Name : Hilary Meyer

Occupation : Office Manager

Connection to Central : Resident Property owner

Why is the SRA Important to you?  I have lived in Central since 1978 and have owned my home there since December 1981.  Central is a unique suburb,  the historic core of Port Elizabeth, a true melting pot of cultures and residential and work environments. I have seen changes over the years and realise, both as an architect, a keen historian and a proud South African, that the need to preserve and enhance our environment and show our heritage is extremely important. Vital if we are to grow as a city and welcome others to share our uniqueness.

 

Name : Jurie Kotze

Occupation : Estate Agent – Staytoday Property

Connection to Central : Property owner

Why is the SRA Important to you?  Central has a rich historical connection and an architecture worth preserving. Out of an economic point of viewing it is the first suburb which visitors see when they drive into Port Elizabeth over the highway or up Russell Road, that first impression is important. The suburb has the potential to supply PE with quality high density accommodation which has endless advantages. Currently the suburb is not maximizing its potential and I believe the SRA will assist in turning the suburb into a show piece for the city, rather than a embarrassment.

 

Listen here to Kenrick Brown chatting to Lize-Mari Arthur during the “Yay The Bay” segment on Kingfisher FM.

This was broadcast on 31 January 2019.

 

Name : Cathy Wanvig

Occupation : Small Business Owner + SRA marketing

Connection to Central : Resident Property owner

Why is the SRA Important to you? Having returned from overseas in 2011, I decided to settle in Central. It is a true microcosm with an unique vibe about it. We know all our neighbors and we all stand together whenever there is a problem, which contrary to common belief, is rare. I hate seeing posts on social media (from ignorant people) about how bad Central is and how it should be avoided. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, there are a few derelict building, a few problem areas and a criminal element. However with the entire Central community standing together to form the SRA, we will be able to eradicate these bad elements and return Central to a safe, clean and desirable place to live and work.

 

Name : Rod Carradice

Occupation : Retired from Municipality

Connection to Central : Property owner
Why is the SRA Important to you? I love its history, when people used to live together, the characters who lived in some buildings that used to stand proudly and even though they are even ram shamble now their history projects through and continue to make a bold statement. Ready for restoration so they can once again be seen in all their splendor. History still walks the sidewalks. Old cast iron poles still stand where once a gas lamp stood a-top beaming into the dark. You don’t get that in the new suburbs . The Opera House, the former cinemas that are still scattered in the side streets, the old Hotels.
I know the new influx of outsiders, seems out of place, but in a strange way they find a space and fit in…. That`s Central, it absorbs all who come around. The sad irony is that all can be accommodated except the criminals and drugsters, just never find a home. I am a former Municipal employee who found joy in exploring the ambiance of the character of this area. I wish to see the match of the buildings and the people find a harmony without all of the ugliness and trash that lines the streets

Name : Shane Mclean

Occupation : Business Owner (Accounting software, Software development and data management)

Connection to Central : Resident Property owner

Why is the SRA Important to you? I have lived in Central for over 4 years. This area has so much potential to showcase what Port Elizabeth is all about. The diversity in its people, buildings and surroundings is unlike any area in Port Elizabeth. The SRA is the only legal means for us (the community) to take back Central. Without it we are at the hands of the municipality alone!

 

Name: Kenrick Brown

Occupation : Business Analyst – National Glass

Connection to Central : Works in Central

Why is the SRA Important to you? Local Governments do not have the resources to
manage municipalities effectively. Apathy will not fix Central and so local communities need to take control of the areas they live in and create positive change.

Name : Ron Pask

Occupation: Social Housing Practitioner. Inner-city transformation activist.

Connection to Central : Works in Central

Why is the SRA important to you? If we continue to try doing things the same way we will always get the current results. We have some new good policy and bylaws in the SRA process.

These need to be delivered. We are doing just that. Welcome to the process!