| Lenasia goes green too |
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| Written by Emily Visser | |
| Friday, 18 April 2008 | |
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With the state of the environment in the spotlight around the world, the Lenz Going Green forum is spearheading the greening movement in the southern Joburg suburb. 
Boy on a Bicycle project which children can become more active again
A GROUP of Lenasia residents concerned with the state of the environment is slowly raising awareness around all things green in this sprawling suburb. Calling themselves the Lenz Going Green (Legg) forum, they hope to green the predominantly Indian area in much the same way that the City is greening Soweto. Legg has already initiated seven greening projects since it was formed just over six months ago. The focus of the environmental activities is to mobilise the local community to take action in small but meaningful ways, says the Legg convener, Anita Khoosal. "We have had incredible support from the community and the local Lenz media." The forum bases its work on the philosophy prescribed by The Art of Living Foundation. "The idea is for everyone to reach their human potential. Once you feel fulfilled, you want to give back." The forum hopes, in time, to turn Lenasia into another urban forest. Of special importance is to trigger environmental concern among the youth, with a number of projects aimed specifically at this group. An eco-school programme was recently launched at Greyville Primary School and to mark the event, the forum planted trees sponsored by the Department of Agriculture at five different schools in Lenasia.
Boy on a Bicycle Its Boy on a Bicycle project had its first event recently and from the turnout, it is clear that there is a real need for such activities, says organiser Arvin Parbloo. "Today's youth has limited opportunities for outdoors activities. We want to build a proper cycling track for the kids and have these events on a monthly basis." The cycling event formed part of the first Lenz Going Green picnic at Oupa Fats on Sunday, 13 April. It is an occasion that residents can mark on their calendars as the forum is planning a picnic on every third Sunday of the month.
Rescuing Oupa Fats 
The project also aims to rehabilitate Oupa Fats, the wetland area that separates Lenasia from Soweto
But sadly, as time ran out for the real Oupa Fats, the wetlands became equally neglected, deteriorating until it was finally forgotten. As is the case with most neglected open space, it soon became a dumping ground. A few keen fisherman were still seen from time to time, but after a number of attacks, residents started avoiding the area altogether for safety reasons. Lenz Going Green is having none of that, and plans to restore this area to its former status. "We want to honour the wetlands," says Khoosal. At the first picnic, food stalls were set up and there were various activities, including horse riding and jumping castles; and just under 100 kids turned up to take part in the first Boy on a Bicycle event. Many of the older residents fondly remember the old times, with Oupa Fats standing on his porch overlooking the wetlands, Kaloo says, happy that the picnic went off so smoothly. Those same residents admit to not having put their foot in the area in 20 to 30 years. It is a sad indictment of humanity's inability to grasp the importance of the wetlands on their doorstep, he feels. 
Even the young ones get to play outdoors
A caterer by trade, Kaloo has become an avid wetlands supporter and ambassador for Oupa Fats. Since getting involved, he has learned to respect what appears to be a very wet, reed-filled area for what it really is. "There is a lot more than meets the eye." It is this new-found knowledge that he wants to impart above all, reminding people of a wetlands' role in being a natural sponge, absorbing excess water and thereby controlling flooding. And as a water purifier, nothing can beat a wetland. The condition and quality of Oupa Fats "is excellent" says Kaloo, and remarkable considering the various urban areas this water mass travels through. The water lends itself to all kinds of water sports and is also a good fishing spot. In time, Lenz Going Green wants to create footpaths for walking, jogging and cycling around the dam. It has already brought on board City Parks and Johannesburg Roads Agency and is hoping to have Pikitup signing up soon to help clean up the illegal dumping. "We have enormous challenges but it is just great that a start has been made." The wetlands forms part of the Klipspruit-Klipriver catchment area and is a mayoral greening priority in Soweto. The river leaves Dobsonville and runs in a southwesterly direction through Eldorado Park before spreading to form a natural wetlands north of Lenasia.
All on board Ultimately though, the buy-in of the community is critical to take the initiatives forward, not only in supporting the various programmes but also in making lifestyle changes, becoming aware of pollution, littering, recycling and energy consumption, Khoosal stresses.
To get involved, contact the following organisers: A community food garden and an energy project are still taking shape.
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