Newcastle residents rally to make their town the “Town of the Year”

Newcastle, a KwaZulu-Natal town once known for its cleanliness and charm, has been the subject of concern among its residents.

However, a group of dedicated individuals are determined to transform the town into the coveted “Town of the Year.”

Spearheaded by local resident Gustav van der Linde, this grassroots movement aims to restore Newcastle’s former glory and create a safer environment for its inhabitants.

Van der Linde’s journey began in February 2023 when he took it upon himself to clean up a play park near his home in Hutten Heights. Motivated by his success, he reached out to the community, urging them to join him in his mission to rejuvenate Newcastle.

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After being published on Newcastillian News, van der Linde told that the response was overwhelming, as residents from all walks of life contacted him to support his project.

What started as a simple idea quickly evolved into a full fledged campaign known as Newcastle New City. With each passing day, the initiative continues to gain more momentum, expanding its reach to cover ten areas in Newcastle, including Hutten Heights, Pioneer Park, Amiel Park, and Lennoxton/Paradise.

The united efforts of the Newcastle New City movement are bringing together residents who share a common goal: To restore the town’s cleanliness and safety.

While the initial focus was on improving cleanliness, the group has now broadened its scope to address residents’ safety concerns.

Recognising the potential hazards posed by fire during the winter season, Newcastle New City recently conducted a firebreak on a vacant plot of land on Victoria Road, as well as a significant portion of Impala Drive. The results speak for themselves, with the area looking neater and residents feeling safer.

Van der Linde emphasised that the success of Newcastle New City relied on community involvement.

Identifying the need for additional firebreaks, he called upon Newcastillians to join the movement and lend their support. Monetary donations and sponsorships are welcomed to fund future firebreak projects.

In addition to fire safety, Newcastle New City is actively seeking to enhance road safety in the town. One specific concern is the condition of speed humps throughout Newcastle. Van der Linde revealed that the group is approaching the Newcastle Municipality, seeking their support for the repainting of speed humps using approved road paint.

By partnering with the municipality and conducting the repainting under the supervision of traffic officers, Newcastle New City aims to prioritise road safety and make significant improvements.

To further fuel the growth of Newcastle New City and facilitate ongoing developments, a trust fund has been established, managed by DBM Attorneys.

Individuals who wish to contribute to the initiative or join the transformation of Newcastle can join the ranks of Newcastle New City or make donations to the trust fund, or provide sponsorships.

Furthermore, Van der Linde’s ultimate vision is for Newcastle to win the prestigious “Town of the Year” title by 2025. However, he acknowledged that achieving this goal requires the unwavering support of the community.

For those interested in supporting Newcastle New City, contributions can be made to the Newcastle New City Trust Fund via the DBM Attorneys Trust Account at ABSA Bank, Newcastle. The account number is 1090154598, with the branch code being 632005.

Donations should reference the unique identifier CN0675. For further inquiries, individuals can contact Gustav van der Linde directly at 083 308 0605.

As Newcastle embarks on this transformative journey, the efforts of its residents and the Newcastle New City movement will play a vital role in reshaping the town and securing its position as a beacon of cleanliness and safety.

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