Winners all round: the Ext. 7 Greening Challenge Awards
Closing Ceremony of the Alexandra Renewal Project's 2008 Greening
Challenge
On a bitterly cold winter's morning the people of Alexandra's
Extension 7 braved the weather to attend the closing ceremony of the
Greening Challenge. In an entertaining event, ably hosted by
Councillor Sizakele Nkosi, the proud creators of the top gardens were
rewarded for the success of their efforts.
Winners were selected not for showy displays on judging days, but
for ongoing commitment and the sustainability of their gardens over
the entire year of the competition. The judges also looked for
versatility - from colourful blooms and ornamentation to fruit and
vegetables.
“We are grateful for the commitment and dedication shown by our
residents to this competition as it makes a significant difference in
their personal lives, as well as to the environment,” said ARP
Communications Manager, Graca Dos Santos.
And the winners are:
- 1st: Sifiso Sibiya
- 2nd: Makoo Sekgobela
- 3rd: Khabo Mahlangu
- 4th: Albert Makhalani
- 5th: David Legodi
- 6th: Fikile Sibisi
- 7th: Mary Nkwe
- 8th: Christinah Skosana
Prizes and sponsors
Prizes ranged from cash prizes of up to R10 000, to ceilings for
the top 5 places, and household appliances such as a stove, fridge and
microwave.
The Greening Challenge was sponsored by the National Department of
Housing, the Gauteng Department of Housing, the City of Johannesburg,
the Greater Alexandra Development Forum, City Parks, the NHFC (National Housing Finance
Corporation) and ABSA. The competition also received valuable input from the Department of Environmental
Affairs & Tourism and the Department of Water Affairs & Forestry.
In June and August 2007 workshops on gardening were held to
instruct and assist the 565 participants in the competition. Grass was
donated to every household, and in August all competitors were given
fruit trees.
Community commitment to the environment
The Extension 7 Greening Challenge was launched in March 2007 and
forms part of the Alexandra Renewal Project's ongoing focus on environmental
improvement through community participation.
Following the launch of the original Greening Challenge, it has
become a tradition in Alexandra to run similar gardening competitions
whenever families move into their new homes in ARP housing
developments.
“Alexandra residents continue to learn that gardening is about more
than simply making one’s home or neighbourhood beautiful. It's also
about growing food to supplement the family's diet and perhaps even
supplementing one's income too.”
More photos of the Greening Challenge Awards
More photos of Extension 7, Alexandra
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