April 8, 2004
By Ndaba Dlamini
PLANNED to coincide with World Health Day on 7 April, a Remembrance Gardens Project was launched by Johannesburg City Parks in partnership with Drive Alive, the Walter Sisulu Botanic Gardens and Joburg Water to highlight road safety.
Launch of the Remembrance Gardens Project
"Approximately 800 people are killed in April every year and we hope that the increased awareness of World Health Day will help to reduce this shocking statistic. Over the years we have encountered countless families who have been traumatised by the sudden death of their loved ones due to road accidents," said Moira Winslow, founder of Drive Alive.
Tears flowed as family members of road accident victims planted trees with plastic tags bearing the victims' names and an inscription reading, "In memory of those who lost their lives on South African roads".
Addressing dignitaries and guests who attended the official opening of the project at Mofolo Park, Soweto, Pumla Radebe, chairperson of Joburg City Parks, said: "The project will not only highlight the importance of preserving our environment but will also serve as a constant reminder to obey road regulations - to buckle up and to drive safely".
The project also seeks to bridge the "green divide" between developing areas like Sunninghill, Lenasia and Soweto, and Westcliff, Parktown and Houghton which are renowned for being part of the largest man-made forest, said Andrew Hankey from the Walter Sisulu Botanic Gardens.
The three Remembrance Gardens participating in the project are Edison Crescent Park, Rose Park and Mofolo Park located in Sunninghill, Lenasia and Soweto respectively.
Programme director Oscar Oliphant officially opened the ceremony at Edison Crescent Park in Sunninghill where Winslow and Radebe planted trees. Winslow said the gardens would provide families of victims of accidents on South African roads with a "tranquil environment where they can remember their lost loved ones - a place where they can find inner peace".
Speaking at the ceremony in Rose Park, Lenasia, councillor for Ward 9, Aboo Manack, appealed to residents to develop and make use of the park. The Compassionate Friends sang a remembrance song.
At Mofolo Park, after Salvation Army hymns were sung, members of the community unveiled a mosaic dedicated to road safety.
In a closing speech, Radebe thanked the Walter Sisulu Botanic Gardens for donating the trees. "Seeing these young trees that will soon grow into tall, strong, towering providers is as symbolic and fulfilling as seeing a young child take her first steps. I implore of communities to nurture these trees as they represent the heart-ache of families and friends who have been affected by sudden loss."
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