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A single spark can ignite people to roll up their sleeves to transform their environment.
This way we will boost South Africa, town by town, says André van Pletzen, businessperson and founder of Ignite & Revive, the group that is turning around Kroonstad’s fortunes.
Van Pletzen says:
Nine local businesspeople started Ignite & Revive after they had lost millions in income due to a national road-building project that took months to complete. Ignite & Revive started in 2016 by fixing traffic lights and sidewalks, painting old post boxes and power boxes, and filling potholes. Residents were encouraged to take ownership of the public spaces around their homes and businesses.
“The way in which a layer of paint transforms an old item or structure is amazing,” says Pieter van Rensburg, a local businessperson.
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“You need to roll up your sleeves, take ownership of your town and fix that hole in your street yourself. Brighten the space in front of your home and, if your neighbour doesn’t do it, do it for him,” says Van Pletzen.
Job creation is another of Ignite & Revive’s priorities, with around a thousand Seta-supported posts that were created within different businesses and organisations in town. Their aim is to eventually train and employ around 3 000 people in this way.
As Ignite & Revive’s progress became visible, more and more residents became involved. They also work closely with local government.
Kroonstad was crowned Kwela’s Town of the Year for 2022. The town was also chosen to host Bokkie Week, a national schools’ sporting event that brings around 10 000 visitors to this part of the Free State.
Ignite & Revive approached Lottoland Help ’n Dorp (Help a Town) last year for support to further boost their plans.
“It is all about sustainability (in looking after our town). It is a big responsibility for a relatively small group of people,” says Van Pletzen.
They presented Lottoland SA with a plan to fix three of the town’s four entrances, and for equipment for the upkeep of Kroonstad’s parks and other public spaces. The result was a cheque for R460 000 and four weeks to make the money work for them.
Kroonstad’s community again rallied to show how it is done. They placed a huge statute, featuring three large columns and a ring, on the town’s biggest traffic circle. This area is now known as the Lottoland Circle.
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“This is the gospel in a work of art. The biggest column represents God’s heart as Father. The shortest column represents Jesus and then there is also the crown of justice,” explains Johan Brummer, senior architect technologist and sculptor.
At the Jordania Reitz Street entrance, the walls on the low water bridge were colourfully painted, as was the welcome wall at the South Road entrance. The large park by the South entrance was cleaned and the gardens given a boost.
Thanks to Lottoland, the team now has access to equipment to maintain the town’s parks. This includes a new tractor lawnmower, three-wheel lawnmowers, a chainsaw, edgers and a leaf blower.
Van Pletzen says:
Madiba says the municipality and Ignite & Revive have a good relationship and work very well together.
The next big event in Kroonstad is the third Ignite & Revive festival from 30 August to 1 September.
A multitude of artists will perform here and it will be held at the same time as the Kroonstad Tens – a national sporting event for, among other activities, school rugby and netball matches.
Meanwhile, Van Pletzen and others with Ignite & Revive are in contact with more than 95 other institutions and individuals to support their plans to revive their towns.
“Get involved,” says Van Pletzen. “For too long people have waited for government. Contact the media, set up petitions, complain about issues to your municipality,” says Van Pletzen.
“And roll up your sleeves and make a difference yourself.”
For more information about Ignite and Revive, and the festival, visit www.igniteandrevive.co.za
Lottoland South Africa’s Help a Village campaign was launched thanks to Kroonstad.
Maryke Haywood, marketing director says:
Organisations should submit a business plan for a project that also has the support of local government to be considered for funding.
Thirteen projects were funded and showcased in the first series of Lottoland Help ’n Dorp, which was broadcast from October to December on kykNET. The shows all carry subtitles and are available on Catchup.
The second season will be aired from April and entries for the third season will open soon.
Do you want to help make a difference? If you are 18 years or older, you can place your fixed odd bets on more than 30 lotteries on lottoland.co.za or scan the QR code.
