Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe the status quo of the sustainability of the Bontle ke Botho environmental projects and programmes in Gauteng Province. The research focuses on the selected wards from Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM), in order to provide guidelines for provision of resources and support for beautification of the environment and community development. This research was conducted using questionnaires, interviews and observations. The questionnaires were distributed to the selected wards in Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) through the Parks Section in the municipality; the interviews were also conducted with selected wards; and observations were also carried out in these wards.
Most of the respondents were engaged in the community development workers, ward committee services, womens’ groups and community based environmental projects. The findings revealed that respondents need a variety of resources for sustaining the environmental projects and programmes existing within their wards. A further finding was that respondents need continuing support from the provincial department and local municipality in order to sustain these environmental projects and programmes.
The recommendations are that the provincial department and the local municipality need to become part of the environmental forums within the community level, and should not only involve the communities during their campaigns. The community also needs to be made aware of the large number of services and resources that are available from the provincial department and local municipality. It is also suggested that the provincial and local coordinators should assist the community in the development of the environmental management plans that will allow them to manage and co-ordinate a wide variety of environmental projects and programmes and access the necessary external funding for these projects and programmes.
Prof. H.G van Rooyen