A life of service: Community activist Lyle Lawrence, answers the call in Ward 65

As part of our ongoing series, A Day in the Life of a Community Leader, we highlight individuals and organisations making a difference at the grassroots level across our communities.

This week, we feature Lyle Lawrence, who has dedicated himself to serving the people of Ward 65, often working long hours behind the scenes to ensure that residents receive help, dignity, and a voice.

Last week we featured Lynne Anthony, from Georgie’s Angels (“A Day in the Life of Lynne Anthony: Championing community support”.

Community service is not a job or a title, for Mr Lawrence, "it is a way of life".

For the past 16 years, Mr Lawrence has dedicated himself to serving the people of Ward 65, often working long hours behind the scenes to ensure that residents receive help, dignity, and a voice.

Mr Lawrence’s journey into community activism began in 2014, shortly after completing his gap year, when he enrolled in Safety in Society at False Bay College’s Westlake campus. It was there, he said, that his passion for helping others truly took root. During this period, he became actively involved in ward structures under then Ward 65 councillor Leslie Isaacs, serving the community in an official capacity for five years.

His work soon extended beyond council chambers. As a member of the local neighbourhood watch, Mr Lawrence took part in crime-prevention patrols and began organising holiday programmes to keep young people engaged. These included sports events, outings, and youth-focused activities aimed at giving children a sense of belonging and purpose.

One of the moments that left a lasting impression on Mr Lawrence occurred in 2014, when an elderly woman was killed in Lotus River. With no funeral policy in place and her partner unable to cover burial costs, Mr Lawrence mobilised donors and worked with local leadership to secure a dignified, "five-star" funeral within days. “I couldn’t rest knowing the family was struggling,” he said.

Now 31 years old, unmarried and without children, Mr Lawrence invests most of his time in the community. In November last year, he qualified as a certified community paralegal, allowing him to assist residents with legal advice and referrals.

“My work includes helping people facing evictions, labour disputes, and gender-based violence.”

Alongside legal assistance, Mr Lawrence plays a crucial role in municipal service delivery. “Each day begins with a flood of messages from residents reporting issues ranging from burst pipes and fires to housing and electricity problems.”

He logs complaints with the City of Cape Town, follows up with departments, and ensures residents receive reference numbers.

“Last year, in 2025 alone, I processed 4 670 service delivery requests,” said Mr Lawrence.

Despite the administrative load, Mr Lawrence remains hands-on. “In 2025, I organised a community fun day attended by more than 250 young people.”

He also assisted families facing financial hardship, “including arranging a dignified funeral for a young mother killed in April 2025.”

Growing up in Lotus River, Mr Lawrence said, shaped his understanding of the struggles residents face daily. While Parkwood is a newer area of responsibility, he continues to balance both communities, dividing his time between office work and being physically present on the ground.

“The work is emotionally demanding, but support from my faith, a small working committee, and relationships with municipal officials help me push through.” For Mr Lawrence, the reward lies in the impact.

“This is my calling,” he said. “When you work from the heart, serving the community becomes a privilege,” said Mr Lawrence.

Find Southern mail on TikTok and Instagram @ccmonlineza