Kaalspruit River clean-up in Thembisa kicks off national Clear Rivers Campaign

To combat pollution and revive one of Gauteng’s important rivers, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Sello Seitlholo joined forces with Clean Environment SA to lead a clean-up of the Kaalspruit River in Thembisa on July 4.

The initiative aims to restore the river and promote a cleaner, healthier environment, particularly in areas where wetlands are threatened by illegal dumping, raising health hazards for nearby residents.

The clean-up forms part of the department’s flagship Clear Rivers Campaign, a national initiative calling on South Africans to protect and restore rivers, wetlands, streams, and canals across the country.

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The Kaalspruit River clean-up brought together government, civil society, and the community, with key partners including the Ekurhuleni Water Care Company (ERWAT), the City of Ekurhuleni, Clean Environment SA, Hennops Revival, and residents.

The partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to tackling water pollution and encouraging environmental responsibility.

Held during Nelson Mandela Month, the campaign aims to inspire citizens to take pride in their communities while aligning with the work of organisations like Clean Environment SA to prevent wetlands from becoming dumping sites.

Mpule Mapota, chairperson of Clean Environment, explained that the team had previously cleaned and adopted the area, but challenges had led to its deterioration again.

“We have returned after the Department of Water and Sanitation reached out. We are also celebrating Mandela Day through this clean-up,” said Mapota.

“We are re-adopting this area and will work with stakeholders to ensure volunteers are supported and equipped with proper tools during clean-ups.”

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Mapota noted the challenges faced during the clean-up, including the danger posed by the highly contaminated water, which is brown and polluted due to excessive dumping, posing a health risk to volunteers.

“Another challenge is time. The first clean-up in this area took us around three months, and this one will also take time. But we are committed to restoring this space and making it safer for the river and the community,” Mapota said.

Seitlholo encouraged residents to change their mindset regarding littering in their communities.

“Residents respect the cleanliness of towns when they visit, but when they return home, they litter without fear. Why not respect your habitat where you live?” he asked.

“We need to be proactive as residents of Thembisa, think about the consequences of littering, and have proper guidance.”

While the clean-up was well-received and marked a successful start, it will take more than a day to remove the waste accumulated along the river, which is impacting water flow.

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Mapota emphasised the importance of reclaiming illegal dumping hotspots for productive community use, suggesting it is something the city should consider investing in to help curb illegal dumping.

The Kaalspruit River clean-up demonstrated the power of partnerships in addressing environmental challenges, but will require continued teamwork and dedicated volunteers as the journey to restore the river and surrounding areas has only just begun.