Arwyp Medical Centre leads Mandela Day clean-up in Kempton Park CBD

Arwyp Medical Centre, Kempton Park SAPS Social Crime Prevention and People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) joined forces for a 67-minute Mandela Day clean-up campaign in the Kempton Park CBD on July 17.

The clean-up started at Pine Avenue and continued along Monument Road, Central Avenue past the Customer Support Building, Block House Street and ended at Oak Street.

The initiative was organised by Arwyp Medical Centre as part of its commitment to honouring the legacy of former president Nelson Mandela in service and community upliftment.

ALSO READ: SPCAs get owl boxes in Mandela Day drive

Arwyp Medical Centre Facilities Manager Lizel Visser said the initiative was inspired by Mandela’s belief that everyone has the power to make a positive difference through serving others.

“As a healthcare institution, we believe our responsibility extends beyond caring for patients within our hospital walls to caring for the community in which we operate,” said Visser.

The project was first proposed by the Arwyp Medical Centre Social Committee, with Visser acknowledging Renier Lourens, Collin Songo and Beauty Nyandoro for helping turn the idea into reality.

“The purpose of the programme was to promote environmental responsibility, encourage teamwork and demonstrate our commitment to creating a cleaner, healthier and safer environment for our patients, staff, visitors and the wider community.

“To make the initiative a success, we partnered with the SAPS’ Sergeant Aboaka and her team, whose support and participation reinforced the importance of community collaboration.

“Staff members from every department at Arwyp Medical Centre also took part, working together to clean the area surrounding the hospital,” she said.

ALSO READ: Tembisa Hospital marks Mandela Day with acts of kindness

Visser thanked everyone who participated, saying their efforts reflected the compassion, unity and community spirit associated with Mandela Day.

She added that the initiative highlighted how small acts of service can create meaningful change by strengthening community relationships and encouraging people to take action.

Kempton Park SAPS Social Crime Prevention Coordinator, Sergeant Constance Ramawela, said the campaign also aimed to promote safety, police visibility, and stronger relationships between law enforcement and residents.

“The initiative brings safety, community policing and police visibility, and gives back to the community to better the lives of others.

“Clean, safe spaces help reduce health risks, ensure a safer environment, reduce dumping spots and make streets safer, especially for women, children and vulnerable people living in the CBD,” said Ramawela.

She added that choosing the CBD was intentional, driven by crime trends identified in station crime statistics and the need to increase visibility in the area.

“The community members were given the opportunity to interact with police. When people see leaders, doctors, matrons, nurses, police officers and social workers cleaning the streets, it brings back confidence, unity, compassion and one voice for a better Kempton Park,” she said.

ALSO READ: EWC learners bring Mandela Day joy to Glenny Terrace seniors

POWA Social Auxiliary Worker Nontsikelelo Gulubela said she joined the initiative to help improve the environment around her.

“Wanting to walk around in a clean environment, especially in the morning, encouraged me to join them. Mandela Day’s 67 minutes means adding value to the small change you want to see in your everyday space.

“People should not wait for someone else to do things. You can also take the first step in seeing the difference in whatever you think can improve,” she said.