Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

13 February 2025

4 minute read

Driving through Johannesburg, one can’t help but feel that many areas have been neglected by local government. Signs of urban decay from potholes and unkempt sidewalks to illegal dumping and deteriorating buildings abound, with the decline particularly evident in Norwood. Once a thriving and picturesque suburb, Norwood has been struggling against increasing neglect for years but dedicated resident Aadil Lakhi has taken it upon himself to make Norwood great again.

Actively working with the Norwood Grime Fighters and the Norwood CPF, Aadil, Norwood resident and dedicated community leader, believes that kindness is the key to building stronger neighbourhoods. Having spent years actively working with both the Norwood CPF and the Grime Fighters, he recently took on the role of Chairperson of the Norwood Oaklands Residents Association (NORA), leading by example and fostering respect, unity, and action. He advocates for small, meaningful gestures that bring people together, believing that true community improvement happens when everyone takes ownership of their surroundings.

Aadil feels that “every demographic in the community is responsible for both the positive and the negative side”. Amidst the decline in Norwood, their group of determined residents refused to stand by idly and decided to step up and take action where authorities have fallen short. Their efforts have led to cleaner streets, revitalized public spaces, and a renewed sense of community pride.

While most people feel frustrated at their surroundings, very few get involved in cleaning up their suburbs. Aadil says that the challenges they faced in mobilizing residents is “complaining and blaming others to taking ownership and action.”

In the beginning, the issue of negligent landlords cutting corners, as well as deteriorating buildings in the area seemed insurmountable, but the Norwood Grime Fighters decided to start small and then “engage people in a productive manner” and “change the model” of the slum lords to becoming more responsible. Involving SAPS and JMPD in their project, they started an education and awareness campaign to demonstrate the benefits of a cleaner suburb with well-kept buildings, engaging with residents and landlords to work together. The next step is ensuring long-term improvements and accountability from both residents and property owners.

Aadil mentioned that community interaction and commitment to improving the suburb, as well as “collaborating to maximise resources” are the positive spinoffs from this common cause. The improvements that can be seen in Norwood through the efforts of NORA and the Grime Fighters serves as an inspiration to many, proving that real change happens when people take ownership of their surrounds.

Listen to the full interview on Sabahul Muslim.