South Africa Day launches monthly clean-up projects nationwide
South Africa Day is taking a transformative route aimed at cleaning and beautifying communities across the nation. Together, these initiative can inspire pride and responsibility for a cleaner South Africa.
Dr Bheki Shongwe, the CEO of South Africa Day, has expressed the urgent need for change in the country’s current state of cleanliness.
He said, “We cannot stay in the current situation where everywhere you go you see that the country is filthy and dirty. It does not inspire confidence in us as the people of South Africa or our government.”
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Drawing inspiration from Rwanda’s successful community clean-up initiative called Umuganda, Shongwe highlighted how the country transformed its image post-genocide under the leadership of its president Paul Kagame.
Rwanda now holds a reputation as one of the cleanest countries in the world, attracting tourists and instilling pride in its citizens. “We want to contribute to South Africa through the cleaning and beautification initiative to achieve the same goals that the people of Rwanda continue to achieve.”
Plans are already underway for the launch of SA Day celebrations, which will occur on the last Saturday of November annually.
The celebration is designed to unify South Africans and engage them in projects that will propel the country toward greatness. “We want individuals to drive the clean-ups and beautification efforts in their areas. As South Africa Day, we will provide the necessary support and oversight to ensure these initiatives are executed effectively.”
He stressed that this initiative transcended the SA Day celebration; it is fundamentally about the people of South Africa and their collective future. The campaign also aims to combat littering, focusing on reducing paper and plastic waste.
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He envisions a cleaner environment that will not only improve public health but also enhance the country’s appeal to tourists. “Just imagine a clean downtown Johannesburg, where many are reluctant to visit due to the current state of the city,” he remarked, advocating for a city with order and enforcement of by-laws.
In addition to the broader initiative, specific projects were launched in Sophiatown as part of this countrywide initiative.
Another project that was launched was the We Love Alexandra community makeover project.
This project is dedicated to rebuilding Alexandra and facilitating business and economic development in the area. Similar efforts will be rolled out nationwide, with cleaning and beautification projects scheduled to take place every second Saturday of each month from 8:30 to 11:30am.
Shongwe’s vision for a cleaner South Africa is clear: “It is easy for any community in South Africa to start the cleaning and beautification process. Our mission is to stop littering and create a better environment for future generations.”
Through collective action and community engagement, the initiative seeks to foster a sense of pride and responsibility among South Africans, paving the way for a cleaner, more beautiful country.
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