Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Group strives to lead change
FROM hustling drugs on street corners to keeping the streets of Bonteheuwel clean, a group of five teenagers have inspired their community by turning away from crime and launching their own maintenance business.
The business was officially launched a month ago, following 11 months of intense planning. The eager group stated what began as a maintenance plan for one block in the community has since grown in demand. The group now aims to maintain the entire proximity of Bonteheuwel and teach others to do things never been done before.
Dillion Jongbloed said that after years of illegal activities, crimes and drugs, he decided to change his life and put effort into positive opportunities.
“For a long time, I did not want to live in Bonteheuwel because of all the violence and the culture of crime. I wanted to leave and live somewhere else. It wasn’t until I realised that I was a part of the problem and decided to change my ways. “I looked at all the violence and drugs and realised that’s not what I wanted my children or the next generation to grow up in. I want the kids to see that you can be different. I want to be the change I want to see in my community.”
Keenan Williams believed that everyone has a purpose in life. He said most kids who grew up in Bonteheuwel never left and fell into a bad stereotype and lifestyle. “I want all children on the Cape Flats to know that where you come from does not define you. We are defined by the choices we make.”
Williams said it was up to all the youth to actively take part in breaking down the negative stereotypes and images portrayed about their communities.
Dylan Eley, Shakeel Wittle and Riyaaz Christians said that aside from washing bins every Thursday, the boys offer additional maintenance work, including painting, cleaning property and walking dogs. The boys, who all live in the same street, expressed their love for soccer. They play soccer every week at a local school and would be grateful for donations, sponsorships or equipment to fix the soccer field as sports play a vital role in youth development.
The group is also open to any corporations or businesses keen on funding their project or partnering with their business as it would play a role in community-based work and create employment for the youth of Bonteheuwel.
Mentor to the boys, Shuaib Sayhn, said the main objective of the business was to instil basic financial literacy and an entrepreneurial mindset within the youth. “We hope to register a business banking account that will allow investing in buying the Shell garage and upgrading it to a Basic Needs Centre to compete with the spaza shops, retaining capital in the community for longer and reinvesting it into the economy.”
“We would also like to host learners from the area interested in work readiness programmes.”