and needs. the de-stigmatization of this group of mility with which all stakeholders
more present parents, friends and people and in fostering their reconnec- approached this project. Witnessing
citizens. Some of them now sit on The Centre is situated along a busy tion with society. a government that was willing to ask
the board of the Bellhaven Harm street, which some may consider a for help in order to serve its citizens
Reduction Center. hindrance, but according to Marks, On a typical day, clients of the center effectively has proved incredibly
having a harm-reduction space locat- spend time doing their laundry, play- impactful, and we look forward to
The Bellhaven Harm Reduction ed here is incredibly important. She ing, dancing, praying indoors and seeing more role-players learn from
Center now serves as a site of perma- believes that because drug use has be- outdoors in green spaces, gardening, this collaborative approach in the
nent provision of these services for come such a large part of urban life, socialising, and taking part in various future.
anyone who needs them, and the Centre needs to be properly art projects.
July 2021 Good Hood Stories vol. 1 5
IMAGE BY OUR FUTURE CITIES: Collage celebrating the Bellhaven Memorial Centre
July 2021 Bellhaven Harm Reduction Center vol. 1 4
PROFILE: MONIQUE MARKS
Professor Monique Marks shares her journey from riding in the back of a police van to
becoming a national advocate for the homeless and drug using population
[DURBAN]
M
onique Marks, who cur- After doing some research on meth-
rently heads up the Urban adone, she discovered its immense
Futures Centre at the Dur- potential as a feasible alternative treat-
ban University of Technology, started ment for those struggling with drug
her career as a trained social work- addiction. After reaching out to Shaun
er, who then expanded her interest Shelley, of the South African Network
further into sociology, criminology, of People who Use Drugs (SANPUD),
security governance and youth move- she got a sense of the very real challeng-
ments. Her current role, as part of es involved in pursuing this course of
the leadership team at the Bellhaven treatment in South Africa; government
Harm Reduction Center began with opposition, stigmas and misconcep-
a genuine conversation and a daring tions around this kind of approach as
step into the experiences of drug users well well as the overwhelming cost of
in our cities. this medication seemed to make the
dream impossible.
Early on in the life of the Urban Fu-
tures Centre, a group of drug users Today, Monique continues to be one
came to speak to Marks about the of the foremost advocates for the rights
human rights city violations that of drug-using populations, and ac-
their community were experienc- tively demonstrates her philosophy of
ing. Moved by their stories, and de- care alongside the rest of the leadership
termined to act, Marks arranged to team at the Bellhaven Harm Reduc-
spend a few nights in the back of a tion Center. Core to the work that she
city police van to observe drug oper- does at Bellhaven is the belief that drug
ations, and to better understand the use and drug users actively shape the
plight of this group. Those that she urban fabric and engaging with the
encountered on these trips, kept men- dynamics of addiction and the jour-
tioning the need for methadone, with neys of drug users is key to building
a firm belief that this would dramati- better, more inclusive and more
cally change their circumstances empowering cities. IMAGE BY MATTHEW GRIFFITHS: Monique Marks standing outside the bellhaven harm re-
Bellville Clinic in a Container wins
International Downtown Award
[CAPE TOWN]
T
he Greater Tygerberg Partner- GTP Chief Executive Officer, Warren The healthcare hub was opened for- The Sha’p Left healthcare hub in Bell-
ship (GTP)) has been award- Hewitt said: “This project is an exam- mally in November 2019 by Execu- ville is an example of how innovative
ed the Downtown Achieve- ple of how the public sector can part- tive Mayor of Cape Town, Dan Plato. thinking and partnerships can help to
ment Pinnacle Award for its work on ner with the private sector to achieve ‘This is an acknowledgement that our ensure that people have convenient
the Sha’p Left healthcare hub in Bell- shared goals. By delivering the Sha’p commitment to finding innovative access to affordable, accessible health-
ville in Cape Town. The award by the Left Nursing Hub in partnership with ways to improve lives for all Capetoni- care.”
International Downtown Association the City of Cape Town, we were able ans is on the right track.
(IDA) is bestowed annually upon to put Cape Town, and Bellville, on “The Greater Tygerberg Partner-
projects which identify improve- the map in terms of global best prac- We will continue in our quest to en- ship’s innovative project received
ments to urban centers by dedicated tice in urban management. We are very hance the urban environment to the IDA Pinnacle Award for set-
organizations around the globe. The pleased with this award and will con- achieve that goal. We all have a role to ting the new standard for improv-
GTP won in the category of Public tinue to strive for the same levels of ex- play for the love of our people, said the ing cities worldwide,” said David
Space Management and Operations. cellence, in partnership with the City City’s Mayoral Committee Member Downey, IDA President and CEO.
and other stakeholders in the future.” for Spatial Planning and Environment, “The Sha’p Left Nursing Hub in
Constructed from three repurposed Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt. CEO Bellville has made an impact on the
shipping containers, the hub provides The centre is run by Sister Mandiswa of Cipla South Africa, Paul Miller, environment and the people who
quality, affordable, accessible health- Swart, a nurse who has taken up the said: “This international award is a live, work and play in the commu-
care to commuters and residents in challenge of managing the hub and to clear demonstration that healthcare nity, and also demonstrates the
the area. It is located opposite the keep operating even during the and urban development go hand in continued commitment to cham-
city’s busiest public transport inter- COVID-19 pandemic. The centre of- hand. pion livable, vital and thriving
change, the healthcare hub is spon- fers primary health care, diagnostic urban centres.”
sored by the Cipla Foundation and testing, eye care and a chronic medi-
enabled by the City of Cape Town. cine dispensary unit.
July 2021 Good Hood Stories vol. 1 5
Skate Park on City land Dumping site
bridges neighbourhood transformed into
divides community garden
by local heros
[JOHANNESBURG]
I
n Braamfischerville, Johannes- Each member of the garden is allo-
burg a local resident Zanele cated a strip of land to grow vege-
Zandile Ndlovu has come togeth- tables and crops and together they
er with 8 other women to form the share gardening tools, seeds and skills.
Thata’Ezakho Women Gardening While some of the women are ea-
Project. Having realised her backyard ger to generate an income from this
garden was not sufficient to sustain initiative, most of what is harvest-
her family or contribute to the wel- ed is consumed by their individual
fare of the community she identified households. In addition, this project
IMAGE BY LAWDEN HOLMES: The skate park is available for events bringing together all members
a nearby open field which was largely contributes to local job creation by
of the Hout Bay community. an informal dumping site. employing the youth to help with the
garden.
[CAPE TOWN] The field was an ideal site for a com-
munity garden and the women soon “This project makes me feel proud
T
he 925sqm Eyethu Hout Bay offering after-school training pro- got to work clearing the rubbish and of my city because it displays and
Skate Park is a community grammes and an emphasis on socialis- installing wooden posts to enclose advocates for active citizenship.
drive and co-designed public ing and spectatorship. the approximately 450 square metres. The women identified issues in
space situated in Hout Bay at the cen- their community and instantly
tre of three divided neighbourhoods. It was developed over time overcom- The women soon discovered that the sought to alleviate them. This is
ing the complexity of privately de- soil there was not ideal for cultiva- largely done without government
However the youth in all these neigh- veloping a public recreation space on tion, but with the help of young men collaboration yet the initiative is
bourhoods share a love for skate- City-owned land. battling drug addiction, they set aside thriving.”
boarding. The park offers a unique the second half of 2020 to dig out the
opportunity for social integration layers of waste that had accumulated Four months after the garden was
amongst its diverse user groups, over the years. started, the Solidarity Fund
approached the women to support
Each member of the garden is allocat- their project with vouchers of
ed a strip of land to grow vegetables R2000 each.
and crops and together
Meet your local hero:
Zanele Zandile Ndlovu
[JOHANNESBURG]
Z anele Zandile Ndlovu was born in 1973, Soweto. She moved to Bramfis-
cherville 16 years ago to live with her sister, a beneficiary of state subsi-
dised housing. She is a mother of two and grandmother to four. mme’Zanele
does not have an easy life, she has been unemployed for approximately 17
years, her eldest son is a drug addict and is living with HIV.
Her day-to-day life mirrors that of the majority of South Africans,
mme’Zanele lives within the context of poverty. Unlike those who suffer in IMAGE BY THAT’A EZAKHO GARDENING PROJECT: Joy and smiles which comes with
silence, she is an advocate for justice in her community. Much of her time working with the land, for and with the community
is spent finding creative ways to survive and uplift others with as little as The women soon discovered that the soil there was less than ideal for cul-
possible. It is with this undying spirit that she began a backyard vegetable tivation, but this did not deter the determined group. With the help of
garden in 2019. After months of producing only enough vegetables to feed young men battling drug addiction, they set aside the last half of 2020
her family, she realised that her backyard garden was too small to sustain to dig out the layers of waste that had accumulated over the years. Four
them or contribute to the welfare of the community. With limited resourc- months after the garden was started, the Solidarity Fund approached the
es, she identified the nearby open field which is largely an informal dump- women to support their project with vouchers of R2000 each.
ing site, as the ideal space for a community garden. Mme’Zanele rallied
together eight other women in the same socio-economic predicament as Zanele’s vision for the project is to involve the troubled youth by creating
herself for the Thata Ezakho Women Gardening Project. a soup kitchen. She believes that nurturing them as they find sobriety can
Together, they cleared the rubbish that had over-run the piece of land, gath- achieve sustainable change.
ered wooden posts and enclosed about 450 square metres for the Project.
July 2021 Langa Bicycle Hub vol. 1 6
Langa Bicycle Hub has big hopes of
improving cycling for all
IMAGE BY OUR FUTURE CITIES: The bicycle hub is currently running out of a container. Mzikhona has plans to upgrade the container and is currently under discussion with the city regarding leas-
ing other available land.
[CAPE TOWN]
W
hen one thinks of the Cape centre of sorts where local youth can Prior to the formation of the hub, “Those relationships to me are so
Town cycling scene, Langa - go to study, work, relax and have fun. Mgedle was involved with the Langa crucial. To one, understand the
one of the oldest townships Safety Patrol, the Langa Community ecosystem and the landscape and
in South Africa - might not be the first The hub aims to be a home for all cy- Action Network (CAN) and Open two, to have he credibility that one
place that comes to mind. However, cling needs. By increasing access to bi- Streets Cape Town. needs.” says Marcela Guerrero Casas,
Mzikhona Mgedle is on a mission to cycles, Mgedle is helping to make the formed head of Open Streets Cape
change that. Mgedle is the founder and citizens of Langa more independently Mgedle has faced numerous challenges Town “We can learn so much from
director of the Langa Bicycle Hub and mobile and connected to the space and obstacles. He has made many ap- people who are doing stuff in their
is working to create a community of around them, as well as providing a plications through the formal bureau- own neighbourhoods...because they
cyclists in Langa. But more than that, space for exercise and recreation. cratic channels in order to formally set understand their environment so
he is creating a community of care by up the hub. While this has been a slow well...it is so much more authen-
using cycling as a means of improved Mgedle’s “just do it” attitude and his and painstaking process, it has not tic and effective at the end of the
service delivery and community devel- deep understanding of community dy- diminished his enthusiasm. Mgedle day.”
opment. namics have been key ingredients for identified a well-located space as part
his success thus far. Mgedle says of the of a local playground and adjacent to Mgedle has demonstrated that effective
Mgedle, or “Mzi” as he is affectionate- hub, “We have created a community of a school which had long been unused community development action can
ly known, founded the Langa Bicycle care,” and the evidence in support of and largely neglected. There he placed and should centre the residents of the
Hub in 2020 at the onset of the Cov- that is clear when one visits the space. a 10m2 container, out of which the area in which development is meant
id-19 pandemic. In a short space of hub now operates. to take place. He has also transformed
time he has managed to create a hub The vision is for the hub to one day be the role of the bicycle. In Mgedle’s
which provides a number of bike cen- a profitable social enterprise, but as of Another ingredient of Mgedle’s success hands, the bicycle is a means of service
tred services including delivering med- now a lot of the work put in by Mgedle is his connection to the community. delivery, community building, safety
icines and food parcels to housebound and his partners is done at their own Mzikona originally hails from the East- upgrading, recreation, exercise and of
patients (in partnership with St John’s expense. Thulani, one such partner, ern Cape but he has called Langa home course, a means of transport.
NPO), bike and wheelchair repairs, makes a living outside of the hub by for many years.
bike rentals, mentorship and skills working for the Red Cross Children’s
training for youth, and a community Hospital’s Child Safety Programme.
July 2021 Langa Bicycle Hub vol. 1 7 IMAGE BY OUR FUTURE CITIES: Collage showing the partners involved in the Langa Bicycle Hub
July 2021 Good Hood Stories vol. 1 8
Q&A with Mzikhona Mgedle
26-year-old Langa bicycle activist Mzikhona “Mzi” Mgedle has big hopes for his Bicycle Hub
Tell us about your life before
moving to Cape Town
MM: So, originally I’m from the Eastern Cape, I
come from a disadvantaged community in the rural
areas. I was brought to this province [the Western
Cape] by my cousin without planning it. When I
came here I didn’t know anything. I worked at Pink
Carwash to pay for my school uniform because I
was in grade 10. It was a tough beginning for me in
Cape Town. I didn’t see how Cape Town was divid-
ed [before coming]. After school I did a marketing
course at NorthLink college. It was then I got in-
volved in Open Streets in a Langa open meeting run
by them. And then I registered as a volunteer on the
day. That’s when I started to fall in love with public
space.
Where does your love of bikes come from?
MM: My first bike was donated by the former man-
aging director of Open Streets. I just tried a bike and
loved it. I didn’t have any bikes in my childhood.
What is your aim with the hub?
MM: I’m trying to run a business in a socially inno-
vative way which belongs to the people.
My aim is to normalise the use of bicycles as a form
of transport in roads in townships. To provide in-
come for people in Langa and to provide the first-of-
its-kind hub in Langa. I would particularly like to see
OUR FUTURE CITIES: Collage celebrating the Langa Bicycle Hub champion - Mzikhona Mgedle
more women and children on bicycles.
Can you describe the hub for us?
MM: We are supporting community kitchens in
our community by delivering food with bicycles for
free. All of this work we are doing with a kind heart
and also with a passion for bicycles. At the start of
COVID we approached St John’s clinic about de-
livering medication to bedridden persons in Langa.
There is also the Bicycle Brigade checking on kids
whose bikes may not be safe and who did all the de-
livery services.to provide the first of its kind hub in
Langa. I would particularly like to see more women
and children on bicycles.
What is your vision for the hub?
MM: The hub will be a cycling home for all in our
community and do bicycle repairs including e-bicy-
cles for local enterprise. I really want to grow it to a
stage where it can run itself.
IMAGE BY MATTHEW GRIFFITHS: Mzikhona Mgedle walks in the streets of Langa with his bicycle. He is advocating for safer road con-
ditions for cyclists in his neighborhood.
July 2021 Good Hood Stories vol. 1 9
Stories of tenacity and transformation
in South Africa’s communities
Belhaven’s series of victories was also promotes greater walkability and can respond, and adjust in the pro-
in part due to the partnership of the the integration of people and busi- cess of pivoting. Overall, we high-
eThekwini metro government and ness within core inner city precincts. light the humanity of the project and
with particular support from the With their important oversight and its emphasis on soft infrastructure
former Deputy Mayor. The South strategic coordination skills, the and building soft skills. In this way,
African Police Force in Durban also Johannesburg Inner City Partnership the community can be managed but
bought into the project, and became is playing a crucial role in getting also empowered.
sensitive to the kinds of struggles this plan off the ground and aims to
that drug users face on a daily basis. leverage off existing inner city urban It is vital to continue sharing and
development and public space promoting inspiring stories of urban
The project has become more than projects. champions steering impactful pro-
RASHIQ FATAAR just a way to engage with drug addic- jects, and how positive change can
Director tion. It has become a shared commu- The Urban Agriculture (UAI) has be facilitated through small actions
Our Future Cities nity space and active placemaking made the business case for rooftop at the local scale. We have learnt of
project. A space of socialisation. A farming in Johannesburg. The Jo- the immense intricacies, complex-
I
recreational space. A space open to hannesburg Inner City Partnership ities and challenges of these Good
t would have been more conven- all within the community. The centre (JICP) understands the value of part- Hood Stories, but also of their po-
ient if urban and community de- has indirectly, and organically, be- nership and coordination and was a tential, their capacity to inspire, and
velopment processes were linear, come an example of placemaking, key role-player in bringing various their tangible positive impacts at the
stable and predictable. But from the spurred by social action. parties together to facilitate the es- community level. In telling and doc-
Good Hood stories, we learnt how tablishment of the UAI. The JICP umenting these stories, we acknowl-
these processes often include nego- The limitless energy and persistence also further facilitated the procure- edge and celebrate the richness in
tiation, sacrifice, agility, active part- in Durban must surely have made ment of funding from the Depart- the research process.
nership and collaboration. In Cape its way to Cape Town on a container ment of Small Business Develop-
Town (Langa), Johannesburg, Gqe- ship because of the youthful energy ment. The question remains how to partner
bera, and Durban, we learned the of Mzikohna Mgedle, a local Langa with the government in a manner
power of collaborative action, net- resident who is promoting a vibrant What we’ve learned from the UAI that provides mutual benefits and in
works of connection, successes, loss- cycling culture, and nurturing the fu- is that there is an invisible layer of pursuit of the common public good.
es, tenacity, and persistence. ture generations by using cycling as parts holding the project togeth- All of the Good Hood Stories under-
an empowerment tool. Mzi demon- er. This layer is the networks of key score the value of partnerships and
From a distance, it seems almost dif- strates a youthful optimism, a com- role-players including the JICP, the a commitment to affect social and
ficult to pull out the individual les- mitment to bringing about positive UAI farmers, Jozi Housing, and ul- economic change. We would love to
sons from each project that we can change in his community, and an timately the markets and end-users see all of these projects be replicated
apply elsewhere across different ur- unjaded view of cycling that has al- where the produce from UAI rooftop in other South African cities while
ban contexts. But a common thread lowed him to take action without the farms ends up. The JICP was able to responding to context-specific con-
between the projects is the digging support from City government or open up doors: of funding, of part- ditions. If local action and leadership
through and unpacking of not only the business sector. He has also sin- nerships and of knowledge to ensure is matched with the appropriate gov-
processes and policies, but uncover- gle-handedly taken the the responsi- the successful incubation of the UAI. ernment and, where appropriate, pri-
ing and celebrating the kind of peo- bility for marketing, promotion and This requires immense expertise and vate sector support, it can catalyse a
ple needed to spur tangible change, advocacy strategies to strengthen his leadership skills, which we highly community action, ensuring sustain-
their leadership skills, and their resil- small enterprise. commend. able and successful precedents for
ience. future urban development projects.
The need for a national movement Our time in Helenvale was a hum-
Timing and the importance of the and agenda to improve walking and bling experience. The case of Helen-
government-NGO interface come to cycling becomes even more apparent vale is not a romantic story. But it
mind when I think about the journey on visits to Tshwane and Joburg. The does show the power of humility.
of Monique, Michael, Belinda and local government in Tshwane high- One of the lessons that came through
the many parts which came together lights a commitment to partnerships is that partnerships need not be stat-
to ignite the Bellhaven Harm Reduc- and international networks such as ic. Also, community development
tion Centre in Durban. The Harm the C40. These relationships have en- engagement and public participation
Reduction Centre illustrates an im- abled the City to capitalize on policy are not linear processes. These pro-
portant collaborative partnership, action and transfer policy plans into cesses include lots of lobbying, lots of
where government objectives align tangible non-motorised transport legwork and negotiation, and relies
with the NGO sector’s goals at the outputs - including the redevelop- onbuilding trust with the local com-
right time. Key to the success of this ment of Solomon Mahlangu Drive munities.
project was the timing of the pan- in Mamelodi to be more pedestrian
demic and the massive need from friendly and also more accommodat- We learnt how the Mandela Bay De-
the vulnerable homeless commu- ing to cyclists. velopment Agency (MBDA) walked
nity in Durban, some of whom are the tightrope between government
dependent on substances, and who Inner City Walkable Network, a pro- agency and community activists.
were in desperate need of shelter ject managed in partnership with the Helenvale therefore reveals how a
and psychosocial support during the City of Johannesburg. This project government agency can be nimble,
July 2021 Good Hood Stories vol. 1 10
University of Venda and Sea Point Library Garden brings
residents together
Municipality Collaborate
to Empower Future City
Planners
[CITY OF EKURHULENI/THOHOYANDOU]
T
he University of Venda (UNI- The collaboration has ensured that the
VEN) , unlike most other University’s planning programme is
planning schools, is located in now accredited by the South African
a predominantly rural setting (Tho- Council for Planners (SACPLAN),
hoyandou, Limpopo) far from any the statutory body for planners in
large cities. To ensure students gain South Africa. Upon graduating with
exposure and experience with city the planning degree and gaining the
planning in an urban context, the Uni- necessary experience, graduates will be
versity has collaborated with the City able to register as Professional Planners
of Ekurhuleni (CoE). with SACPLAN.
Students gain a practical insight into This collaboration is mutuallu benifi-
theory as 1 week of the semester if the cial. The University has also offered
3rd Year Bachelor of Urban & Region- to assist the City’s registered planners
al Planning (B.URP) takes place in the to meet certain requirements of the
urbanised metropolitan area, of the Continued Professional Development
City of Ekurhuleni. (CPD) program of SACPLAN.
The first few days are spent orientat- “Start small and build a sound
ing the students to the City and the foundation for your initiative, ob-
planning policy environment. There tain support from key role-players
is tehn a focus on a particular project and structure your initiative in a
area which involves a detailed site visit manner that will result in win-win
andsurveys with the community. Of- benefits for all parties involved.”
ficials and lecturers then review stu- says Matin Bekker.
dents proposals for their precinct. Lat-
er in the year a full written document
is submitted for final assessment by
their lecturers.
IMAGES BY MATTHEW GRIFFITHS: TOP: Some children playing on the newly painted mu-
ral; BOTTOM: The Sea Point and Gugulethu CANs have collaborated to share plants, resources and
knowledge. The result has been an impressive food garden.
Q&A with Warren Hewitt
What are two major lessons learned through the Sha’p Left healthcare
hub?
WH: Partnership is critical to progress.
Which challenges did you face working with diverse partners?
WH: Relationships between siloed departments can be a challenge, and the
ability to navigate and connect the various relationships was key to unlocking
this project.
What advice would you give to other changemakers who are thinking
Warren Hewitt about starting a project like yours?
CEO, Greater Tygerburg
Partnership WH: Never underestimate the importance of being able to move in the spaces
between relationships and stakeholders. The GTP plays an important role as a
Cape Town
connector and facilitator and it is this role that helped to make this project a re- IMAGE BY WARREN HEWITT: A pa-
ality. And finally, maintain a strong hold on the vision and find as many routes tient recieving an eye test, one of the many ser-
vices on offer at the the Sha’p Left healthcare
through your ecosystem to help drive the vision to become a reality. hub in BellvilleJuly 2021 Bellhaven Harm Reduction Center vol. 1 11
R6 million for safer school
walking routes in Helenvale
[GQEBERHA]
H
elenvale in Gqeberha has one “The agency is fairly small...but it’s got
of the highest levels of gang a lot of agility to do things a lot quick-
activity in the Eastern Cape, er than a municipality can typically do.
and young children walking home It’s able to move a lot faster and con-
from school are often caught in the clude a lot more partnerships with dif-
crossfire when gang violence occurs. ferent entities and community organi-
sations that the municipality struggles
To ensure a safer way home, the Man- to do,” explains Debbie Hendricks,
dela Bay Development Development Operations Executive at the MBDA.
Agency (MDA) launched its Safe
Home-To-School routes through its The routes were designed to prioritise
Helenvale Safety and Peace Through and encourage use by children and in-
Urban Upgrading (SPUU) initiative. corporate fun themes like play, music
and poetry. Through the community
Through research and a masterplan de- engagement process, some Helenvale
veloped as far back as 2014, the MBDA residents created mosaics which were
identified three main routes for inter- used to help decorate the routes and
vention based on which were most the poetry used to decorate the route
used and most likely to be affected by was authored by local children.
gang violence.
The project brings together volunteers,
The R6 million allocated to the new parents and SMMEs in innovative
routes form part of a myriad of other ways and relies on community coop-
SPUU built environment and psy- eration to keep these routes and spaces
cho-social programmes to tackle major safe for children.
challenges in the area. Some of these
challenges include unsafe schools, do- For more information visit ww.mbda.
mestic violence, youth unemployment, co.za
waste management and a lack of career
opportunities and skills.
While the project was paused in 2017
due to gang intimidation and threats,
the construction of the routes are well
underway currently, with the majority
of the project complete.
TOP: IMAGE BY OUR FUTURE CITIES: Collage celebrating the Helenvale SPUU project champions - Debbie Hendricks and George Jerry; LEFT: IMAGE BY OUR FUTURE CITIES: Children sliding
down the walkways with make-shift toys. RIGHT: IMAGE BY MBDA: A plan showing the proposed safer school routes which are heading towards completionJuly 2021 Helenvale vol. 1 12 OUR FUTURE CITIES: Collage showing the partners involved in the Helenvale SPUU
July 2021 Helenvale vol. 1 13
Helenvale SPUU Project
Champion: George
Eldridge Jerry
[GQEBERHA]
George Eldridge Jerry is a lifetime Jerry sees himself as a servant to the
community activist and social facili- people. And he values all citizens of
tator who has been working with the Helenvale as community members,
Mandela Bay Development Agency even those who are members of gangs.
(MBDA) for over eight years with When speaking on the gang violence
a focus on the Helenvale Safety and that is so prolific in the are he says,
Peace through Urban Upgrading
(SPUU) project. Throughout that “We are not here to stop gang vio-
time his main goal has been to create a lence, that’s the job of the police.
space where the voices and activism of Through our programmes we hope
the people of Helenvale can be valued that gang members or young peo-
and supported. A space that the peo- ple would be enticed to participate
ple themselves see as valuable and that in the programmes. So it’s kind
can serve as a catalyst for change. of a more indirect approach. They
[gang members] are not separate
For Jerry, developing the physical space from the Helenvale community.
is useful but it is not the most essen- Having faith in the people and hav-
tial element of community building ing trust in the process is for me
and social development. He sees the key.” IMAGE BY MATTHEW GRIFFITHS: Mr Jerry talks us through the ins and outs of being a so-
community - and their relationships cial facilitator for the Helenvale SPUU programme
with each other and with institutions Jerry played a key role in establishing
of power - as the key element to the the Helenvale Programme Advisory
work of the MBDA and the Helenvale Committee (PAC) (later the Helenvale
SPUU. Development Forum (HDF)). The The creation of a community repre- George Jerry is ultimately a man who
forum was created as a non-political, sentative forum is one of the key learn- places the community and the cen-
“So whatever we are doing in psy- community representative forum. It ings identified by the SPUU and an tre of all his work. He makes sure to
cho-social [work] was identified by exemplified the social contract process idea which they feel could and should treat all community members equal-
the community. Understanding, in which characterises the work of the be implemented elsewhere. Jerry notes ly, as complex, full human beings who
the bigger picture, you need to deal Helenvale SPUU and helps bridge the that this might not look the same should be given the opportunity to be
with the social ills if you want to gap between the community and the everywhere saying, “as a social facilita- active participants in the development
MBDA allowing for clear communica- tor you need to be able to adapt to the and running of their area.
tion between two groups. social conditions that prevail.”
LEFT: IMAGES BY OUR FUTURE CITIES: The multi-purpose hall at the Helenvale Resource Center. RIGHT: MATTHEW GRIFFITHS: The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, where community stakeholder
engagement meetings were held on neutral territory when the project was threatened to be ground to a halt as a result of gang tensions.July 2021 Urban Agriculture Initiative vol. 1 14
Transforming Joburg’s
inner-city one rooftop farm at
a time
Thanks to the JICP, Joburg’s inner-city rooftops have become sites of sustainability and
transformation
[JOHANNESBURG]
In the heart of Johannesburg’s in- Prior to this initiative, urban agricul- Each of the UAI’s farms are run by of recognising people,movements
ner-city neighbourhoods, the Urban ture projects in Johannesburg had young, independent business own- and actions that are already making a
Agriculture Initiative (UAI) has trans- largely been experienced as unsustain- ers who have graduated through the difference, and partnering with these
formed 11 rooftop spaces into a net- able and unprofitable and were not WIBC programme. The partnerships initiatives to further extend their effi-
work of productive farms with the aim understood as a feasible long-term en- with WIBC and the DSBD, are driving cacy. As David van Niekerk, CEO of
of empowering and elevating budding deavour. The JICP aimed to shift this the creation of future-focused agricul- JICP explains, “The most important
businesspeople while actively address- by creating a role for corporate social tural jobs in the city, and are equipping thing is relationships - get govern-
ing food insecurity. investment within urban agriculture, young people with the skills to grow ment, the city and your property
and adopting innovation technolo- this innovative farming practice even owners together and start talking
In neighbourhoods like Hillbrow, gy and financial sustainability into further. about it”.
Doornfontein and Braamfontein these its business model in order to achieve
farms have been the brainchild of the what is referred to as “the triple bot- The UAI is structured so that all pro- The involvement and leadership of an
Johannesburg Inner City Partnership tom line” in sustainability: economic duce from its independent farms is entity like the JICP, which over the
(JICP). The JICP works to facilitate empowerment, social empowerment packaged and distributed from one years has built up strong relationships
growth within the city through col- and financial sustainability. central kitchen, which helps to boost within multiple different branches of
laborating with local government, the market accessibility and customer rela- government, the private sector, the
private sector and other city stakehold- While the UAI has established 11 hy- tionships. This approach allows these nonprofit sector and the broader Jo-
ers. In partnership with groups like droponic farms and a seedling farm, smaller-scale farms to sell to large re- hannesburg community, means that
Wouldn’t It Be Cool (WIBC), who the goal is to have 80 farms by the year tailers and restaurants and assists them this enterprise is able to draw on the
nurture and train young entrepre- 2025. This kind of hydroponic, inten- to transport produce more conven- insights of many different stakeholders
neurs, property management compa- sive farming not only saves enormously iently. The Urban Agriculture Initia- when charting its course forward. The
nies like Afhco, and the Department of on water, but also makes important tive hopes to continue expanding their involvement of these varied perspec-
Small Business Development (DSBD), strides towards more sustainable, fu- number of rooftop farms, extending tives from the project’s conception
who provide support with the train- ture-orientated farming practices. their work into the food processing also allows the initiative to impact the
ing and start-up costs for these farms, Small-scale food security solutions like industry, and identifying existing farm- city space and population in many dif-
amongst others, the JICP has sparked this bring affordable, healthy, and lo- ing enterprises that they can support ferent ways, moving beyond simply a
new ways to innovate with our city cally and ethically grown produce to with skills, market accessibility or other food-focused initiative to one which
spaces, and has transformed underuti- the city, and demonstrate that small agricultural resources. incorporates small business develop-
lised areas into zones that shift this city businesses are able to take the lead in ment, urban regeneration, carbon
towards more sustainable living. sustainable urban living. One of the fundamental principles emission reduction, environmental
that carries throughout its many pro- sustainability and so much more.
jects across the city is the importance
IMAGES BY OUR FUTURE CITIES: LEFT: The Hydroponic set up at one of the 11 roof top farms in the inner city of Johannesburg. RIGHT: Makgole Lekgau, the farm manager who oversees the eight farmers
working on the roof top farmsJuly 2021 Urban Agriculture Initiative vol. 1 15
Q&A with Brendon Marten
How young farmers and property owners are joining forces in Joburg’s inner-city
Brendon Marten
Project manager, UAI
Johannesburg
How did the relationships between What does the training and devel-
property owners and farmers devel- opment of farmers entail?
op?
BM: Young business people work
BM: The Johannesburg Inner City across multiple different UAI farms for
Partnership (JICP)’s strong existing a year, gaining experience, and learning
relationships and history with the Jo- from their fellow farmers. Once they
hannesburg Property Owners’ Associ- have proven themselves to be reliable
ation meant that the UAI was able to and dedicated, the UAI contracts them
communicate the necessary specifica- and their new business to run one of
tions for rooftop gardens to this group, the rooftop farms. Over the next 2-3
and then the property owners came years the UAI supports the new busi-
forward and offered buildings that fit ness with seedlings, distribution and
those specifications.These spaces were marketing to help the business build
offered free of charge, with the only its reputation. Once the business has
costs being the use of the building’s built up a strong track record of finan-
utilities. Property owners recognised cial feasibility, the business becomes
this as an initiative that would revital- independent from the UAI incubator.
ise the city, and for many whose build- With the accumulated finance from
ings serve low-income communities, their first few years of farming, the
the prospect of nearby job opportuni- farmer is now able to conceptualise, de-
ties for their tenants was seen as a large sign, set up and operate their own, en-
benefit. tirely independent, facility. They then
have the choice to continue to access
Once suitable properties had been the market relationships that the UAI
identified, what were the next has built and sell their produce under
steps? this banner, or to build their brand in-
dependently.
BM: The UAI then signs a lease agree-
ment with the property owner, and How does the UAI support farmers
sets up the necessary infrastructure on to get their produce to market?
the building rooftop so that farming
can begin. BM: Both through the programme’s
agro-processing agency, who also work
How are the UAI farmers first on marketing and engagement with
identified? produce retailers, and through actually
taking produce through the city and
BM: Through working with partners visiting restaurants and retailers to de-
like Harambe, who work to help indi- liver samples and build connections.
viduals with career development, the The UAI also supports their agro-
UAI identifies individuals who have an processing facility - AFGRI, through
interest in working in the agricultur- providing seedlings for their sustaina-
al sector, and brings them on to learn ble food security programme.
more about rooftop farming.
IMAGE BY OUR FUTURE CITIES: Collage celebrating the Urban Agriculture InitiativeJuly 2021 Good Hood Stories vol. 1 16
classifieds
AFFORDABLE, DURBAN: LAY A SOLID FOUNDATION IS YOUR COMPANY LOOKING TO LETS COME TOGETHER TO CREATE A
ACCESSABLE HEALTHCARE FOR ALL FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE TRANSITION TO RECYCLED MATERI- BETTER NELSON MANDELA BAY
• ALS? CALLING ALL BUILT ENVIROBNMENT
• Chronic medication Collection • HOLISTICALLY FOCUSED EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS TO THE
• Eye Tests FOR CHILDREN AGED 0-6 • SUPPORT 120 EMPLOYESS
• Healthcare consultations • REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISISONS
AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION
NELSON MANDELA BAY BUILT
JOIN BIG BRANDS SUCH AS UNILEVER, TI- ENVIRONMENT PROFESSIONALS
INKANYEZI ECD CENTRE GER BRANDS AND SERIOPLASTS FORUM
VISIT Sha’p Left Nursing FOR MORE INFO: • ARCHITECTS
Hub
ENROLL NOW • TOWN PLANNERS
https://www.oxfam.org.za/what-we- • SURVEYORS
do/programmes/saving-lives-build-
Belrail Rd, Bellville Cape Town WORLD PLANNING ing-resilience/ JOIN TODAY
DURBAN: COMMUNITY HALL MONTH CAPE TOWN: COME SHRED!
AVAILABLE FOR USE LANGA JOIN THE CYCLING
NOVEMBER 2021 WORLD CLASS SKATING FACILITIY IN
• YOGA/EXERCISE CLASSES LOOK OUT FOR THIS YEAR’S EVENT
REVOLUTION HOUTBAY. BOOK SKATING EVENTS, OR
COME AND ENJOY SKATING THE BOWLS
• RELIGOUS GATHERINGS FOR MORE INFO ON PARTICIPATION OR • LEARN 2 CYCLE
• MUSIC VENUE ATTENDANCE VISIT • BUILD A BIKE 4 EVERYONE GET INVOLVED @eyethu_houtbay_
• THEATRE PRODUCTION • BIKE 2 WORK skatepark
https://www.ekurhuleni.gov.za/ • BICYCLE DELIVERIES
• BICYCLE BRIGADES
JHB: CALLING ALL SPAZA JOHANNESBURG: CALL FOR
BELLHAVEN FOR MORE INFO: GARDENING SUPPLIES
SHOP OWNERS
MEMORIAL CENTER JOIN OUR NETWORK OF SPAZA SHOP
https://www.facebook.com/Langabi-
cyclehubing-resilience/
• SEEDS
• COMPOST
TRADERS AND THEIR DEPENDENTS. • GARDENING TOOLS
FOR MORE INFO: https://www.face- • ANY OTHER SUPPLIES
• GET A NEW LOOK FOR YOUR STORE
book.com/pages/Belhaven-Memorial-Cen- • JOIN OUR E-COMMERCE ECOSYSTEM HELENVALE: COUNCILLING
tre/344141619066643 • BECOME A PART OF OUR COLLECTIVE SERVICES OFFERED 10 unemployed women to are help im-
BUYING SYSTEM prove food security and environmental
• COLLABORATE WITH
OTHER TRADERS
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, GENDER-BASED protection at the THAT’EZAKHO WOM-
AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, WOMEN’S EN’S GARDENING PROJECT
ABOUT 45000 PEOPLE LIVE IN MAKERS • GET ACCESS TO SKILLS TRAINING DIALOGUES.
VALLEY. MANY OF WHICH HAVE BEEN • AND MORE
NEGATIVELY IMPACTED BY COVID-19.
VISIT THE HELENVALE RESOURCE DONATE NOW
FOR MORE INFO: CENTER TO FIND OUT MORE FIND OUT MORE:
HELP THE MAKERS http://www.khonala.co.za/
JHB: LOOKING FOR FRESH
inolofatsenglekaba@gmail.com
VALLEY PARTNERSHIP MAHIKENG: CALLING YOUNG WOMEN PRODUCE? VENDA: BECOME THE NEXT PLANNER
OF OUR URBAN FUTURE
SUPPORT RESIDENTS JOIN OUR NETWORK OF SUPPORT FOR
YOUNG WOMEN HYDROPONIC-GROWN PRODUCE ON
THE ROOFTOPS OF THE INNER CITY. PRACTICAL IMMERSIVE CURRICULUM
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE MAK- SUPPORT SMALL SCALE FARMERS AND IN COLLABORATION WITH THE CITY OF
ERS VALLEY PARTNERSHIP AND FOR MORE INFO: THEIR DEPENDENTS. EKURHULENI
DONATIONS VISIT: https://www.facebook.com/
RiseYoungWomensClubs/ FOR MORE INFO: https://urbanagri- ENROLL NOW: https://www.univen.
https://www.makersvalley.org.za/ culture.co.za/support/ ac.za/
Thank you to the teams of: Contributers
Mandela Bay Development Agency Kayla Hana Brown
Johannesburg Inner City Partnership Sithole Mbanga
Langa Bicycle Hub Rashiq Fataar
Bellhaven Harm Reduction Centre Kathryn Byrnes
Tshwane Department of Transport and Roads Brooke Leaf-Write
Urban Futures Centre, Durban University of Technology Warren Hewit
Zandile Zanele Ndlovu
The communities of: Vicky Scheffel
Durban Martin Bekker & Gerard MacCarron
Helenvale Matthew Griffiths
Langa
Tshwane and mamelodi Edited by:
Braamfontein, hillbrown and the johannesburg inner city Kayla Hana Brown
Rashiq Fataar
Research Kathryn Byrnes
Rashiq Fataar Jessica McCormack
Jessica Mccormack
Kathryn Byrnes Design
Kayla Hanna Brown Jessica McCoramack
PROJECT BY PRODUCED BY WITH SUPPORT FROM:You can also read
