Brian Wright, project leader of the Umhlanga Urban Improvement Precinct Project, paints his vision for the future in answer to a child’s question: “Dad, what will Umhlanga be like in 10 years’ time?”
Dear Noah,
“That’s a big question, Little Man, which more of us should ask.
First, I must share with you my vision for the future. I see you running free with your mates on the beaches, in and out of the sea, through the forests and cruising on your bike, all without your mom or the GPs (mom and dad’s folks) overly stressing. Some big people would say “unrealistic”. I challenge them: positive and visible improvements are already happening in Umhlanga, as I write to you. I’ll come back to that later.
No doubt we face some serious challenges, but where there is will, there is a solution . . . we have silenced many overseas and local sceptics, no more so than with our recent hosting of a super World Cup.
When you arrived, time began passing in front of my eyes. First, you looked just like a little peanut, then overnight you became a hatchling, hightailing down the beach to the water. Now you’ve just discovered your feet, you’re a habitual escapee exploring at the blink on an eye. But we are running out of time to secure the future I see for you and all of South Africa’s little people.
Interconnected
In finding workable solutions to a happy and prosperous future we need to understand that all parts of the world in which we live, people and environment are interconnected. Listen carefully as I explain my understanding of our challenge and the actions we are taking to create the future I see for you.
People, the environment and all parts in between are working in an unstoppable natural cycle towards balance, just like the tide. Without balancing what we take from the environment and what is allowed to replenish, our survival is at threat. The same for our communities: we need to improve access to opportunity in historically marginalised communities to level the imbalance, otherwise we will be swept away by the tide.
Formidable combination
Yes, these are big ideas that can be scary, but there are solutions that are working. We need to draw on the experience of others, ask questions and listen before acting, be determined and resilient. And remember Madiba’s words, “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination”.
To a large degree, the future vibrancy of our localised commercial hubs and quality of life in our neighbourhoods lies in our hands as business and community – that’s all the dads, moms, GPs, aunts and uncles out there. We should not compromise on standards while, very importantly, embracing inclusivity.
We already have such a success story in Umhlanga that is defying the sceptics and proving that the vision for your future can be a reality. The Umhlanga Urban Improvement Precincts (UIPs), associated managed areas and stakeholder groups have made a visible and measurable improvement to public areas in Umhlanga. We have worked on getting the basics right: keeping Umhlanga safe, clean, green and welcoming, thereby enhancing quality of life for all. There’s still much to be done – work is in progress and always will be. A keystone of the UIPs’ contribution to this success story has been the productive working partnerships established with municipal departments in improving service delivery.
The UIPs’ drive for inclusivity has focused on finding ways to share the lessons learned in improving public areas in Umhlanga with the city and other communities throughout the municipality for benefit of all.
In our areas, inclusivity means reaching out to neighbouring communities and surrounding green areas. And so we have another successes story in its infancy.
We have two projects which are improving environmental management and security within the Umhlanga Nature Reserve, Hawaan Forest and Northern Umhlanga Beaches. A core focus is ensuring the neighbouring communities of Blackburn Village and Waterloo are involved and sharing benefit. The Northern Beaches Project is funded by Breakers Resort, Tongaat Hulett Developments, Southern Sun, BUTA and private contributors, and supported by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and Umhlanga Tourism. The project entails two permanent security posts on the beach and the appointment of a guide/environmental worker through the neighbouring community structure. The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) funds another three guides who also clear alien vegetation in the Hawaan Forest.
The heart of the project is guided walks which are growing in popularity with the young and not-so-young. Substantial time and energy has been invested in this worthwhile project. The old adage stands, “use-it-or-lose-it”. We have reclaimed this wonderful asset, now we need walker support to keep it claimed. Bookings and payment for the guided walks, which aim to ensure financial sustainability once established, is at the Breakers Resort front desk (see sidebar for details). The Breakers Resort security manager provides operational oversight, with the UIP taking care of financial governance, all of which is at no cost. Your dad provides management support on a voluntary basis. Much volunteer work is still required with guide training, trail rebuilding, dune rehabilitation and basic infrastructure provision.
Noah, we are hoping this project will be the first of many which will provide for the future I wish to see for all the little people of Umhlanga.
Your dad requests that those who want to be part of the solution give him a call.”
Love, Dad
Contact Brian Wright on 083 324 3367; e-mail: brian@urbanmgt.co.za
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Umhlanga Guided Nature Walks
Umhlanga Lagoon Reserve Nature Trail – for all ages
Enjoy the beauty of the forest, the thrill of crossing the lagoon on a wooden bridge and then a leisurely stroll along the beach back to Breakers Resort. At the same time learn a little about the culture of our people and the value of our indigenous vegetations. The Umhlanga Nature Reserve is managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
When: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
Time: 9am and 11am
Meeting place: Breakers Resort reception
Duration: About 90 minutes
Bookings: Reception desk Breakers Resort: Tel: 031 561 2271
Cost: R30 (half price for children under 13 years)
Hawaan Forest Walk – suitable for 13 years and older
The Hawaan forest is above the M4 freeway at the corner of Portland Drive and Herald Drive. This is a small remnant of a pristine dry coastal forest that is rich in biodiversity and birdlife.
When: Fridays
Time: 9am and 11am
Meeting place: Breakers Resort reception
Duration: About two and a half hours
Bookings: Reception desk Breakers Resort: Tel: 031 561 2271
Cost: R30 per person