Community members from Port Elizabeth's northern areas used Mandela Day to take a stand against gangsterism and gun-violence.
The group led by a newly formed organisation, The Fight Of Our Lives, marched to City Hall to present a comprehensive memorandum of demands to the executive mayor, Mongameli Bobani.
Some of the demands included the need for proper fencing at schools, active economic development plans and an increase in police visibility in the area.
Organisation co-founder, Christopher Adriaan, said the community has had enough and while people always complained about the situation in the Northern Areas no one wanted to a stand.
He said they chose Mandela Day to convene the march because it symbolises freedom.
"I'm just a normal member of the community and I thought that I should try something. That is why we are here today," said Adriaan.
Meanwhile, Madge Blignaut of Project Hope, said they feel strongly that it is time for the community to take a stand against gangsterism and violence.
She said Project Hope has been working for 20 years with about 500 young children in different parts of the northern areas running a homework club in Booysens Park and Bloemendal as well as outreach programmes.
"The least I could do is to come here today, represent this organisation and say as an adult I've had enough. Let's take a stand, let's leave a legacy, let's continue Madiba's legacy," she said.
The memorandum was received by an official from the office of the Speaker, Thembekile Mgwanza, who said that they have noted the grievances of the residents and will respond to that within 30 days.
