World Health Day clean-up tackles litter in west
The initiative was a powerful display of community spirit and environmental awareness.
Soulbent Project NPO in collaboration with the Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA) celebrated World Health Day with an extensive clean-up of Atteridgeville on April 7.
Volunteers cleaned Schurweberg and Vergenoeg streets in Saulsville.
The 30 dedicated participants, including Soulbent volunteers and a WESSA team, collected over 132 bags of waste.
CEO of Soulbent Project Mashudu Makhado spelled out the goal for the initiative.
“The primary goal was to reduce health hazards, prevent waste from entering water systems, and promote cleaner, safer public spaces.”
He said the event highlighted the link between a clean environment and public health.
“By clearing illegal dumping sites and plastic pollution, residents are less exposed to potential illnesses, and the community becomes more conscious of the importance of waste management, recycling, and a healthy lifestyle,” said Mashudu.
He said the waste collected will be disposed of by recycling and through municipal services to prevent further environmental degradation.
Asked about each organisation’s role in the planning and execution of the event, Mashudu explained that his NPO was responsible for organising local volunteers, identifying critical litter zones, and leading the clean-up.
He said WESSA provided environmental education, resources such as gloves and bags, and technical support to ensure the event followed sustainable waste management practices.
Mashudu further relayed that the success of the clean-up has spawned a plan for future collaboration between the two organisations.
“Both organisations are looking at hosting regular joint initiatives, such as school awareness programmes, tree planting and recycling workshops, community river clean-ups and environmental days.”
He said Soulbent Project will continue its daily clean-ups around Atteridgeville, Saulsville, and Lotus.
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