Driving through Vrygrond, you will see that most of the homes are shacks made of corrugated metal. The dull colours match the overcast sky. People wander seemingly aimlessly down the streets. The atmosphere is grim. Take a turn down Vrygrond Avenue, however, and your eyes are caught by a sign. A vibrant rainbow painted among the grey. It reads ‘Where Rainbows Meet.’
Deep within the township of Nyanga in Cape Town lies an oasis. An enticing green place amidst a sea of concrete, tin and brick, the contrast with its immediate surroundings is stark. Yet this oasis is not a natural occurrence, but moreover the result of the concerted efforts of a few highly-focused individuals, supported by an enterprising community organisation. The Greening Nyanga Project is a relatively new branch of Etafeni, a community programme in the township of Nyanga.