In the News
Made with Love for Mandela Day
In the spirit of Nelson Mandela Day, more than 30 volunteers from across the Riverside Precinct came together to assemble and donate 100 care packages to GRIP (Gender-Based Violence, Rape, Incest and Child Abuse Awareness Centre) to support survivors of gender-based violence.
The care packages, comprising 80 for adults and 20 for children, were assembled by volunteers at the Riverside CID offices on Friday, 17 July, and were officially handed over to GRIP on Monday, 20 July. An additional eight appreciation packs were also prepared for GRIP staff in recognition of their unwavering commitment to supporting survivors.
"This initiative gave our community the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals," said Zani Barrish, Marketing Manager at Riverside CID.
The initiative was the brainchild of Dr Shareef Abrahams, a Clinical Microbiologist working in the private sector, whose vision and commitment helped mobilise donations from individuals across Mbombela, together with support from the Riverside CID, Halls Properties, StayEasy Mbombela, Southern Sun Mbombela and the World of Wellness Foundation (Shine with Dignity).
"We saw a need and wanted to help," said Abrahams.
Receiving the donation on behalf of GRIP, CEO Taryn Lokotsch said the organisation was deeply touched by the generosity shown.
Volunteers clear invasive plants to protect biodiversity
Members of the Botanical Society of South Africa, conservation students from the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) and staff from the Riverside CID joined forces on Saturday to remove invasive alien plants from the Riverside Reserve.
The project aimed to restore indigenous biodiversity in the area. During the alien vegetation removal, volunteers cleared a variety of invasive plant species, including jacaranda, seringa, lantana, yellow bells, triffid weed, mother of millions and exotic garden escapees such as bougainvillea. These species compete with indigenous vegetation and can negatively impact local ecosystems if left unchecked. Thabo Somphekoa, a second year nature conservation student at the UMP, said: “Opportunities like this allow us to apply what we learn in the classroom to real conservation challenges.
Being involved in the removal of invasive alien plants gives us valuable practical experience and helps us better understand the importance of protecting indigenous ecosystems.”
“The reserve is looking beautiful at the moment, especially with much of the invasive vegetation now removed,” said Zani Barrish of the Riverside CID.
“Visitors can already see the difference. By creating more space for indigenous species to flourish, we are improving habitat quality for plants and wildlife throughout the Riverside Precinct.”
The removal of invasive alien plants plays a vital role in restoring natural ecosystems and creating healthier habitats for indigenous plants and the wildlife that depends on them.
Riverside CID Proudly Supports VIBE Innibos 2026
From youth arts to environmental projects, Riverside CID's CSI programme is making a lasting impact in Mpumalanga.
A financial contribution from the Riverside City Improvement District (CID) through its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme made it possible for underprivileged learners from Mbombela and other parts of Mpumalanga to attend the inaugural VIBE Innibos Youth Arts Symposium & Expo.
Recognising the important role that arts and culture play in community development, Riverside CID saw VIBE Innibos as an opportunity to invest in the next generation of performers, musicians, dancers and visual artists, helping them discover, develop and showcase their talents.
“Riverside CID is incredibly proud to have been a sponsor of the very first VIBE Innibos.
We are passionate about creating opportunities for young people to discover, develop and showcase their talents, because we believe they are the innovators, leaders and changemakers of tomorrow.
Supporting their growth and helping them broaden their horizons is an investment in a brighter future for all. We are thrilled to be part of this exciting journey and look forward to seeing VIBE become a celebrated and enduring feature of Innibos for many years to come,” says Riverside CID Manager, Shivon Wiggins.
Riverside Birding Day Brings Community Together
More than 200 nature enthusiasts gathered at the Riverside Reserve on Freedom Day for the inaugural Riverside Birding Day, hosted by the Riverside City Improvement District in partnership with the Greater Riverside Biodiversity Initiative (GRBI) and BirdLife Lowveld.
Participants recorded an impressive 72 bird species during the seven-hour event, highlighting the remarkable biodiversity found within the Riverside Reserve. The day brought together birders, families, and outdoor enthusiasts to celebrate the area's natural beauty while exploring one of the Lowveld's most valuable green spaces.
The event marked the first of many planned nature-based experiences aimed at connecting the community with the Riverside Reserve and promoting conservation, recreation, and environmental awareness.
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