After reading my Sunday World and other Sunday papers, I decided to take a walk at the park opposite the golf course in Parys. I did so, mainly because the combination of the park, the Vaal river, which passes through town, and the golf course, creates a relaxing and peaceful ambience. I must admit that much has been done to try and maintain the park.
As I walked alongside the river and took a snap view of the surroundings, I was appalled by empty liquor bottles, plastic and empty boxes strewn all over this little park. I was also shocked that the young boys and girls who were surrounded by these empty bottles, were not doing anything to spruce up their surroundings.
Yes, there are bins in the park, where those bottles, plastic and empty boxes can be deposited. But there was no deliberate effort on the part of those who patronise the place to deposit the filth in the bins installed there.
As I asked some of them, including three young girls who were sitting, drinking alone, why they leave their bottles behind, they said I could have them; they don’t need them, I then realised they thought this old man wanted the empty bottles to go and sell.
I am 71 years old but will stop at nothing to ensure that I maintain the cleanliness of the surroundings I am in.

I wore shorts and tackies because I was going to take a walk alongside the river. I think that is why they thought they should show their generosity and offer me the empty bottles. I was driving in a small Ford Fiesta, which was not visible to many of the patrons. I pride myself in the knowledge that I am passionate about cleanliness. I clean everything myself, including my house and the garden. The park is next to residents’ houses. You can imagine the trauma these residents are subjected to. They too need to enjoy the scenic view next to their houses. Empty bottles, plastic and cardboard boxes deny them this privilege. Loud music until deep into the night on weekends keeps them awake. They, too, need tranquil conditions to enjoy effective sleep. In the absence of ablution blocks, patrons experience difficulties and, wittingly or unwittingly, have to relieve themselves in the river, particularly men. I can only imagine the conditions the women are exposed to, and at a time when the women of our country experience serious challenges like rape, violence and femicide. The imperative now demands the utmost respect for women. What did I do ultimately?
I drove home to get some plastic bags to collect the bottles. Picking up the garbage is not about being poor and despe- rately needing to make a living by selling these empty bottles. It is about cleanliness.
It is about self-respect. It is about dignity. It is about caring for your fellow human beings.
It is about who you are and how you want to be regarded by society. It is about godliness.
I was trying to apply shock treatment; to tell the patrons that if this old man could do this, what stops us from doing a simple thing like collecting our garbage and putting it into the bin?
In my opinion, the municipality needs to regulate this space and provide vital facilities, although I know the current use of the space is contrary to what was originally envisaged. To leave the conditions as they are is a negation of our hero, Nelson Mandela’s goal of peace and reconciliation.

* Casca Mokitlane served as a member of the National Assembly of South Africa from 1994 to 1995. He then served as a member of the Executive Council for the Free State Province, holding various portfolios between 1999 and 2009. He was the deputy CEO of the Free State Development Corporation in 1997 and held the position of the chief whip for the ANC in the Free State Legislature between 2004 and 2005. In 2009, he became High Commissioner to Singapore, where he served for four years before retiring in Parys. He was born in Vredefort.