Sunnyside CPF drives clean-up campaign to restore dignity

A subtle yet resolute change is occurring in Sunnyside, where a community-driven clean-up campaign is beginning to alter both the physical landscape and residents’ relations to their neighbourhood.

At the forefront of this initiative is the Sunnyside Sector 5 CPF, spearheaded by Chairperson Carlinn Burts, known as ‘Carly B’, who highlights that this project emerged from an urgent need for action.

“I believe Sunnyside deserves urgent actions to restore pride in a very special community,” said Carly B.

The campaign is aimed at reclaiming public areas that have become neglected over time, focusing on parks, sidewalks and sites notorious for illegal dumping. These are sections that Carly B said greatly influence how residents engage with their daily lives.

“We are prioritising public spaces, parks, sidewalks and dumping hotspots because they have the greatest impact on our daily lives and our morale,” she said.

On the ground, the work is practical yet symbolic, involving litter clean-up, clearing overgrown spaces, repairing damaged infrastructure and encouraging community involvement. Beyond these visible changes, there is also a concerted effort to foster a sense of ownership among residents.

“Residents, civic groups and churches, businesses, municipal teams, SAPS, TMPD and volunteers are working together through co-ordinated local action plans,” expressed Carly B.

However, the initiative faces significant obstacles. Illegal dumping persists and limited resources, alongside vandalism, hinder ongoing efforts.

“The biggest challenges are recurring illegal dumping, limited resources, vandalism and changing the mindset that decline is inevitable. We can do better,” she said.

This mindset of refusing to accept deterioration as normal is echoed in residents’ descriptions of their experiences. For Sunnyside resident, Raymond Semenya, the area’s current condition has adversely affected both safety and dignity.

“The current state of cleanliness in our area is concerning. We’re dealing with a lot of illegal dumping and littering, especially on busy corners and around public spaces,” expressed Semenya.

“Residents don’t feel safe or proud walking through streets filled with rubbish. It attracts pests, creates bad smells and makes the area look abandoned,” he added.

Another resident, Kholofelo Phasha, shared similar worries, painting a layered picture of how environmental neglect affects various aspects of life.

“To be honest, the state of cleanliness in Sunnyside is a mixed situation. Some corners around Sunnyside, there’s a serious problem of illegal dumping, hair on the street, which is blocking the pedestrian’s right of way because of the barbers and broken bottles,” said Phasha.

She elaborated on how these conditions compromise safety, health and community pride.

“I worry about walking at night because Sunnyside streets are dark with no lights and dumped waste makes some areas feel unsafe and neglected,” she said.

“There’s a bad smell that brings lots of flies and rats. As a parent and a human being, I’m concerned about our children and elderly people. Our children can’t go outside to play at our parks because they are also dirty.

“It’s hard to feel proud of your own community when it looks dirty. Visitors judge the area and it brings the value of properties down. Sometimes it feels like the city has given up on us, that’s really sad,” Phasha added.

Nevertheless, both Semenya and Phasha express support for the CPF’s clean-up effort, recognising the importance of community-led initiatives.

“I am in support of the clean-up initiative, it is encouraging to see community structures taking ownership and leading by example,” expressed Semenya.

Phasha expanded on this sentiment, viewing the initiative as a representation of collective responsibility and shared humanity.

“For too long we have waited for the government to do it but the CPF is showing our community true Ubuntu through their actions, caring for their people and bringing back community spirit,” she said.

Refocusing on the goal of the initiative, Carly B envisions a future for Sunnyside that is cleaner, safer and more dignified.

“I want Sunnyside to become cleaner, safer, more attractive and a place where residents feel renewed pride and ownership,” she said.

While the sustained success of this campaign will rely on ongoing efforts, it is already clear that the clean-up is more about than just waste removal. It is about re-establishing a connection between the people and their environment, one street at a time.

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