Benoni makes Mother Earth proud

Music, art, community and a hearty dose of caring spirit.

It was these ingredients that contributed to community members celebrating Earth Day on April 20.

While some headed to Homestead Dam, immersing themselves in the talents of some of the city’s local musos and enjoying a day spent in the sun, others rolled up their sleeves to clean First Avenue, Bunyan and Tom Jones streets.

Clean Projects
Hitting the streets just after 07:00, the Clean Projects team started prepping the area for its Benoni vs Plastics art exhibition and mass clean-up.

Despite the jovial atmosphere, the unthinkable happened when a motorcycle travelling to a nearby petrol station struck an employee of the organisation.

“The team were placing traffic cones, creating a visible and safe working area for those who would clear the gutters,” explained Alison Etherington.

“The motorcyclist collided with our employee, resulting in a broken leg. Thanks to the prompt response from emergency personnel, they took him to hospital, and he is receiving medical treatment.”

Once the dust settled and the nerves had calmed, volunteers, including those from Heart of Benoni, Elevation Hub, Inner-city Ministry, Avenues Residents Association (ARA), Work 4 a Living Benoni, AfriForum, Willowmore High, Hammond Pole Attorneys and members of Sixth and Ninth Benoni Scout groups got stuck in, putting the wheels of environmental consciousness into gear.

Wrestling with overgrown weeds on First Avenue, Ntsika Khumalo (15) said he convinced his dad to trade a relaxing Saturday morning for gloves and rakes.

“I attend school in Rivonia, and as part of our community service, we need to complete 15 hours assisting NPOs with their ongoing efforts,” said the youth.

“Our teacher highlighted some upcoming events, one of which was this Clean Projects clean-up, and I decided this is where I want to spend my time. Being here makes me feel useful and like I contribute to change.”

While some worked up a sweat, learners from Willowmore jumped at the chance to create art using recyclable materials.

Homestead Helpers for Benoni
Ditching the garbage bags, Homestead Helpers for Benoni hosted a laidback Earth Day Festival at Homestead Dam.

Some of the city’s up-and-coming entertainers took to the stage throughout the day to provide music and entertainment, while visitors could also browse many stalls.

“Every time we put a call out to the community to assist with clean-up projects, they show up,” said Nina Visser, one of the organisation’s directors.

“In celebration of Earth Day, we decided to give residents a chance to enjoy the fruits of their labour by offering a day out at one of our city’s jewels.

“The aim was to host an event where families and friends can safely enjoy a day out while supporting local talent and small businesses creating sustainable and environmentally-friendly products. We want to promote community cohesion.”

Visser said the NPO hopes to branch out, looking beyond the aesthetics of the city.

“A city is only as good as its people. Our future endeavours will include a holistic approach to empowering individuals who live among us while introducing projects to promote our neighbours’ mental and emotional well-being.

“Community building starts when positive, healthy and enthusiastic individuals take hands and work together,” she said.

GALLARY:

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