Wits students and NPO clean up Westdene Spruit at Melville Koppies
A small team of Wits APES students and Hlanzekile River and Ocean Cleaning volunteers removed waste from the Westdene Spruit, restoring the Melville Koppies ecosystem.
It took less than 20 volunteers from Wits APES (Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences) department, together with NPO Hlanzekile River and Ocean Cleaning, to beautify a small part of the Westdene Spruit that runs through Melville Koppies.
There were old clothes, shoes, street posters, and all kinds of plastic wrapped tightly around overhanging branches, roots, and rocks in the spruit.
On the riverbanks, rubbish from a stormwater drain was hidden under plants. It was stinky, hard work but volunteers came well-dressed with waders, gumboots and protective gloves.

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At the end of the morning, the spruit was beautiful again and Melville Koppies gives thanks to Siphelele Mbangata from APES for co-ordinating the clean-up, and to Hlanzekile for providing backup. For those who want to volunteer with the Hlanzekile team, they can visit the websdite.
Melville Koppies provide a safe parking opposite the entrance to Melville Koppies at Marks Park Sports Club in Judith Road, Emmarentia.
All income ensures conservation of the Koppies.
For more details email wendavid@mweb.co.za or call 079 532 0083.
