RENEWING ELSIES KRAAL RIVER
Many of the rivers in Cape Town have been canalized, turning them from living eco- systems into dead canals that exist only to rush storm water out to sea. Last year on World Water Day March 22nd, St Stephens Church in Pinelands held a service on the theme of Water.
The Scripture was “the river of the water of life” Rev 22:1
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
After the service during tea a group discussed the possibility of restoring the Elsies Kraal river which runs through the suburb. A community group was set up, the concept was taken to the Rate payers association, and got buy in from the ward Councillor. A face book page was set up and renew the Elsies Kraal was born. Twice monthly clean ups are held, aliens are removed, succulents are planted.
On 6th of April – an #Adoptatree festival took place. Members of the community adopted a tree, committing to water and look after it. A festival was organised with snacks, facepainting and a lot of hard work planting the trees. Our neighbour river Community group @friends of the Liesbeek came to dig holes. Young and old came together to plant trees
100 beautifully tall trees were planted, bringing the community together in a beautiful day of caring for our part of Creation. The most moving part was that many of the trees were adopted in memory of a loved one.
Truly the leaves of the trees are for the healing of the nations
Photos – Renew Elsies Kraal members
The Leaves of the trees are for the healing of the nations