United by the need to create a cleaner and healthier living environment, residents and volunteers came together to participate in a community clean-up campaign in the Lusaka informal settlement on Sunday.

The clean-up campaign, hosted by Shincheonji Volunteers, was aimed at restoring dignity, improving environmental conditions, and promoting long-term community responsibility.

Xihluke Mabasa, spokesperson for the Shincheonji Volunteers, said: “This initiative reflects our commitment to serving communities in a practical way.”

Mabasa said that the Lusaka informal settlement has long faced challenges related to illegal dumping, waste accumulation, and unpleasant odours.

He said the campaign is aimed at promoting unity, environmental awareness, and community participation in maintaining shared spaces.

“Volunteers joined the initiative out of a desire to serve the community and contribute meaningfully to improving living conditions,” he said.

Many volunteers expressed that while the work was challenging due to the level of waste and poor environmental conditions, it was deeply fulfilling to make a positive impact.

Some volunteers had participated in similar clean-up campaigns before. This location was noted as particularly challenging, due to its use as a major dumping site.

Mabasa said the volunteers remained committed and hopeful that their efforts would inspire residents to take ownership of keeping their environment clean.

He said they have cleared the area and are glad that the environment was visibly improved, and attention was drawn to the ongoing challenges faced by residents, especially during heavy rainfall when waste spreads more widely.

The initiative received strong support from the community, including about 20 ANC members and the local ward councillor, Isaac Sekele, who actively participated in the clean-up efforts.

The residents added that littering and dumping have been ongoing challenges in the area and reported that waste significantly affects daily life by creating unpleasant smells, attracting pests, and contributing to unsafe and unhealthy living conditions.

During rainy seasons, waste is often washed across pathways and homes, making movement and daily activities difficult.

Mabasa said this initiative reflects our commitment to practically serving communities, and seeing volunteers and residents work together to restore dignity in Mamelodi is truly encouraging.

“This is not just a one-time clean-up, but the beginning of sustained care and responsibility for the environment.”

He said the clean-up campaign highlighted both the urgent environmental needs of the Lusaka informal settlement and the importance of sustained community engagement.

Shincheonji Volunteers is the volunteer arm of the international Shincheonji Church of Jesus and is a community-focused volunteer organisation committed to serving society through humanitarian initiatives, including health drives, blood donation campaigns, educational outreach, clean-ups, and community development projects.

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