Cleaning up Boksburg is Helen’s happy place

When Atlasville resident Helen Kruger walks her dogs through the Atlas Vlei, she sees more than an open green space – she sees potential.

A few years ago, the area was overgrown and littered until Helen decided to act.

Her solo effort grew into the Boksburg Community Project (BCP) in 2023, which is a community-driven initiative to clean and uplift the city.

What began with a few volunteers and black bags in Atlasville has become an organised network supported by locals and businesses.

The BCP has tackled overgrown verges, cleaned Atlas Road, repaired bridges, and installed stop signs. They also do weekly clean-ups in and around the Atlasville taxi rank.
Funding, however, remains a constant challenge.

“Our community donations average about R1 300 a month, but a clean-up can cost around R2 500,” she said.

The BCP bridges the gap with fundraising events, such as its annual golf day at ERPM Golf Club, which raised R80 000 last year and about half that amount this year.

“It’s tough, but something is better than nothing. People think we are a big organisation, but we are really just a handful of volunteers relying on donations and favours.

“When BCP started, I thought we were going to clean the entire city of Boksburg. However, it’s not that easy, and I had to remind myself that I’m only one person.”
Focus on Atlasville

Due to limited resources, the BCP has shifted its focus to Atlasville, where most of its support comes from.

“It is only fair to reinvest in the community that backs us,” Helen explained.

Visible results include trimmed grass, new bins in the parks, and cleaner pavements along Atlas Road. Still, maintenance is an ongoing effort.

“You can clean an area once, but keeping it clean takes commitment and community buy-in. Encouragingly, some local businesses have begun maintaining their own stretches of road. That’s what we want – everyone taking pride in their corner.”

Helen stressed that the BCP is apolitical.
“We avoid red tape and focus on action. But residents must still hold councillors accountable because service delivery is their job.”

Despite the pressure, seeing visible change keeps Helen motivated.

“When you transform a park or get a thank-you message from someone who notices the effort, it’s worth it.”

For Helen, the BCP is about more than clean streets; it’s about connection, pride, and shared responsibility.

“We are building a culture of care. This is our home, and we all have a part to play.”

Teaching ownership
Her focus is now shifting from doing the work to teaching others how to clean their area.

Helen said many residents want to help but don’t know where to start, and the BCP is, therefore, willing to offer guidance.

“I am happy to have a cup of coffee with residents and chat about how they can be a part of our vision. It’s that old saying – teach a man to fish. Once people know how to run their own projects, they can keep their spaces clean and safe.”

Residents may find the Boksburg Community Project on Facebook or contact Helen on 079 492 2702 for guidance on starting local clean-up initiatives.