Joburgers from all walks of life joined hands on 14 August to help clean up the streets of Yeoville.
These volunteers, including Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba, Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane and many other officials, helped launch the A Re Sebetseng, meaning let’s work, monthly clean-up campaign.
This monthly campaign will be a ward-based cleaning initiative on the last Saturday of every month.
Mashaba said the launch signified all stakeholders within Johannesburg society pledging their support for this project.
Gretchen Wilson-Prangley, CEO of Play Africa, was among the crowd volunteering to keep the City clean. Play Africa is an organisation based at Constitution Hill that brings children and families together to learn through play.
“We work with thousands of children a year, bringing them together,” she said. Wilson-Prangley will continue to support this initiative on a monthly basis.
“We advocate for every child’s right to a clean and safe space to play. We want to be a voice for children and that is why we are here. Play is how children learn; we want to create a safe environment for them to do this.”
Michael Sun, the City’s Public Safety MMC, also joined the cleanup. He said Metro police constantly deal with illegal dumping.
“When a place is dirty it becomes unsafe for some reason. We show our support for this initiative because we want everyone to care for their environment and be proud of their community,” he said.
Mashaba said the project will also enhance the City’s R50 million investment into Pikitup for a third cleaning shift within the city. This is expected to grow to R82 million in the medium term.
A Re Sebetseng is modelled on the Rwanda Umaganda, which is also a monthly campaign where all residents come together to clean their City. Through the campaign, Mashaba said, the City of Kigali is now known as the cleanest in Africa.
On 30 September, the City will have its first city-wide clean-up supported by councillors and ward committees as well as businesses across the City. Plastic bags and gloves will be distributed at walk-in centres, clinics, libraries as well as participating businesses. Bags will then be collected on the same day.
“As part of the campaign Pikitup will also start a programme of engaging with schools and private stakeholders to get the learners involved in preserving the environment for their future.
“We are looking forward to seeing residents come out in their numbers, taking ownership of their City and supporting this campaign to clean our environment.”
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