Make the greenbelt green again

The Greenbelt Communities initiative is organising a cleanup at the corner of CR Swart Drive and President Fouché Road on 29 November. The intersection is the meeting point for the Boskruin, Bromhof, Northwold and Sonneglans suburbs. Greenbelt Clean-up, as it is called, will seek to remove litter and plastic on the corner, and all residents are invited to join in.

Waste Worx have offered a truck, some employees and as many rubbish bags as are needed for the day. SOS ProTec Sure have also offered their services, with three patrol cars, four armed guards and extra back-up in case recyclers, living on the corner, threaten the cleaners. Ward 101 Councillor Ralf Bittkau promoted the cleanup, and commended the initiative’s founder Cristina Owen for her service to the community.

“The problem with the corner is that the recycling guys do separating and drop the things they do not use,” Owen said. “They also burn rubbish which sometimes starts veld fires.” Owen, who is a Boskruin resident, explained that she started the Greenbelt Communities initiative and blog  to organise cleanups in the parts of the greenbelt that lie in Randburg.

This so that people can walk their dogs through the greenbelt and enjoy it, she said, and so that birds’ habitats are not destroyed by the fires recyclers allegedly start. Owen said that many parks in Randburg are also unkempt, but the greenbelt is meant to contain natural habitats for animals, and should be kept clean.

The cleanup will take place from 8am to 2pm. Gloves and bags will be supplied, as well as free refreshments. Residents are encouraged to bring a spade and a broom. Some trees will also be planted during the cleanup, Owen said.

Details: Greenbelt Communities info@greenbeltcommunities.co.za, 084 256 7861.