The founder of the Clean and Safe Parks Movement, Nomabhele Tshiki, started a clean-up operation after watching local parks deteriorate into dangerous, litter-strewn spaces.

She said she was inspired by her grandfather, who was a community leader and planted trees and kept his neighbourhood clean during the apartheid era.

“Cleanliness starts within someone’s heart, their surroundings and the community,” said Tshiki.

Campaign expands as demand grows

Since launching the movement in March with backing from Nkangala Energy, the campaign has grown rapidly.

High demand forced the team to increase clean-ups from once to twice a month, with four parks targeted for restoration.

Tshiki said they host the drives on weekdays to engage unemployed residents and push the municipality to create jobs.

However, volunteers face major infrastructure challenges.

During the Signarama Park clean-up, workers cleared surface litter, only to discover a stream of sewage near the park.

Tshiki voiced strong frustration over poor municipal service delivery, calling for greater worker accountability.

Focus shifts to neglected park

The movement’s next campaign will tackle Van Blerk Park in the Middelburg CBD, where a historic monument has fallen into severe neglect.

Tshiki is urging the municipality to close the park until it is fully restored.