Rand West City Local Municipality, in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Environment, successfully commemorated World Environment Day at Ramosa Hall in Mohlakeng recently, with a strong focus on practical, community-driven environmental action.

The day’s programme began with a symbolic tree-planting ceremony, setting the tone for the commemoration. Officials, community members and stakeholders came together to plant trees, reinforcing the importance of environmental conservation and investing in greener, more sustainable communities.

Julia Motloung of Greening Gauteng, a provincial initiative led by the Gauteng Department of Environment, said, “This event has been a success. We as an organisation have donated 200 scrubs and five shade trees to the project.” Harmony Gold, a mining company, also donated 100 plants to the project.

Clean-up campaign tackles illegal dumping

Following the ceremony, the focus shifted to Mohlakeng Extension 4, where a clean-up campaign was carried out at an illegal dumping site. Municipal workers, volunteers and residents joined forces to remove waste and restore the area, demonstrating the power of collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.

The clean-up not only improved the appearance of the area but also raised awareness about the negative impact of illegal dumping on public health, safety and the environment. Community members were encouraged to take responsibility for their surroundings and to report illegal dumping activities.

The day’s activities reflected a hands-on approach to environmental awareness, moving beyond discussion to action. By actively involving the community in both the tree-planting and clean-up efforts, the municipality and its partners reinforced the message that environmental protection is a shared responsibility.

The successful commemoration of World Environment Day served as a reminder that lasting change begins with collective effort, as residents and stakeholders worked together to build a cleaner and more sustainable Mohlakeng.