Members of the DA in Kimberley rolled up their sleeves and took it upon themselves to clean the area around the Honoured Dead Memorial ahead of the upcoming Wildeklawer Sports Tournament.
Image: Supplied
FOLLOWING a recent DFA article where residents referred to Kimberley as a “varkhok”, members of the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Kimberley have made a bold, community-driven statement by taking it upon themselves to clean the area around the Honoured Dead Memorial - just ahead of the Wildeklawer Sports Tournament.
About 20 DA volunteers gathered to clean the historic monument and its surroundings, located prominently in front of Diamantveld High School, one of the central venues for the elite school sports tournament that attracts teams and supporters from across the country.
Ockert Fourie, a prominent DA member in Kimberley, said the initiative stemmed from frustration over the lack of action by the Sol Plaatje Municipality.
“We are not going to sit around and wait for the municipality to act,” Fourie said. “How long are we going to have to wait for this area to be cleaned? People from all over the country are coming to Kimberley - we can’t allow them to see it in this state.”
The clean-up was about more than just beautifying the city - it was also an effort to restore pride in one of Kimberley’s most iconic landmarks, which has fallen into neglect in recent years. Volunteers picked up litter, removed weeds, and tidied up the area to ensure that visitors are welcomed by a clean and cared-for space.
In a gesture of goodwill, the DA also fired up the braai and handed out wors rolls to members of the public passing by. The atmosphere was upbeat as many residents paused to chat with the volunteers and share words of appreciation.
The community’s response was overwhelmingly positive. Locals praised the DA’s hands-on approach and called for similar efforts in other parts of the city.
“This is what leadership should look like - doing something, not just talking about it,” said one passer-by. Another added, “It’s heartening to see people taking pride in Kimberley again.”
Looking ahead, Fourie said the DA is already planning their next clean-up — this time around Newton Primary School, which will host the Junior Wildeklawer Tournament next week.
“These events shine a national spotlight on our city,” said Fourie. “It’s our responsibility to make sure Kimberley puts its best foot forward. We’ll continue to identify areas that need attention and step in where the municipality has failed.”
The DA’s initiative has not only cleaned up a historic part of the city but has also reignited community spirit - a reminder that, with a bit of teamwork and pride, Kimberley can sparkle again.
Related Topics: