By Busi Vilakazi
The City of Johannesburg held its first city-wide voluntary clean-up day as part of the A Re Sebetseng project on September 30.
Malvern was not left behind as Clr Neuren Pietersen from ward 118 and residents cleaned up the area at the corner of Jules and 30th streets.
“I believe that it went well. Kensington alone had seven teams. I also saw a resident cleaning around Sylvia’s Market,” said Pietersen.
“I know of at least three teams in Malvern consisting of residents who volunteered during the course of the day.”
He encouraged residents to start being responsible and environmentally conscious, as pollution is a man-made problem.
“This campaign is long-term and its intention is to get citizens into the streets and to show that litter is our problem. It also shows them we have the power to solve the problem through prevention.
“Spending time picking up litter encourages us to be less careless with our waste. A clean street also attracts less litter. I always say that little sweet wrappers and ‘stompies’ have babies in that litter and waste attracts bigger and more waste and refuse. It is difficult to drop or dump something in a clean environment,” Pietersen said.
A Re Sebetseng, meaning “let’s work”, was launched by City of Joburg mayor, Clr Herman Mashaba, in Yeoville on August 14.
The campaign is about challenging residents to commit the fourth Saturday of every month to cleaning the streets in their respective communities.
Mashaba thanked residents who participated in the first city-wide clean-up.
“I wish to express my deepest appreciation to all residents who took part in today’s activities, whether at your local park, throughout your ward or just in your street. Every effort counts,” said Mashaba.
Pietersen urged residents to support clean-up activities in their areas.
“The next clean-up will be on October 28 and I encourage residents to participate and help make this a Johannesburg cultural event with the ultimate goal of having the cleanest city on the continent,” said Pietersen.
Bags can be picked up from the nearest Pikitup depot, at city libraries, clinics or walk-in centres.
Residents can contact 087 357 1126 or email aresebetseng@pikitup.co.za to arrange for full waste bags to be collected.
Residents can report illegal dumping on 0860 562 874, 011 375 5555 or email info@pikitup.co.za
