Merle Mvubu, a long-time resident of Crown Street in Germiston, has announced her retirement from voluntarily cleaning her community after nearly two decades of selfless service.

Mvubu, who was featured in the Germiston City News late last year for her dedication to keeping the area clean, said the physical toll of the work, particularly on her knees, has forced her to step down.

“My knees are tired. I feel that with all the work I’ve done, I have played my part,” she said.

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For close to 20 years, Mvubu cleaned the streets of Germiston, particularly Crown Street, without receiving payment. Despite her commitment, she says she is disappointed that she is retiring without meeting or being acknowledged by a city mayor.

“My dream has always been to meet the mayor for my philanthropic work,” she said.

Mvubu also expressed frustration over the persistent placement of abortion and cash loan advertisements on electricity substations.

She said she routinely removed the posters, but never received any appreciation from municipal leadership.

She further revealed that she has repeatedly reprimanded people who dump rubbish in the park opposite her home. This illegal dumping, she says, has resulted in large rats entering her yard, posing a health hazard.

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Calling on the municipality to intervene, Mvubu has appealed for a spring cleaning of her home and the homes of her neighbours.

“God does not like a dirty environment,” she said.

“I find it strange that when homeowners default on payments, the municipality is quick to disconnect electricity. But when the municipality defaults, nothing happens.”

She also raised concerns about poor service delivery, noting that during the first week of January, a garbage truck failed to collect the refuse bins on her street without an explanation to residents.

“This is third-world service delivery inaction,” she said.

Mvubu says she will wait patiently for the municipality to contact her. She can be reached via a friend on 071 381 6226.