When a shared vision turns into action and results begin to show, you know that the goal is achievable – as Kroonstad’s Ignite and Revive community organisation can attest.
Kroonstad, situated on the banks of the Vals River, is known as one of the oldest towns in the Northern Free State.
It was once a thriving and growing town, as well as an extremely popular holiday destination. Back in the day Kroonpark was one of the main tourism attractions for South Africans.
However, for various reasons, this beautiful town slowly slipped away into despair.
In 2016 a group of concerned businesspeople took a stand for their beloved town.
Not only was this an immense task to take on due to challenges and obstacles, but it was also critical to get the community, local government, municipality, businesses and organisations to work together towards a common goal.
It all started with small cleaning and repair projects that later escalated into bigger projects, and as time went by more people of Kroonstad became involved.
That was when Ignite and Revive Kroonstad was established. All parties involved had the same goal and took hands to strengthen their mutual interests.
Those involved at Ignite and Revive ask three simple questions:
- Why do they need to stand up? Because of the deterioration of Kroonstad’s infrastructure, buildings, parks, tourist attractions, economy, schools, health care, retirement homes, churches, municipal services and job creation, as well as the outflow of community members and investors from the town, had to be stopped.
- How will they stop it? By launching long-term and short-term projects and events in which the community, businesses, local municipality and government are involved. The aim is to form strong bonds and stand together as a community to not only clean up Kroonstad, but to boost its economy and create a positive environment that will give hope to everyone in town.
- What results would they like to see in future? The development of Kroonstad into one of the key towns of the Free State, attracting an inflow of tourists, visitors, business and residents.
Currently residents of Kroonstad are succeeding and are full of hope for a better future. Working hand in hand with the Moqhaka Municipality made them realise the importance of standing together to work towards common goals.
Role players at the local municipality support the vision of Ignite and Revive.
Mzwakhe Mofokeng, new acting municipal manager, shares the vision for Ignite and Revive and has made it clear that his mission and vision for Moqhaka are to maintain and improve service delivery for everyone.
