Berario’s own non-profit Community Cleaners continues to prove how consistent volunteer work can transform public spaces, with residents once again gathering early on Sunday morning to tackle King and Wilson Park.

“It’s a medium-sized park, but a very difficult one to work in,” said founder and volunteer leader André Swanepoel. “It has two rivers, a big wetland and lots of nooks and crannies. That means rubbish accumulates everywhere, and maintaining it takes a huge amount of labour.”

A few years ago, the park was overgrown. He recalled how they had a massive infestation of Spanish reeds and removed everything with a TLB, which took three weeks. “Since then, we’ve maintained it nonstop.”

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Community Cleaners currently looks after 14 of the 17 parks within Fairland, Berario and Northcliff areas, which roughly equate to 60 acres in total. Limited manpower and funding prevent them from covering all of them, though other groups step in where possible.

Weekends bring a loyal group of around 15 volunteers, ranging from housewives to businesspeople. “We’ve done this every weekend for four years,” Swanepoel said.

“Some parks need more attention, but what’s incredible is how our work has inspired residents. We now see lone warriors walking with bags, picking up litter on their own.”

This weekend’s clean-up was particularly successful. “We found three informal settlements worth of rubbish, but because the park is improving, we finished in an hour and a half. When we started, we’d work until lunchtime and still not finish.”

Swanepoel emphasises the effect of consistent upkeep: “A clean park discourages mess and even reduces vagrancy. Maintenance is the key.”

His message to supporters is simple: “Thank you. We couldn’t do it without you. Whether you volunteer, donate equipment or contribute financially, every bit helps keep our parks alive.”

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