Since the residents of Riebeeck East met with Ward 3 councillor, Zamuxolo Peter to discuss the future of a property in town called the Mooimeisiesfontein, Riebeeck East resident Cary Clark says she had already previously submitted a proposal for the property to be utilised as a community centre.
Since the residents of Riebeeck East met with Ward 3 councillor, Zamuxolo Peter to discuss the future of a property in town called the Mooimeisiesfontein, Riebeeck East resident Cary Clark says she had already previously submitted a proposal for the property to be utilised as a community centre.
Three weeks ago the residents had heard that the Department of Social Development was intending to lease the property for use as a home for children who are in conflict with the law. At the meeting Peter confirmed that the department had asked to lease Mooimeisiesfontein from the municipality but that it’s not a "done deal" yet. Some residents objected to the plan, fearing for their safety while others saw potential job opportunities arising from the initiative. Peter responded by saying that the property has been "a white elephant" for a long time and people are objecting without having brought forward any concrete ideas.
However, Clark says she had brought forward the idea of using the building as a skills development centre and she had brought it to Peter’s attention a while ago. "I had typed up a concept note showing ideas of what we would like the property to be used for and as far as I am aware, it has reached the mayor’s office quite some time ago and definitely long before we knew about the prison story." The note was apparently given to Peter who then handed it over to the Director of Local Economic Development, Riana Meiring who then passed it onto the mayor’s office.
Clark accompanied by fellow resident, Yolande Delport arranged a number of meetings with Meiring and other staff members of the LED. She says they had also held a workshop with the community to identify what skills are needed. "By this time we had arranged for someone who has a lot of experience setting up these kind of projects and getting necessary funding to attend the workshop which he did with some of his staff. They came all the way from Oudtshoorn to attend and see if the project would be viable," she added.
Clark says they were positive to go ahead with the plan which was strenghtened by support from some local property owners "who were very keen to get involved and who flew down from Johannesburg to attend meetings."
Clark and Delport’s vision is to restore the old orphanage and hold arts and culture workshops and assist members of the community with their agricultural project. "The people could then open a shop to sell the fresh produce at prices that the people could afford and we could open a traditional restaurant and encourage tourism, display crafts and have all kinds of workshops," said Clark. They are also planning to get one or two vehicles which could be used for a driving school as well as transporting the local soccer team.
They are also planning to set up computer training facilities and basically bring in whatever skills the youth require to get them ahead and keep them off alcohol and drugs. "The buildings could be used for conferences and help to generate funds for the community. The ideas are endless," she added. Councillor Peter was contacted on a number of occasions but could not be reached for comment.
