Metro joins a local NGO for a mental health clean-up day
The clean-up took place at Moganwe River, Saulsville Pretoria West between Mokwerekwere Street and Schurweberg Road.
The Soulbent project tackled mental health recently through a clean-up initiative in Pretoria West which was supported by the metro.
The clean-up took place at Moganwe River, Saulsville Pretoria West between Mokwerekwere Street and Schurweberg Road.
More than 60 volunteers assisted and did so to raise awareness about the importance of mental health.
“Mental health problems destroy a lot of families. We need to engage more with the community about these issues, connect with them and support them.
“That’s why we took the opportunity to not only address the outside environment, but the inner one too. Cleaning up your environment is the best thing next to godliness,” said co-founder Mashudu Makhado.
In attendance was Tshwane mayor Randall Williams, who was accompanied by dignitaries representing the metro to show appreciation to the volunteers and Soulbent for their efforts.
The metro also provided gardening equipment for the volunteers to use as Soulbent is known for creating vegetable gardens from the illegal dumping sites they clean up.
The equipment comes courtesy of the MMC for Community and Social Development, Peggy de Bruin.
“Educate, educate, educate,” Makhado said.
“People must educate themselves about mental health disorders such as depression, bipolar depression, anxiety, personality and psychotic disorders. You must speak about your mental health, engage with family or friends, monitor your mental health and know what triggers what within you.”
Makhado also said that the metro has paid stipends to the volunteers ensuring they’ll have a good Christmas this year and that Soulbent is in conversation with the metro to make their support a more regular occurrence.
The project, which was founded in 2008 by Mashudu and Millicent Makhado, aims to preserve the local environment by addressing the rampant pollution around local areas and rivers.
The NGO has done over 200 clean-ups thus far this year.
“We clean up from Mondays to Fridays. We are always on the ground and every day is a clean-up day.”
Soulbent has collaborated with several donors as well as the Tshwane metro. They gave credit to their partners for their assistance in their efforts and most especially the volunteers that assist regardless even when they don’t receive stipends.
“We currently need a donation of a bakkie and office containers that will assist us in storing our equipment. The car will assist in moving from one place to another so we can clean more,” Mashudu concluded.
For more information, or to report illegal dumping, visit www.Soulbent.org.za, or “Soulbent project recycling and gardening services” on Facebook or email Soulbent1@gmail.com.
ALSO READ: Soulbent Project helps to curb water pollution
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