For Farhana Gaffar, community work is about more than identifying problems it is about being willing to become part of the solution. A resident of Lenasia South Extension 1, Gaffar has dedicated herself to bringing residents together and contributing towards a safer, cleaner and stronger community.
Gaffar comes from what she describes as a simple and humble background. Raised by her mother alongside her two older brothers, she grew up in an environment where she was constantly encouraged to believe in herself, aim high and never be afraid to dream big. Those early lessons have remained with her and continue to shape the determination she brings to her community work.
Her involvement in community initiatives began in 2019, when she joined a community safety and security initiative alongside her husband, Irffaan Gaffar, and other committed residents. Seeing the challenges around her made her realise that waiting for someone else to bring change was not enough. “What inspired me to get involved in community projects was the desire to be part of the solution. I want to create a safer, cleaner and better environment for my children and for the entire Lenasia South community,” she said.
What began as a safety initiative eventually grew into an association, and Gaffar continued playing an active role in efforts to improve the area. Through residents working together, she says the community has been able to help combat crime, with incidents such as gate motor theft and petty theft becoming far less common. The committee’s work has also extended beyond safety. In 2019, it adopted Hampton Park and worked alongside City Parks to clean, maintain and improve the recreational space. For Gaffar, projects such as these demonstrate what can be achieved when residents take responsibility for their surroundings and work together towards a common goal.
Today, she serves as one of the directors and vice PRO of the BBBBBAAH Residents Association, where she assists with communication, community engagement and addressing concerns raised by residents in Block 8 and surrounding areas. She is also a small online business owner and an administrator of several Lenasia South community groups, platforms she uses to advise, assist and empower residents and connect them with the relevant people when problems arise.
Gaffar regularly helps escalate community concerns to Ward 120 councillor Phuseletso Nzimande and Joy Govender, who she says is currently responsible for service delivery matters in the ward. She believes cooperation between residents, community leaders and public representatives is essential if communities are to achieve meaningful and lasting improvements.
Her journey, however, has not been without challenges. Limited resources, difficulty getting people involved and dealing with negativity are among the obstacles she has encountered. As a woman involved in community leadership, Gaffar says she has also experienced the difficulty of having to work harder to ensure her voice is heard.
Despite these challenges, she refuses to allow setbacks to discourage her. Instead, they have strengthened her belief in perseverance and taught her what she is capable of achieving when she remains focused. “I am a very determined person and when I set my mind to something, I give it my all. Once I start something, I am committed to seeing it through, no matter how many challenges I may face along the way,” she said.
Her vision is to see Lenasia South develop into a clean, safe and crime-free community where residents take pride in their neighbourhood, care for their surroundings and look out for one another. At the centre of that vision are children and the kind of environment in which future generations will grow up.
Gaffar hopes to see a stronger community where children can enjoy a safe and healthy environment while having opportunities that allow them to look forward to a brighter future. She believes this cannot be achieved by one person or organisation alone, but through residents recognising the role they can each play.
“Change starts with ordinary people who are willing to take the first step. When we come together and work as one, even a small effort can make a big difference,” she said. Seeing residents unite around community initiatives has reinforced her belief that ordinary people are capable of achieving extraordinary results when they share a common purpose. Her passion, she says, remains simple: serving her community, bringing people together and helping make Lenasia South a better place for everyone.
Her message to others who want to make a difference is one of patience, determination and action. “Don’t let anything stop you. Rome wasn’t built in a day. If you want change, then you must be willing to make the change. If you can dream it, you can achieve it, and always remember: many hands make light work.”
