The numerous water-pipe bursts, Eskom issues, parks and road verges not being cut by the City of Cape Town and potholes, which are a big problem in Bothasig, are just a few of the main challenges the newly appointed chair of the Bothasig Residents Association (BRA) said he would like to address.
Chair Mario Borchards, appointed after the resignation of Dayyaan Ismail, marks his second year in the association.
“I started as treasurer and afterwards became vice-chair, and on 16 November the BRA committee elected me the chair,” he told TygerBurger.
Role
Asked about the BRA and its role, Borchards said it is registered with Subcouncil 3 and serves as Bothasig’s official voice. “It works collaboratively to ensure efficient municipal administration,” he explained.
“Additionally, BRA aims to collaborate with other bodies that promote social, recreational, cultural, welfare and other matters with the potential to benefit residents of the area.
“Furthermore, it seeks to stimulate public interest in civic affairs and create a sense of pride in citizenship. Lastly, it aims to advance and safeguard the interests of Bothasig.”
Community
Borchards and his family have lived in the area he champions and cares so deeply for for two decades now.
“I am a homeowner in Bothasig for 20 years now, and I feel very attached to the community. It is a good area to live in, but I believe it can be a great one. Social cohesion and community building is very important to me, and these are the areas I would like to enhance as BRA leader.”
The small-business owner educated in Business Administration said this is one of the reasons he is so passionate about micro-businesses in the area. In addition to being chair, his other portfolios in BRA are business and education.
Projects
He said the association is involved in a few existing projects, with a few more in the pipeline. “BRA has the school feeding initiative at Bothasig High School, the BRA Breakfast Club. We currently feed 80 to 100 learners a warm breakfast at the school between 07:00 and 08:00.
“Furthermore, BRA has our social walks on Mondays and Wednesdays at 18:15 starting in front of Bosmansdam High School. The walk is a formal programme to improve the wellness of our residents. It is a 3 km loop through the main roads in Bothasig.
“In addition, BRA started the BothasigBIZ small-business enabling initiative. This entails a Facebook page dedicated to Bothasig-based micro-businesses. Linked to this we have events to enable these businesses by running markets free of charge.”
The BothasigBIZ Women’s Day event held in August and recently-held Bothasig Library 35th birthday event are two such examples. Upcoming events include the BothasigBiz Bookkeeping for Small Businesses training workshops.
“These workshops will teach small-business owners how to do basic bookkeeping. BRA is also undertaking formal research on the challenges micro-businesses in the area face. This will give us a better understanding, so we can implement the right interventions.
“Moreover, BRA has strategically joined the Friends of Bothasig Library to promote it, as we believe it should be the focal point for information in the area.
“In addition, BRA will partner with the Department of Social Development to implement some exciting community-based interventions. We are blessed to have our own auxiliary social worker, Joy Titus, who does great work for the local community.”
Spare time
When not performing his various roles Borchards enjoys long-distance running, describing it as his passion.
“I run for Edgemead Runners and have completed many marathons and two Comrades Marathons. I am grateful to have a family that supports me. Working in the community is hard work, but very fulfilling.”
