Residents clean up neglected Hosi Mhinga Street
The community take measures into their own hands and voluntarily clean up their habitat.
Frustrated by the lack of maintenance in their neighbourhood, community members along Hosi Mhinga Street launched a clean-up campaign to restore their area.
The initiative targeted the road, surrounding pavements, and nearby stormwater drains, which had become blocked with soil, stones, and waste after rainfall.
“We are members of the local community who voluntarily came together with a shared commitment to improve our living environment.
“This initiative was not started by a formal organisation, but by residents who felt responsible for creating a safer and cleaner space for everyone, especially children,” said Thokozani Sikhwinyane.
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The clean-up aimed to promote a healthy environment, clear blocked drains to reduce flooding risks, improve road and pavement conditions, encourage community unity, and draw attention to the need for improved municipal service delivery.
“The campaign began through discussions among residents concerned about declining services. We agreed to organise weekly clean-ups every Thursday. Residents mobilised voluntarily and worked together to clean the street and surrounding areas.
“The effort has already resulted in noticeable improvements to the street, pavements, and stormwater drainage, while also strengthening community unity and awareness about environmental responsibility. Most importantly, it has created a safer and cleaner environment for children and residents,” Sikhwinyane added.
Despite the campaign’s success, the residents faced several challenges, including a lack of proper cleaning equipment and protective gear, limited municipal support, blocked drains filled with heavy soil and stones, and recurring litter after rainfall due to infrastructure issues.
“The municipality can assist by providing cleaning tools and protective equipment, supporting regular refuse removal preferably between 9 and 10 am, maintaining stormwater drainage systems, repairing roads and potholes, and providing recycling bins along the street.
Planting suitable trees with non-invasive root systems, such as Sweet Viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum), can further promote a greener environment without damaging underground infrastructure.
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“With proper support and funding, this campaign can grow into a sustainable programme benefiting areas beyond Hosi Mhinga Street,” said Sikhwinyane.
He emphasised that partnerships between the municipality and communities are essential to protect infrastructure, improve environmental conditions, and reduce risks caused by flooding and climate change.
