Clean Projects celebrates Earth Day with community clean-up

Western Extension community park gets an Eart Day revamp from Clean Projects.

May 10, 2026

Ntsakisi Shipalana 2 minutes read

Woman and two children painting a concrete dustbin — Samantha Chrysanthou and two kids having fun painting the bin. Photo by Ntsakisi Shipalana

Clean Projects brought residents, businesses and young people together for an Earth Day community event at the Western Extension community park on April 25.

The event, which ran from 08:00, included a clean-up, kerb painting, litter picking, a recycled art competition and exhibition, as well as an “adopt a project” initiative focusing on soccer pitch improvements, swing repairs and dustbin installation.

Dimitrijevic Jenni won first prize at the competition with her recycled project.

Sonette Van Der Merwe with Jenni Dimitrijevic posing with her project which she made out of old denim. Photo by Ntsakisi Shipalana

Clean Projects’ founders said the event aimed to encourage residents to take ownership of shared public spaces and to show that small acts of service can make a visible difference.

Alison Etherington of Clean Projects shared her perspective on what Earth Day means to her.

“Earth Day is not only about talking about the environment, but about taking action where we live. We want the community to see this park as their own and to feel proud of keeping it clean and safe.”

Fellow Clean Projects members Mervyn Manning and Sumari Bornman said the organisation also hopes to involve more young people through its new Community Hero project, which will call on learners to take part in community work.

Their hours will be recorded, and learners will receive certificates for the time they contribute.
“We want children to understand the value of service from a young age. The hope is that when children get involved, they will also encourage their parents to join in and help build a stronger community,” said Mervyn

Gareth Cooper happily repainted the goal posts after they were repaired. Photo by Shipalana Ntsakisi

The maintenance of the Western Extension park is undertaken by Dunlop.

Businesses were encouraged to get involved by sponsoring or adopting projects, while also bringing their branding into community improvement efforts.
“Clean Projects runs on sponsorships and volunteerism,” Etherington said.

Residents who would like to join Clean Projects can take part on Mondays and Tuesdays. Contact Alison on 083 497 0610 for more information.