Pearl Modiadie and Khaya Mthethwa lead clean-up in Tembisa
Bonaqua reveals the first-ever upcycled solar light in Tswelopele Extension 8.
Television celebrities Pearl Modiadie and Khaya Mthethwa hosted the Bonaqua Upcycle community light launch in Tswelopele Extension 8, Tembisa, on December 18.
Many residents came out to see the first-ever upcycled solar-powered Bonaqua community light.
After joining Modiadie and Mthethwa in a clean-up exercise in the neighbourhood, community members were treated to music and food.
Brand manager Lebohang Makoloi said they were running several community initiatives across the townships to give back to the community.
“For this project we and other sponsors thought of strategies to turn plastic bottles into something unique and resourceful, to add value to the bottles.
“The light will create and improve security in the area. This is part of our World Without Waste strategy where we aim to take back our plastic bottles and turn them into something great.
“The light will be powered by a solar panel and is tamper-proof. Its protection is very much in the hands of our community because it is for their benefit,” said Makoloi.
Makoloi said they partnered with Modiadie and Mthethwa because they also wanted to give back to the communities they came from.
“Pearl contacted us to do something for the very community she came from. This project is her baby now and it’s ready to run,” said Makoloi.
Derek Edwin Thomson, the councillor of Ward 1, said he trusted the community to protect the light and that the light would help keep the community safe on their way to work and home again.
“It brings me joy to see private stakeholders and media celebrities joining forces to help us councillors take a step closer to our visions and goals. This is a wonderful partnership and it has brought a great change in this community,” said Thomson.
Community member Johannes Masuku thanked the stakeholders on behalf of the community. Masuku said they appreciate the fact that private companies still manage to reach the poor and middle-class communities and help where it matters most.
“From this project, others will be encouraged to continue collecting plastic bottles because they have seen first-hand how important a plastic bottle can be.”
