A Mitchells Plain man has kicked off a five-year-old goal to turn his area into a safe space for residents.
Mikal Bell, 48, launched his Tafelsig Placemaker Initiative on Saturday.
The aim is to create safe and dignified open spaces and allow children to enjoy their childhood instead of having to dodge bullets, he says.
“I’ve been living in this community for most of my life and I’ve seen how the area, in terms of parks and public spaces, have deteriorated,” he says.
“The parks are upgraded by the City, but there is no community input and within months, the parks are damaged and vandalised again.
“Even though it took us six months to get a permit from the City, we waited and on Saturday we started on our first park situated on the corner of AZ Berman Drive and Kilimanjaro Road, which has been a no-go area for months (due to gang violence), and to see people come out and claim back their space was incredible,” says Mikal.
Mikal Bell with some of the kids from his Tafelsig Placemaker Initiative.
Picture supplied
Architects, urban designers, landscapers and mural artists are involved.
“We also had world-renowned mural artist, Mak1One from Mitchells Plain and his crew commence with phase one of the artwork.
“The children enjoyed themselves and could just be children for the first time in months.”
One child who enjoyed himself painting the tyres around the garden said: “We don’t have to stay inside anymore because of the shooting.”
Ward councillor Sheval Arendse donated paint and two benches. “I recommend that more residents approach me and I will support them with relevant equipment to fulfil their dream of making Tafelsig a beautiful area to live in.”
If you would like to join the initiative contact Mikal on 061 973 6762.