Cape Town - After the successful restoration of a notorious public walkway in NY 57 in Gugulethu by residents – previously used for criminal activities – the Ithemba Walkway project now wants to reinstate more public walkways in the area to foster safety.
The passages that connect different units of the area are mostly used by the residents, but had over the years been taken over by gangs who use them as hideouts, where bodies are dumped, people are robbed, women are raped, and where stolen cars are hidden.
The Ithemba Walkway, in trying to reverse this, has started a GoFundMe account to raise funds that would go towards painting, paving, and planting trees and flowers in the walkways.
Ten walkways have been identified for rehabilitation into what the Ithemba Walkway project said was a beacon of hope, a space where the community can be empowered and rejuvenated.
Project co-ordinator Xolile Ndzoyi said the recently restored NY 57 walkway was covered with household waste as it was used as a dumping site.
A woman was murdered in that walkway with countless victims, especially schoolchildren falling victim to crime as it was next to Nobantu Primary School, he said.
“These are mostly used as short cuts but are often the most neglected and dangerous public spaces in the city.
“We hope to make this walkway not only attractive and safe, but as a tourist destination where outsiders can visit our neighbourhood to witness the joy of a colourful, vibrant environment.”
Ndzoyi said the walkways can contribute to social cohesion and stimulate economic development in the area with local handicrafts and commodities prepared by locals.
“The iThemba Walkway is a catalyst community-driven project demonstrating active and responsible participatory development opportunities in Gugulethu township.
“More rehabilitated walkways will give the Gugulethu community a sense of security and well-being,” he said.
Nobantu Primary School principal Winnie Nkuhlu said before the rehabilitation of the NY 57 walkway, every morning many learners would enter the school crying as criminals, who used the
place as a hideout, would rob them of their food and money. “We are grateful for the project and hope they take back these public spaces from criminals, and ensure that they not only clean them out but also maintain them,” she said.