Local NGO cleans up Moganwe river to kick off 2023
In total, 530 bags of litter were collected from the clean-up.
More than 500 bags of litter were collected from the Moganwe river during a recent cleanup initiative by The Soulbent Project and partners.
In total, 530 bags of litter were collected from the river on January 3 in Pretoria West.
Some common items found during the clean-up included dead animals (such as dogs, cats, rats, etc.), vapes, pampers and discarded clothes (including shoes, etc.).
The Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment assisted the NGO in its efforts by providing stipends for three months, uniforms, caps and plastic bags.
The metro also assisted the effort by helping collect the bags.
“Our new year resolution is to ask stakeholders to donate a bakkie and trailers, office containers, and recycling trollies,” said Makhado
The Soulbent volunteers also collected 4 800 PET bottles which will be recycled and used at the NGOs buy-back centre in the community.
“My personal new year resolutions is to find stipends for our volunteers and to make sure that our vegetable garden produces more for our community and to educate our community about recycling, illegal dumping, clean-ups, and taking care of our environment,” Makhado concluded.
Soulbent conducts clean-ups from Monday to Friday every week, however, the next themed clean-up on their calendar is the world wetlands clean up day which takes place on February 2.
The clean-up was done under the theme of tackling anxiety within the community.
Co-founder Mashudu Makhado says mental health struggles such as these plague the community and need to be addressed this year.
“In our community, a lot of people are suffering from depression, anxiety and stress, and some react really badly,” said Makhado.
“There’s a deep need for education on these topics in our community. We want our volunteers and community members at large to know that help is here.”
ALSO READ: Matric results date announced
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
