AfriForum in the community for the community
THE RECORD recently spoke to the newly elected branch manager, Willie van Wyk, of the AfriForum branch that is opening in Alberton.
THE RECORD recently spoke to the newly elected branch manager, Willie van Wyk, of the AfriForum branch that is opening in Alberton.
AfriForum is a non-profit civil rights organisation that sets its sights on fighting for the rights of minorities in southern Africa as well as holding the government and municipalities accountable.
The RECORD asked Willie some questions:
RECORD: How did you become manager for the new branch in Alberton?
Willie: It was a democratic vote by the community. I have been involved in the community for a very long time, so everyone knows me. I have been in other organisations involved in trying to better the community, but I felt I never really had the necessary platform to tackle the issues, but I’ve found that with AfriForum. My town is my passion.”
RECORD: What is your background?
Willie: I work for an electrical firm, but also used to be involved in IT and computer sciences. All the work we do in our community is because we want to make a positive difference. We don’t earn a salary for doing so. I have my day job, and I have the job I love but don’t get paid for.
RECORD: What are your plans with AfriForum in Alberton?
Willie: There is so much work to be done. We aim to clean up Alberton – there are way too many places that make Alberton look like a dump, where there is rubbish lying around, pieces of ground overgrown with grass and weeds, cars being fixed in the middle of the street and so on.
Then there is our water supply, which currently is safe for consumption, but for how much longer? We have tested the Natalspruit (a river running through Alberton) and the Klip River, and it was found that they have considerable E.coli contamination. There are kids playing in these rivers, making the rivers a major health risk to them. The problem is that many people use these rivers as dumping sites, toilets, and baths.
We have a month dedicated to planting trees, projects to help clean up rubbish dumps, unclog sewage drains that have become blocked, fill in potholes, fix broken street lights and so on. Security is also of major importance to us – we need to be able to feel safe in our community.
“There is a lot we do. Those mentioned are just a few examples, and we do it all with our own funds.
“Further, we would like to build a good relationship with the police, EMM, security services and everyone else, so we can work together to make it a better place to live.”
Should you want to get in touch with AfriForum in Alberton, SMS ALBERTON to 45342, email: afriforumalb@gmail.com or call the 24-hour emergency number: 082 569 8940.
Also Read:
AfriForum plans to open a new branch in Alberton
