The lively Wynberg precinct, particularly around Pan Africa Shopping Centre, has long struggled with high levels of illegal dumping. For years, the responsibility of cleaning the area has rested with Pikitup.

Now, scores of Alexandra residents, under the integrated community project (ICP), have stepped in, donning overalls and picking up tools to clean their community themselves. Their mission is to ensure Alexandra’s economic hub remains clean.

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Since they started cleaning the area, they say the difference is already visible, yet, practices that threaten to undo their progress persist. ICP member Ntombizodwa Sithole said some business operators around Pan Africa Shopping Centre continue to dump rubbish on the ground, leaving piles of waste. “We wish the City of Johannesburg could make people pay fines, like the City of Cape Town did to the man who was caught on video littering [in December].”

Another member, Malibongwe Sibiya, stressed that cleaning alone is not enough to tackle the problem. “We must do awareness campaigns. [Additionally], whenever we clean here, we must give [informal traders] plastic bags, and teach them to clean the area themselves.”

However, the organisation does not have enough refuse bags to distribute to informal traders in Alexandra. Sithole noted that Freedom Supermarket once donated bags, but more contributions are needed. “I think all businesses that are operating at Pan Africa Shopping Centre must contribute with bags.”

ICP members hope that, as they build partnerships with local businesses, they will not be assisted with resources, but will eventually secure stipends to support their families, given their voluntary commitment to keeping the area clean.

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“This is what we have been doing, even where we come from. Now, we are co-operating with Pikitup. They know we are here. We are volunteering. We are not getting any cent or food. We are doing this for free,” said member Ephraim Jantjies.

Sithole said, even during the festive season when most people were on holiday, ICP members stuck to their mandate — cleaning around Pan Africa Shopping Centre twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

As they continue to carry out their mandate, Sithole urges residents to ensure their environment is clean, keeping in mind that a clean environment brings good life.

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