EVERY day, rain or shine, is a clean-up day for two of Musgrave’s heroes. Keeping the area clean, and green has garnered them the status of local heroes.

Lisa Thomson and Nkanyiso Khuzwayo have a year-long bond. Their liaison is bound by mutual respect, and a common passion to keep the area clean. Armed with brooms, rakes, shovel, and litter bags, the pair starts each day with a mission to improve the aesthetics of their surroundings.

Thomson has been on the mission for years. And while doing her daily rounds she would notice Khuzwayo begging at the street corners and robots. She noticed something about him, and made a humane decision to pull him out of the hostile life.

Currently homeless, Khuzwayo joined Thomson’s mission, and the two have been together since then.
“Whether the weather is good or bad, it’s the same for us. We get up and tackle the roads, and pavements. We keep it clean by weeding, picking up litter, removing illegally dumped rubbish and human waste, clearing waterways, and sweeping,” Thomson said.

She is heartened by the response they receive from the community during their clean-ups. “People hoot, salute and show appreciation,” Thomson said, adding that their support has been a massive driver of what the duo does.

“If it was not for the support of the community, we would not be doing what we do. The clean-up mission is a collaboration, and great team effort to make this area as beautiful as we could make it.

Also read: Unsung hero keeps Musgrave sidewalks spotless

She highlights that more could be done, with a bigger workforce and resources to cover the vast area, if the Musgrave / Essenwood UIP was up and about. “We are still getting more community members to come on board, and sign the assent forms. In the meantime we try to lead by example, and keep our streets dirt-free,” she said.

Thomson works a lot with law enforcement, and Durban Solid Waste, and appreciates their contribution. Having been targeted by criminals a few times, she owes her safety to the security team who check on her whenever they can.

In their efforts, challenges remain. Among those are the homeless, and inconsiderate people who continue to dump and often do it deliberately. “The community has a responsibility to maintain and help keep the area clean. Thomson believes the Durban Metro Police could do more to tackle the persistent homeless problem.

Also read: Musgrave-Essenwood UIP strives to reach target level

As for Khuzwayo, he is basking in satisfaction after every clean-up. He has been on a two-month clean-up of his own, after battling substance abuse. He is grateful for the second chance, and the kindness of community members who support him through his journey, and by providing a portion his of wages.

“This a job no one wants to do, but I really enjoy doing it. This is also my contribution to the community that has given me a chance. It pleases me to keep the area clean to a good standard, the way it used to be,” Khuzwayo said.

For the two local heroes, clean surroundings, bear order. And when there is order, the community advances. And they caution against irresponsible members who constantly litter the surroundings.

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