GCRO Celebrates Nelson Mandela Day with Bosmont Community
In the spirit of Nelson Mandela’s legacy of service and community upliftment, the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) partnered with Community Green Projects (CGP) to host a vibrant and impactful Mandela Day programme in Bosmont, Johannesburg.
The event, held from 09:00 to 16:00, brought together volunteers, educators, and local leaders to engage in a series of activities aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and community development. CGP, an environmental advocacy organisation led by Debbie Cockerell and a team of dedicated women volunteers, spearheaded the initiative. Their work includes preserving the Bosmont Wetlands, running the Jones Urban Farm, and managing local waste through innovative community projects.
The day began with arrivals and packing, followed by a visit to the Horseshoe Early Childhood Development Centre, home to the Little People Preschool and the Mandela Bus Toy Library. GCRO staff handed over donations, including toys and books, reinforcing the importance of early childhood development.
Participants then began a heritage tour of Bosmont, visiting significant community landmarks in Coronationville and Fleurhof. The tour included stops at sports facilities, local mosques, CJB High School, Rahima Moosa Hospital, and the Jones Urban Farm. This experience highlighted the rich cultural and social fabric of the area, as well as the environmental challenges and achievements faced by the community.
A significant highlight of the day was the insightful conversation with Moegamat Jones and the CGP executive team at Jones Urban Farm. Located in Claremont, the farm features picturesque views of prominent landmarks, including the FNB Stadium and the Soweto Towers. We were honoured to receive a generous donation of cabbages and strawberries from the Jones family, which provided a delightful tasting experience. Attendees actively participated in hands-on activities, contributing varnish, brushes, seedlings, and seeds for painting and gardening initiatives. These contributions played a vital role in supporting the farm's ongoing beautification and sustainability efforts
The programme concluded with a lunch break and a closing session, leaving participants inspired and energised. This Mandela Day event exemplified the power of collective action and the enduring impact of grassroots environmental advocacy.
For more information on Community Green Projects and how to get involved, visit www.communitygp.org.