Sisters, business partners and uMhlanga residents Amy Weare and Jane Bisset recently completed the uMhlanga Promenade Playground Improvement Project. Located at the southern end of the iconic uMhlanga Promenade, this fantastic new amenity will bring much joy in a well-maintained safe space for the community. We went behind the scenes to find out more about these community champions and their project…
Where do you live and what do you do?
Amy: Jane and I are born and bred uMhlanga Rocks residents and we run our own local frozen food manufacturing and delivery business, We Are Food (link https://wearefood.co.za/).
Have you always been an uMhlanga resident?
Amy: Jane and I both spent a few years in Cape Town as students and I lived in Australia for four years. Living abroad really helped me to appreciate home, family, and community more than ever. I am a passionate South African and uMhlanga resident, which is part of the drive behind our playground improvement project.
What prompted you to start the uMhlanga playground improvement project?
Jane: During lockdown in March 2020, we became more aware of the need for safe, clean and functional outdoor communal spaces, where, as neighbours we could enjoy our beautiful neighbourhood. Our local park, at the one end of the busy uMhlanga promenade, was barely used as it was rather neglected. We knew we had to get involved to really make some changes in this special space.
How do you think the playground will benefit the community?
Jane: It seems that with everything going on in the world, including ongoing lockdowns and the recent looting, there is still such an incredible sense of community spirit, and people are still desperate for connection and camaraderie. We hope that this playground will be a safe meeting space for parents, grandparents and child-carers, to bring little ones to play, and also encourage our community to get out into the open, away from screens and work pressure, and spend some time unwinding and socialising.
Tell us a little about the project’s journey?
Jane: We kicked off in March 2021 where we formed a committee to help drive the project. We then sought municipal approval and appointed a highly recommended contractor, Jungle Gems. In June 2021 we commenced with private fundraising, driven mainly through WhatsApp, on social media and general posters at the playground to create awareness. By mid-November 2021 we reached our final target so that we could complete the project.
Why do you think great public spaces are so important?
Amy: We are very community-minded and have a passion for our neighbourhood and the upkeep of our communal areas including all public spaces. If we all do a little bit to ensure that our local and greater communities are well-maintained and taken care of then everyone benefits.
What is your big dream for uMhlanga Rocks?
Amy: Our climate, coastline and natural vegetation are world-class. It would be great to see more thoughtful developments and upliftment projects such as the uMhlanga Forest Boardwalk project taking place north of the promenade to really showcase uMhlanga and KZN as THE preferred lifestyle destination for residents, and tourists alike.
What would you like to say to other would-be community champions out there?
Amy: You may only be one person with a vision, but all you need is one person and a vision to make a difference.
