Page 6 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 2_2023

Intro

POWER TO THE PEOPLE

outh Africa is a truly unique In the Dainfern Precinct, this connection or community fair. This helps to bring
country, and it is almost can take many forms. It might mean people together and build relationships.
impossible to describe the chatting with your neighbours over the Such events also create a sense of
Saverage South African to an fence, joining a neighbourhood book belonging and camaraderie among
outsider. Yet, while many common club, or organising a block party. It might residents.
threads tie us together, we are also mean sharing tools, exchanging recipes,
proud of our diversity. We have 11 or simply lending a listening ear. 3. We encourage volunteering: Engaging
official languages, and our fellow residents in volunteer work, such as
compatriots come from a vibrant mix of "Never doubt that a small cleaning public spaces, planting trees,
cultures, heritages and ethnicities. What group of thoughtful, or organising charitable events, helps
makes us stand out is how, despite so to develop a sense of responsibility and
many factors, we still pull together and committed citizens can pride in the community.
create communities within this crazy mix. change the world; indeed, 4. We promote safety and security:
And the Dainfern Precinct is a perfect it’s the only thing that Encouraging residents to take safety
example of this. Despite our varied ever has". measures and precautions for the
backgrounds, we pool our resources and -Margaret Mead community, such as neighbourhood
stand together to ensure our community watch, safety patrols or installing CCTV
is strong, safe and the ideal place to raise cameras, builds trust and cooperation
kids and prepare the next generation. Life is hectic – it’s easy to feel isolated among neighbours.
With the fast-paced lifestyles of the 21st and disconnected - but by coming
century, it’s easy to get caught up in our together, we can build bridges between These are just a few reasons why we
own little worlds and forget about the people of different races, cultures, and are so lucky to live in a precinct that
people around us. That’s why spaces backgrounds. Here are some of the ways values the power of the community and
such as ours are becoming increasingly we aim to build community spirit within harnesses it like a superpower. There is
popular – they offer a safe and secure our precinct : strength in numbers, which benefit us in
environment where neighbours can 1. We foster open communication: so many ways. It’s not just about more
come together and build a sense of Residents are encouraged to share their people. It’s more minds, skills, resources,
community. ideas and concerns through regular ideas and support. It’s priceless.
meetings and surveys. In addition, we
But what does community really mean? have platforms where residents can All the best,
Is it just a buzzword politicians use to communicate easily with one another
win votes, or is something deeper at and share news and updates about Nicola
play here? Well, in my opinion, the happenings in the community.
community is all about connection. It’s
about creating a sense of belonging and 2. We organise community events: The nicola@eiapublishing.co.za
finding common ground with the people precinct is always excited about the
around us. next social gathering, family fun day,

4 DPL issue 2 2023