Peter Martin: A Community leader committed to serving Steenberg

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 Peter Martin, chairperson of the Steenberg Community Forum (SCF), whose whole purpose is to give back to the community.

Last week, we featured Lyle Lawrence ("A life of service: Community activist Lyle Lawrence, answers the call in Ward 65).

Before the emails arrive and the meetings begin, Peter Martin is already at work - on his knees in a community garden in the heart of Steenberg.

It is how many of his mornings start, tending quietly to a small green space that speaks volumes about his commitment to the Steenberg Community Forum (SCF).

Established in September 2020 during the height of the Covid-19 lockdown, SCF was formed after a call was placed in the Southern Mail for residents to create a civic organisation for the greater Steenberg area. The response was immediate, and the forum was created out of a shared desire to uplift the community.

“The whole purpose was to give back to the community,” Mr Martin said.

From the outset, the organisation has operated entirely on volunteerism. Unlike some community bodies, SCF members receive no remuneration, stipends, or honoraria.

“We are volunteers,” he said, adding, “We invest our time, skills, expertise, talent, and even our own financial resources for free for the community.”

The forum serves the greater Steenberg area, including Allenby Estate and parts of Retreat, focusing on development initiatives, advocacy, and youth upliftment programmes.

No two days look the same for Mr Martin.

"The people I mostly interact with during the day are the exco members André Jonas, treasurer, and Marvin Barnard, secretary."

Guided by an annual operational plan, his work ranges from compiling compliance reports for the Department of Social Development and Sub-council to preparing for annual general meetings, fundraising, networking, and addressing community concerns. "

Yet his day often starts outdoors at Julius Crescent Park.

“SCF has established a community garden on the corner of Julius Crescent and Stingel Road, so the first task is usually to water the garden using grey water and do maintenance,” he said.

The garden, supported by donations of plants and compost from residents, has become a visible sign of constructive change.

“We’ve received a lot of encouragement from the community,” Mr Martin said.

“People appreciate when they see you doing something sustainable.”

Balancing administrative duties with accessibility requires careful time management. Mr Martin schedules his paperwork for the afternoon, which allows him to keep his evenings open for meetings and engagement with residents.

“I do administration during the afternoon so I can be available in the evenings,” he explains.

He works closely with SCF’s executive committee members, whose shared commitment strengthens the organisation’s impact.

“Their dedication to the mission of the Forum is our greatest strength,” he said.

Like many grassroots organisations, SCF faces ongoing funding challenges. Members often contribute personally toward programmes and projects.

“Our main challenge right now is securing sponsorship for our annual Youth Day programme,” Mr Martin said.

As a registered non-profit organisation, SCF must also meet strict compliance standards, including leadership meetings, annual reports, and financial statements. Funding applications to companies and ward allocations have so far been unsuccessful, and the organisation is currently applying for tax exemption status to improve future funding prospects. Recruiting volunteers remains another hurdle.

Despite the pressures, Mr Martin sees community work not as a favour, but as a calling.

“I have always been involved in community and youth work,” he said. “It’s part of my DNA.”

To prevent burnout, he makes time for gardening, walking, and short breaks, while consciously switching off over weekends.

At the end of each day, fulfilment comes from giving back.

“I get a sense of fulfilment knowing I can use my skills and experience to serve my community for free,” Mr Martin said.

Through steady dedication and volunteer spirit, Mr Martin continues to show that meaningful change begins at the grassroots level.

To support the SCF or to volunteer, contact Mr Martin at 062 216 2764.

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