Ward 15 residents dedicated their 67 minutes for Mandela Day by cleaning the streets of Birchleigh, focusing on the corner of Matumi and Ysterhout streets next to the Birchleigh train station.

The initiative formed part of the annual Mandela Day campaign, during which South Africans are encouraged to spend 67 minutes serving their communities in honour of Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of public service.

Ward 15 community safety representative Bohlale Rantseli said the clean-up was about more than removing litter.

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It was an opportunity to restore pride in the neighbourhood while honouring the values Mandela stood for.

“Mandela viewed the state of the environment not merely as a matter of aesthetics, but as a fundamental issue of justice and human dignity. He believed that every individual has the right to live in a healthy environment and, in turn, has a responsibility to protect it for future generations,” said Rantseli.

He said Mandela Day serves as an important reminder of South Africa’s history and the need for communities to continue giving back through initiatives that create lasting change.

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“Nelson Mandela’s legacy reminds us that we have a responsibility to create a better place for our children and grandchildren. Protecting our environment is one of the greatest gifts we can leave for future generations,” he said.

Having lived in Birchleigh since 1997, Rantseli said he has witnessed the area’s gradual decline.

“Birchleigh was once a beautiful neighbourhood because there were systems in place to ensure our public spaces were maintained. It is painful to see people disrespecting the area through illegal dumping and littering. I chose to participate because I wanted to be part of the solution and create the change I want to see.”

He said working alongside fellow residents was one of the highlights of the day.

“It is wonderful to work with your neighbours. Not only do we improve our surroundings, but we also build relationships and discuss future ideas that can benefit our community.”

Ward 15 Environmental Development Sector representative Phineas Momoti said illegal dumping remains one of the biggest challenges facing Birchleigh.

“Illegal dumping increases health risks, attracts pests and destroys public spaces that should be enjoyed by families. During the clean-up we even found a dead dog wrapped in refuse bags, which shows just how serious this problem has become,” said Momoti.

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He urged residents to take responsibility for their actions.

“People who deliberately litter and dump illegally should be held accountable because their actions affect the entire community. We all deserve to live in a clean and healthy environment.”

Momoti said the transformation achieved during the clean-up demonstrated the power of collective action. What began as an overgrown area filled with illegally dumped waste was transformed into a clean, welcoming open space that residents can once again enjoy instead of it being used as an illegal dumping site.

He believes small acts of service can have a lasting impact.

“When we continue holding hands and working together, we achieve the positive results we want to see in our neighbourhood. Community programmes improve our living conditions and create a better future for our children.”

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Momoti said the most rewarding part of the day was witnessing the dramatic transformation of the site.

“Seeing the area change from a hazardous dumping site into a clean, refreshing space before our eyes was incredibly satisfying. It shows what communities can accomplish when they work together.”

The organisers encouraged residents to continue caring for Birchleigh beyond Mandela Day.

“Keeping Birchleigh clean starts with each one of us. Dispose of your waste responsibly, make use of the weekly refuse collection every Tuesday and the city’s legal dumping sites, including the facility in Norkem Park next to McDonald’s. If we love our families and our community, we must all play our part in protecting our environment.”

Momoti also thanked the community members who participated in the clean-up, Secret Steps Trading for providing a TLB, and the SMMEs that donated food and refreshments.