Capital Collective – Connecting Efforts in the People’s City

There is this need to clarify the assumption that Pretoria is a city with magnificent historical architecture, but with an unfortunate dull vibe, and that the Capital city of South Africa has faded into the background over the years.

Fortunately, the sentiments of the people living in- and loving the city, have reached a tipping point and a network of like-minded people, passionate about the rejuvenation of the Capital are connecting and getting their hands dirty in the quest to put the city “on the map” – locally and internationally.

Various initiatives are taking shape and companies are coming to the party to show their support and commitment to make the inner city liveable, resilient and inclusive- as per the vision of the City of Tshwane 2055. A wide variety of role-players are becoming partners with the City of Tshwane in the development of Africa’s biggest city.

The Capital Collective is one of these initiatives creating connections between different stakeholders in the process of the inner city rejuvenation. The initiative creates a space where ideas and initiatives can be shared and explored, not only to raise interest and awareness, but also to find possible avenues for collaboration or support, where needed.

“Essentially we are creating a united, non-political force of people and organisations who want to leverage the influence, knowledge, skills, resources and passion of people in Tshwane to make the city’s revival a reality”, says Mareli Wassenaar, the Programme Director

Mareli Wassenaar started working with City Property Administration on the Collective after both parties realised the synergy in their efforts – one as a property investor and the other as a communications and marketing consultant – both equally passionate about the inner city and its potential.

Born and bred in Pretoria, a year in Paris at the age of 18 made her realise “the grass isn’t always greener on the other side,” and that it is up to us to make the most of where we are at any given time. Fred Kent says it best: “Everyone has the right to live in a great place. More importantly, everyone has the right to contribute to making the place where they already live great”.

“We have so much to go for and to take pride in, it is time for us to capture and embrace our city’s unique brand identity and create the place we want to live in.Why go to Johannesburg for entertainment if we can do it right here?”

Within Pretoria are individuals with revolutionary ideas and awe-inspiring projects, but the support is scarce and money remains an issue. The Capital Collective wants to encourage people to collaborate to be able to achieve more as part of a collective effort.

What are some of the dream projects the initiative is pushing for?

Other projects that are envisioned for the city, that will take a concerted effort by the private and public sector, include walking and cycling routes, urban farming programmes, an inner city newspaper, urban art projects, cleaning and safety programmes, leadership and motivational talks, training and development opportunities, a Luv Ur Hood campaign and a whole lot more.

Visit the Capital Collectives web and Facebook page for more information and become involved.

Read more about the various initiatives and what they have been getting up to on our Local Personality and Pretoria Interactive page.