June 17, 2005
By Ndaba Dlamini
LITTLE Karabo Gwala, who died in February 2004 after falling into an open sewerage hole at a construction site, will be forever remembered - with a garden of remembrance in his name.
Johannesburg Executive Mayor, Councillor Amos Masondo, opened the Karabo Gwala Remembrance Gardens, an initiative of Johannesburg City Parks, in a sombre ceremony on Wednesday, 15 June.
The gardens are in Dube, Soweto, and have a range of facilities catering for all, particularly children, including a large outdoor chessboard, a playground, and a mini soccer field.
On Wednesday, Masondo, Karabo's parents, Dudu Gwala and Danny Rammitloa, and other dignitaries - many dressed in black - bowed their heads in prayer.
Johannesburg Executive Mayor Amos Masondo unveils the plaque at the Karabo Gwala Gardens of Remembrance
"We seek to utilise this park to remember Karabo Gwala and as a reminder to all members of the community of ever-lurking danger and the need to be vigilant at all times," Masondo said.
The City has a responsibility to create a safe environment, Masondo said, and in the past few years "has agonised over the ever present danger, especially at construction sites" where new roads are being built or trenches are being dug for water pipes.
After Karabo's death, the City launched a community safety awareness campaign called Qaphela. It focuses on hazards such as rivers and open water, uncovered manholes, fires and illegal electricity connections.
The Shalom-Manne Primary School choir sings a heart-wrenching song
Director of economic development, marketing and tourism, Lael Bethlehem, said the safety campaigns would be expanded to incorporate the private sector. "The community should also help make the campaign a success by responding to any dangers in our environment. We must work together to save lives and prevent injury."
Ward councillor Mamabolo Matlakala commended City Parks for providing "world class recreation facilities" and urged the community to stop any vandalism. "City Parks has given us something we can be proud of. The wishes of the parents of Karabo Gwala have been realised."
Sizwe Masoka, on behalf of Karabo's family, said all children were the responsibility of the community.
He called on parents to look after the park because it improved the community's living standards.
In keeping with the tone of the day, poet Donovan Mitchell recited an ode to Karabo, while gospel singer Joey Aaron sang hymns. The Shalom-Manne Primary School choir performed a heart-wrenching song in memory of Karabo.
A plaque engraved into a rock was then unveiled.
To wrap up the day, Masondo, Karabo's parents, and representatives from City Parks, chairperson Pumla Radebe and managing director Luther Williamson, as well as the managing director of Johannesburg Water, Gerald Dumas, laid wreaths at the site where Karabo disappeared.
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