The Friends of the Liesbeek (FoL) is a volunteer community of concerned citizens who are working towards improving the ecological functioning of the Liesbeek River and surrounds, improving the river's recreational utility and value and inspiring a community to take action. The river is a critical green and blue corridor in an urban setting. The Friends of the Liesbeek began in 1991. Its first activities were river walks and clean-ups, but today, the organisation focuses more broadly on restoration, public awareness and education of the river environments. There is a fully funded Liesbeek Maintenance Project which employs 8 staff from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and one project manager who is typically a recent university graduate from the environmental sector. The success of this volunteer group has been dependent on its mutually beneficial partnership with the City of Cape Town, business and other community organisations. The FoL has adopted an unflinching, ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ approach to volunteerism that has allowed it to operate effectively on the same level as the government departments with which it deals. FoL’s primary effort, the Liesbeek Maintenance Project – a large-scale river rehabilitation scheme – is reliant on the knowledge and support of the municipality. The success of FoL makes a strong case for the potential of volunteer organisations and demonstrates that, in partnership with government, much can be accomplished. The key is to stand apart from, but work with government.
