MAKS Neighborhood Watch members unblock drains

MAKS Neighbourhood Watch has taken it upon themselves to clean out blocked drains that pose health hazards and affect their living environment.

This initiative, which began in early February, has seen the Ecaleni-based organisation actively removing waste and sand from drains that have become clogged, affecting both walkways and roads in the area.

Initially established as a night watch group in early 2024, MAKS Neighbourhood Watch’s primary mandate has been to unite and safeguard their community, mainly from crime but also from other issues that threaten residents’ well-being.

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In the mornings, the team monitors children to ensure that they attend school and do not loiter outside during learning hours.

After school, they also observe learners’ behaviour, encouraging them to respect their school uniforms.

While they acknowledge they cannot control or change everyone, their goal is to instil a sense of pride and discipline among students.

“We were taught to embrace our school uniforms and badges growing up.

“You wouldn’t see a learner playing or misbehaving in their uniform.

“It is inspiring to see the older generation taking a stand to teach today’s learners these basic values, which are easy to say but difficult to practice in this generation,” said a community member.

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Kgothatso Morata from MAKS Neighbourhood Watch explained that their drain-cleaning efforts are not for financial gain but rather to improve their community’s cleanliness and overall well-being.

“We are simply trying to clean our community for our own sake.

“As of today, we have cleared two drains, and we cleaned two more yesterday. We will continue this work. So far, the support we receive is from the community, who applaud us for a job well done.

“For us, this is not about money but about keeping our area clean.

“If other residents are facing drainage problems, I encourage them to take a stand, use whatever equipment they have, gather manpower, and start cleaning.

“Not everything requires sponsorships or funding; sometimes, it just takes people who love their community to take action.

“The positive response we receive motivates us to do more, not for recognition or personal benefit, but because we refuse to live with blocked, waste-filled drains,” said Morata.

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The organisation will be hosting a fundraising event in April to raise money for cleaning equipment.

One of their biggest challenges has been a lack of proper tools to clear the drains effectively.

The funds raised will be used to purchase essential equipment for both their cleaning initiatives and neighbourhood watch efforts.

MAKS Neighbourhood Watch hopes the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) will collaborate with them, as they currently lack the necessary tools to access deeper drains.

While they are cleaning where they can, some pipes remain clogged because they require specialised equipment to remove built-up sand and waste.