Claremont felt a little lighter on November 25 – not just cleaner, but more hopeful – as residents, volunteers, and city officials came together for a hands-on clean-up campaign that stretched from Maxwell Court to the areas around Danie van Zyl Community Hall in Newlands.

Read more: Helping hands and hope hit the streets of Ward 82 as residents restore local pride

The initiative, driven by the City of Johannesburg and its environmental and infrastructure services department (EISD), was supported by Pikitup and Ward 82 councillor Marilyne Smouse – clearing litter, uprooting weeds, and tackling spots that had been neglected for months.

Groups of volunteers arrived early at Danie van Zyl Hall, armed with gloves, rakes, and their own tools. From there, they fanned out across Claremont and nearby streets, bringing an energy that has been missing from the area for some time.

At Maxwell Court – one of the hardest-hit dumping hotspots – Smouse paused between tasks to reflect on what the day meant for her community. She said, seeing teenagers and young adults take an active role was especially heartening, in an area overshadowed by poverty and the constant strain of gang violence. “It’s been very dirty here. EISD brought their new programme to us, Pikitup is here, and our young people are out in numbers. That means a lot.” She was filled with joy at seeing the youth choosing to be part of a positive initiative.

Also read: Community takes action to clean up illegal dumping in Sophiatown

The Jones Urban Farm team led efforts in the upper parts of Claremont and also worked alongside volunteers at Danie van Zyl Community Hall, where pavements, verges, and corners, which normally collect trash, were given a thorough clean-up.

Smouse highlighted that Maxwell Court suffers from a serious illegal dumping problem and that more intervention is needed. “We need more civic education, so that people understand that this our home. If we do not look after it, no one will. The entities can come out a hundred times, but if we, as residents, do not play our part, we will be stuck in the same cycle.”

She said she will continue pushing in council for stronger co-operation between the city’s entities and communities – especially programmes that provide purpose and opportunities for the youth. “What we did today is only the start. When we stand together, we can change how our neighbourhood looks and how it feels. Ward 82 deserves that.”

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