Kliprivier and Scientology Volunteer Ministers join hands to cleanup

After the devastating floods across Gauteng in the past weeks, the community of Kliprivier and the Scientology Volunteer Ministers organisation began to pick up the pieces and rebuild after their area was flooded on February 24.

The community members came together to help with a much-needed cleanup.

After the heavy rains slowed and the waters subsided, the full extent of the damage became noticeable, and the Scientology Volunteer Ministers quickly assembled a large team and mobilised the community to attack the damage.

The Scientology Volunteer Ministers sprang into action and brought more than 50 volunteers from the neighbouring community of Ennerdale to start the relief efforts.

Volunteer minister Kabelo Kgosana said when they stood in front of heaps of debris the reality of the damage was clear.

“It was then easier to confront it and work with the community to rebuild. Images of the informal settlement showed debris all over the community left by the floods, with tons of waste. Volunteers and community members sorted through the rubbish left behind. Despite the risks connected with this activity, Kliprivier residents came together to clean up the devastated land.

“We visited and assisted the hardest hit areas across the province. We worked with ward councillors, the emergency services, the City of Johannesburg and others to help the communities. Kliprivier was one of the first townships we visited.

“The last time I was here, I walked through water to rescue trapped families and reassured the community that we could get through this. Today, the scene is a bit lively because of the interventions, and now we can finally work to rebuild,” added Kgosana.

The leader of the Volunteer Ministers group in Kliprivier, Noluthando Mnyandu, expressed satisfaction with the cleanup.

“When it rains heavily in Kliprivier, the trash from the illegal dumpsites ends up in the residential area, which causes diseases in the community such as cholera. This initiative is vital. I am impressed that the community came out in numbers to work together. This means better hygiene and less disease in future.

“We will do these cleanups weekly now. On the weekend, we collect the trash, and on Monday, we call the local waste management company to collect it. This will bring hygiene awareness and get the community to love and care for their place.

“As a volunteer minister, I feel I have the ability and responsibility to identify problems in the community and provide solutions. It gives me a sense of fulfilment to lend a helping hand,” said Mnyandu.

The organisation, founded by the humanitarian L Ron Hubbard, also provided skills training to the community to help them rebuild.

Kgosana said that by providing such skills to those affected, they will be equipped to continue rebuilding themselves as the Scientology Volunteer Ministers move on to other affected areas.

Kgosana said that the volunteers would mobilise more people so that they could continue as long as needed.