On the morning of Sunday, 27 October, Golden Harvest Park in Randburg was filled with close to 50 cheerful ASEZ volunteers who had gathered to continue the park restoration plan in conjunction with Joburg City Parks and the Local Ward 101 Councillor Ralf Bittkau.
ASEZ is a group of university student volunteers from the Church of God who act to solve practical problems around the world.
While people around the world are suffering from disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, terrorist attacks, wars and climate catastrophes caused by climate change, ASEZ volunteers put up their hands to be the first on the scene to assist victims and protect the environment, according to the volunteers.
This time, the ASEZ volunteers were joined by Member of Parliament Bridget Masango, who is the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee for Social Development in Parliament in the DA.
She has commended and noted the importance of the work being carried out by ASEZ and urged the youth to contribute to their communities in various ways.
"The work you're doing is ensuring that we have a future, and it is so amazing to see the youth showing concern for this country and for society," she adds.
According to ASEZ, the hard work of removing hundreds of invasive plants and trees continued once again in the park with Member of Parliament Honourable Bridget Masango joining in on the activities on the day. Members of the community were also able to participate with the ASEZ volunteers.
The removal of invasive plants from parks and nature reserves forms part of the Green Earth Movement, which seeks to create healthy terrestrial ecosystems while educating communities on the importance of protecting terrestrial ecosystems. This is actively carried out by partnering with city officials and cleaning up streets, parks and mountains, according to ASEZ.
Region Councillor Bittkau has also lauded the volunteers for their continued dedication at the park, and mentioned the possibility of a new project with the group.
"Guys, without you, we would not be here. Thank you so much once again. I might have a new project, rooftop gardens that I am finalising and and hoping to involve you after raising it again with our section 79," he adds.
ASEZ concludes that its name stands for 'Save the Earth from A to Z,' which means 'Save the world from the beginning to the end'. The partnership between ASEZ, Joburg City Parks and Councillor Bittkau is set to continue with discussion over the next restoration activity at Golden Harvest Park expected to take place soon.
For more information, visit www.asez.org. You can also follow ASEZ on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of contributor