KNYSNA NEWS - Last week, Knysna and Sedgefield witnessed a powerful display of community-led action during "Bou en Volhou Week" (Build and Maintain Week), an initiative driven by the AfriForum Knysna branch in partnership with the Kaapse Cape Forum.
Running from 1 to 6 October, the initiative focused on practical improvements and long-term sustainability, and brought together volunteers from all walks of life to tackle issues often overlooked by local authorities.
One of the standout achievements was the road upgrade project. In Sedgefield, volunteers prepared and tarred sections of Kingfisher Drive, improving road safety and accessibility.
Meanwhile in Knysna, teams repainted faded speed bumps and road markings in key areas such as Long Street, enhancing visibility.
Beyond infrastructure, environmental responsibility also took centre stage. The launch of a new recycling initiative gave locals the chance to sign up for household recycling collection, with the AfriForum team ensuring proper delivery to recycling facilities.
This move encourages more sustainable habits and reduces waste in the community.
Mid-week, a well-attended community meeting in Sedgefield allowed residents to voice concerns and share ideas on local development. Topics included dune restoration, the role of local governance, and building intercultural respect.
The call for greater co-operation between community groups, residents and AfriForum was loud and clear.
Volunteers and team members of AfriForum repainted faded speedbumps and road markings. Photos:Supplied
The week concluded with an inspiring evening event featuring AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel and head of public relations Ernst van Zyl. Their talk, "The AfriForum Perspective of South Africa and the USA", sparked discussion on community activism, cultural unity, and how local action can drive national change.
"'Bou en Volhou Week' was more than a series of projects - it was a celebration of what's possible when communities take ownership of their challenges. From road repairs to recycling and dialogue, the message was clear: sustainable change begins with us," reads a statement issued by AfriForum.
AfriForum Knysna is already planning future initiatives to build on this momentum. "The success of the week proves that meaningful progress doesn't come from waiting - it comes from working together," says the statement.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
