Prominent social cohesion advocate and anti-crime ambassador, Yusuf Abramjee, says after 20 years of living in Erasmia in Centurion he is still passionate about Erasmia and its people.
Acclaimed social cohesion advocate and anti-crime activist, Yusuf Abramjee, is also at the forefront of a number of humanitarian fund-raising initiatives. A teacher by training and a journalist by profession, this former head of news and current affairs at Primedia Broadcasting, moved into the suburb of Erasmia some 20 years ago. Being actively involved in this community, Yusuf shares his views about Erasmia.
“I purchased a newly built house and over the years invested time and money to make it more comfortable. It is a rather big stand (1,750m2) on the upper side of Erasmia also known as Christoburg.”
Erasmia is a middle/higher-income group area linking up to Laudium where Yusuf used to live with his parents. He chose Erasmia to live in “because the family are all close by. I have become used to this area and it has easy access onto all major routes to both Pretoria and Johannesburg. Over recent years, the two major roads (R55 and R511) were upgraded by the Gauteng Provincial Government to the delight of local residents.”
The initiatives he is involved in, his work as a consultant and enthusiasm for community service, take up much of his time. “There is no day the same. I constantly get calls from people across the country wanting assistance or advice. I often attend urgent meetings and re-schedule my diary to accommodate urgent issues.”
Yusuf enjoys returning home to the quiet neighbourhood of Erasmia to spend valuable time with his family.
“Apart from a few housing complexes developed recently and a police station still under construction, there are no major developments disturbing the peace.” One of Yusuf’s favourite places to visit is the mosque on the border of Erasmia and Laudium. “Places of worship always provide peace and tranquillity.”
Yusuf says Erasmia’s people form a close-knit community. “Residents live in harmony, side by side, irrespective of race, colour or creed. It is a rather peaceful community, but we've had our fair share of crime, like every other neighbourhood. Recently, security has been stepped up in the area.
“Community involvement in one’s neighbourhood is critical,” says Yusuf. “Every resident forms part of the community and we must all become active citizens. I am a passionate South African and I am determined to make a difference. As much as we criticise, condemn and point fingers, ask yourself: what can I do to make my suburb, my province, my country, my continent and my world better?”
Residents live in harmony, side by side, irrespective of race, colour or creed.
Yusuf Abramjee
Top schools:
- Erasmia Primary School
- Laudium Secondary School
- Amity International School
- Al Ghazali College
Medical facilities nearby:
- Netcare Unitas Hospital
- Pretoria West Hospital
- Kalafong Provincial Hospital
- Laudium Clinic
Things to do:
- Erasmia’s restaurants offer a delightful variety – from local Indian cuisine and succulent grills to delicious seafood and scrumptious pizzas.
- There are many health hydro/day spas in the area, such as Hoogland Health Hydro, Bayete Day Spa, Kai Thai Spa, Mangwanani River Spa and Vuvuzela Day Spa.
- Hennops MTB and hiking trail offers 4x4/off-road trails and a picnic spot with braai and swimming facilities.
Take a trip through Centurion here:
Estate agent insight into Erasmia
What do you love about Erasmia?
I love Erasmia’s convenient location. It offers residents the benefit of living in a quiet neighbourhood away from the urban rush, but it is close enough to easily access the commercial hubs of Gauteng when necessary. Erasmia is about 30km from the tourism-rich Hartbeespoort Dam area which is ideal for a relaxing day/weekend getaway. This beautiful suburb offers great family living with schools and all other amenities.
Prajesh Bhoola: Sotheby's International Realty
What are the best things about the area for families?
This established suburb offers several property investment options and provides an ideal starting opportunity for first-time buyers and new families. The properties generally have spacious lawns and big houses. Erasmia also boasts several locally owned family businesses. Residents can enjoy a number of nearby recreational facilities, such as Zwartkops Raceway and Copperleaf Golf and Country Club as well as all facilities the greater Centurion has on offer.
Louis Rossouw: Rawson Properties
Erasmia in a nutshell?
Erasmia is a lovely neighbourhood with friendly residents from various cultural backgrounds. The suburb has a number of public and private schools enabling school learners to attend a school of their choice in the neighbourhood they live in. There are several restaurants, offering a variety of good food. Erasmia is a short distance from the central business districts of Centurion and Pretoria and the N14 highway.
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
