With towns, just as with people, first impressions count. Right now Grahamstown is coming across as a dirty, dishevelled, dysfunctional individual whose friends and family have given up on them and whom no one really wants to sit next to. Let alone come back and visit.
With towns, just as with people, first impressions count. Right now Grahamstown is coming across as a dirty, dishevelled, dysfunctional individual whose friends and family have given up on them and whom no one really wants to sit next to. Let alone come back and visit.
However, a group of Grahamstown businesses and institutions believe our town not only can be rehabilitated, but must be, in order for it to thrive. And they’ve pledged to do their bit to help.
Among those at a problem-solving meeting at the Graham Hotel on Monday 7 December were representatives of the local business forum, the University, Makana Municipality, the tourism and hospitality industry and the National Arts Festival.
The meeting was convened under the banner of the Creative City project – an initiative that aims to promote Grahamstown as a flagship for arts and culture in South Africa and to stimulate the creative economy.
Formally adopted as part of local government’s growth and development strategy, its cornerstone is a partnership between Makana Municipality and the National Arts Festival, backed by funding from the European Union.
According to a 2013 study, the National Arts Festival contributes R90 million to the GDP of Grahamstown through direct and indirect spend, job creation and tourism, and an estimated R350 million annually to the economy of the Eastern Cape. Much of that is through the hospitality industry.
“People who’ve visited Grahamstown for the Festival have commented that it’s a rather shabby looking place,” Festival CEO Tony Lankester said at the meeting. “And they’re right.”
The first week of February 2016 – the beginning of the Rhodes year when the city fills up with new students and parents – has been pencilled in as the main focus of a city clean-up with the aim of making Grahamstown a place that people want to come back to.
The idea is that the problem is too big and widespread for the municipality alone to tackle it, and that everyone is capable of making a difference where they are.
Businesses, institutions and individuals will adopt areas to maintain and keep clean. It doesn't matter how big or small your adopted spot is, the combined result is a better place for everyone.
That doesn't mean, though, the municipality gets to sit back and enjoy the show. Rather, think of it as a big public-private partnership.
Getting the whole picture
Grocott's Mail supports the campaign and to get the ball rolling we're publishing photos our reporters have taken of some of the spots we think need serious attention.
Is there a sore spot you think you might adopt? Or are hoping someone else might?
The main categories identified for things that need fixing were rubbish, buildings and green spaces.
Email your photo to editor@grocotts.co.za. In the subject line put Creative Clean-up.
In the text please include:
* Where it is
* What the problem is
* What you think the soluton is
