Bongani helps keep Clifton Park clean

THE Clifton Park Community Forum (CPCF) has chosen to assist with the responsibility of keeping their neighbourhood litter-free by employing a previously unemployed ‘absolute gem’ named Bongani Dlamini.

The CPCF are the formalised and registered neighbourhood watch of the Hillcrest SAPS Community Policing Forum. They saw the need for a litter clean-up project in the area.

Also read: Clifton Park community starts sub-forum

For now, Bongani works on a Wednesday, picking up litter between the area’s two garbage collection days: Tuesday and Thursday.
Bongani is a faithful member of the Sarepta Church at the corner of Stockville Road and Old Main Road, and this is where he met Zolani Phakathi who is not only a minister at the church but also a committee member of the CPCF.

Phakathi said he had no doubt when choosing Bongani to work as he knows Bongani as a man of great integrity who has always believed that living in a clean neighbourhood will help instil pride in the community for those who live in it.

“Bongani is also a firm believer that increased employment will prevent crime in his area, and he says that he encourages all our youth to actively go out and seek jobs instead of getting caught up in crime,” said CPCF public relations officer Allan Dyer.

When interviewing Dlamini, Dyer said he came across as a positive and grateful man.

“He said he is blessed to be given an opportunity to work, feed and clothe his four children. Bongani was brought up by his grandmother, and he hopes to make her proud,” said Dyer.

When Dlamini was asked if the community was kind to him on Wednesdays, he said that he was often thanked for his hard work and offered refreshments on hot days.

Also read: Paving the way – Hillcrest resident promotes cleanliness

He pleaded with the community to not throw their rubbish into thorn bushes as they are very difficult to reach without being poked.

Dyer added that the CPCP’s next project, if funds allow, is to put up more cameras in the area and to look at creating an Adopt-a-Spot at the bottom of Hamilton Crescent to help prevent unauthorised vehicles, hawkers and other illegal activities.

If you live in the Clifton Park area of Gillitts and would like to contribute to help paying towards Bongani’s weekly wages and the longevity of the area’s clean-ups, contact Michelle 082 578 7484.

Clifton Park residents who wish to be part of the official CPF Sub Forum group for relevant community information can send a WhatsApp with their details to 079 313 9104.

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