Faizel Patel (03-12-11)

As we walked through the entrance of Rose Park our eyes welled with tears and made us reminisce of how fortunate we really are that we have the full use of our abilities, a true gift from above. A gift we sometimes take for granted.

Ahmed Bukhatir resonates this perfectly when he says: “Today upon a bus I saw a girl with golden hair and I wished I was fair. When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw her hobble down the aisle. She had one leg and wore a crutch, but as she passed, she smiled. Oh God forgive me when I whine, I have two legs and the world is mine.”

God has created all humans equal, but he has also created some special people. They are just like us, but they are also physically challenged. They share the smiles, laughter and joy of life like we do, but with more vigor and enthusiasm.

Channel Islam International (CII) in conjunction with Johannesburg City Parks, and together with plethora of public support and fund raising drives have turned a dream into a reality and metamorphasised the sadness of physically disabled children into a joyous euphoria. Oscar Oliphant, the senior manager of stakeholder relations at Johannesburg City Park says: “This is the first time we have actually done a project such as this through community effort…This is a classic example of how public partnership can work with the community. It is extremely encouraging to see how people have poured their hearts and money into the project. The revamping of Rose Park is a small step for the community Lenasia and a giant leap for the physically challenged.”

Historic: The JCP/CII Rose Stimulation Park is Officially opened

On Saturday 03 December 2011, the new revamped Rose Park was officially opened. It was a sight to behold and a realization of a dream of two neighbors, Faizel Suleman and Azhar Vadi, after a run-in at a local masjid.

Guests and visitors were addressed and welcomed by a member of the mayoral committee for corporate and shared services, Mally Mokoena.  The programme included a rendition of the South African national anthem by the Lollypop Special Needs School, entertainment by the Lenasia Muslim Association Special Needs School and a poem by Fatima Ahmed Daya, resident and Facilitator of Donor Funding from Mpumalanga. An address by Ebrahim Gangat, Azhar Vadi (project coordinator), Cllr Prema Naidoo (Chief Whip in the City of Johannesburg) and a key note address by Cllr Chris Vondo highlighted the un-waivered and dedicated effort of the Rose Park Project and the coalescing of CII, the community of Lenasia and Johannesburg City Parks in the culmination of months of hard work. Together as a rainbow nation, we have truly found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!

Pure Joy: The Dream of a Carefree Day at a Park for Special Needs Children is Realised

The moment finally arrived when the ribbon was cut, commemorative plaques were unveiled and MMC’s Chris Vondo and Mally Mokoena led a ceremonial tree planting along with podium dignitaries.  The renowned Ebrahim Gangat and the relevant dignitaries unveiled a Sponsor plaque.  The vote of thanks was conducted by Lenasia ward councilor, Abdia Bennie. The highlight of the day was the viewing of the Rose Street Stimulation Park, but the noesis of this project was the unification of people of all faiths, creed and colour, not to change the world but to make the world and Rose Park, a park in the small community of Lenasia, a better place for those that are less fortunate than us.

Faizel143@vodamail.co.za