Similar ideas have been exchanged for 20 years about the state of the town and nothing whatsoever has improved.
She is wrong. Residents don’t care nor are they enthusiastic about changing the squalid reality.
I know from experience with permissions required for improvements, in the case of the surfers improving a space in Muizenberg, that the council granted permission after four years.
Firstly, will shop owners, residents, and council deem your ideas worthy?
As for your command regarding painting the pavements, and not requiring any permission expect to be arrested if you try.