News Update – Executive Mayor Launches Kido Choene Park
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Click here to download the PDF for News Update 20 September 2013
The Executive Mayor of Mangaung Metro, Cllr. Thabo Manyoni, on Thursday 12 September launched the Kido Choene Park in Heidedal, a place where children can unwind and exercise at, while their elders will be reminded of the legacy left behind by the former councillor.
“I hope with this facility we will be addressing also other social ills we are facing, where children are exposed to drugs and alcohol. I hope with this they also grow well, as physical fitness will help in mental development,” the Executive Mayor said.
Cllr Kedibone Choene was one of the longest serving councillors of Mangaung, who had been with the municipality until her death in 2011. With environmental awareness being one of the issues she felt strongly about, the Executive Mayor saw it befitting to name the park after her, which would also ensure that her memory is preserved.
Addressing the family of the late Kido Choene, Mangaung officials, ANCWL, the community of Heidedal and media, the EM said the launch is particularly important as it was on the same day that South Africa remembers one of the country’s anti-apartheid activists who died 29 years ago on the same day.
The late Kido Choene, who was a nurse, was described as a hard-worker, and an individual who went never compromised on how she served people, despite the challenges she faced in her line of duty. This is the kind of spirit needed when serving the community, the Executive Mayor said. The R1.2 million park is divided into two sections; one with various swings for children, and the other section with gym equipment for the youth and above.
Similar parks are planned for various parts of the metro, while a regional park has been planned for Thaba Nchu. The Executive Mayor has requested the community to be the custodians of the facility, and protect it.
“These are not municipality facilities, but a community facility. When it comes to issue of maintenance and protecting the equipment here, the community must do it,” the EM said.
The focus on building parks, particularly in townships forms part of the EM’s vision to ensure that Mangaung’s open spaces are properly utilised, which will contribute towards the city’s broader beautification strategy which amongst other seeks to attract visitors and tourists to our city.
Click here to download the PDF for News Update 20 September 2013