Page 10 - Dainfern Precinct Living August Issue 2025

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HOME FRONT
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Partnership
MAKING
FOURWAYS
Services
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Catalytic Interventions
TOGETHER

A YE
Cooperation AR OF PROGRESS
IN THE FOURWAYS

IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

"We all have a part to play. Each project completed is a building block for the next, and together
we can shape a safer, greener, and more connected community"”

year ago, the Fourways Improvement “Our slogan is: Let’s make Fourways ahead.
District (FID) formally launched its better together,” says Donaldson. “No one From the outset, the strategy has combined
operations with a clear mission: stakeholder can transform an area alone — but essential safety measures with catalytic
A prove safety, enhance public when residents, businesses, and organisations interventions — targeted upgrades designed to
im
spaces, and build a stronger, greener Fourways work towards shared goals, real change spark further improvements.
through collaboration. Managed by Local happens.”
Abode, a specialist precinct management One such initiative is the Traffic Flow
company, the FID has already begun making A YEAR OF PROGRESS Programme, looking at easing congestion
visible changes across the area. The FID began operational services in and enhancing accessibility in the area. This
October last year with a strong emphasis on includes a partnership with the Gauteng
Local Abode’s Business Manager, Mikhaela security. Working with the BDA and Fidelity Department of Roads and Transport
Donaldson, brings years of experience in urban Services Group, the district deployed extra (GDRT) “Adopt a Robot Campaign’ and the
regeneration and precinct management to the patrol vehicles and on-the-ground personnel. Johannesburg Roads Agency, looked at the
role. She has led the coordination of projects By May, members and stakeholders gathered “adoption” of intersections, providing backup
and partnerships that combine long-term at Steyn City for a public launch to celebrate power and security by businesses and property
planning with tangible, on-the-ground results. early achievements and outline the road owners.

B Y NIC OLA KILL OPS

ucked away in the quieter corner was little dignity or support for people living is in Social Emotional Learning (SEL),
of Dainfern Valley Shopping Centre with disabilities. So in 1948, he opened working as an EQ coach to help children and
—past the car wash, beyond his home to a disabled friend in need. That educators build emotional intelligence—
Tthe usual buzz—you’ll find The single act of compassion sparked what would developing skills like empathy, resilience,
Cheshire Trove. It’s not just another thrift become the Leonard Cheshire Disability self-awareness, and responsible decision-
shop. It’s a space where stories live on, and Group—now a global network helping people making. SEL enhances behaviour and
where every sale helps change a life. live fuller, more independent lives. well-being across classrooms, homes, and
communities.
At first glance, it might look like a boutique, In South Africa, the Ann Harding Cheshire
with beautifully curated clothes, glassware, Home in Northwold continues this legacy. But after many years in the field, Debbie
and home décor. But behind every item is a It’s a place that provides full-time care reached a crossroads.
purpose much bigger than profit. and support for adults living with physical "I felt like I was constantly pushing a
disabilities. The Cheshire Trove exists to concrete ball uphill," she reflects. "I was
A LEGACY THAT STARTED WITH help fund that care. tired of trying to convince people to be
ONE MAN—AND ONE MISSION better and do better. So in July last year, I
The roots of The Cheshire Trove stretch DEBBIE’S STORY: FROM decided to pull the handbrake on my self-
all the way back to Leonard Cheshire, a EMOTIONAL LEARNING TO employed job and take a step back."
decorated World War II pilot who witnessed COMMUNITY UPLIFTMENT
the devastation of war firsthand. When his The Trove’s founder, Debbie Liebenberg, What followed was a time of reset and
mother became disabled, he realised there didn’t set out to run a shop. Her background redirection. After helping her son Bradley,
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8 DPL issue 7 2025