Community ready to rumble rubble away
What began as a singleresident clearing litter near his home has inspired a growing community-led clean-up campaign across Centurion.
Residents are determined to keep their neighbourhoods clean and safe by building on a grassroots initiative that began in Ward 70, and expanding it into other areas across Centurion.
The drive was sparked by Ward 48 branch chairperson Martie Pretorius, who said she was inspired after another resident began cleaning an area near his home and shared his efforts online.
“It inspired me to start a clean-up initiative in the community. I started a WhatsApp group for residents to join, and the response was great,” she said.
“One resident contacted me and said they would do the posters, while another said he would assist with planning, and so we started a community-by-community clean-up.”
Pretorius said the idea was not to host a once-off event but to build something lasting.
“The main purpose is to take back our communities and start doing things instead of waiting for them to be done.”
She said the plan is to clean each street in the neighbourhood, in the hope that the project will continue for many years to come.
The first official clean-up took place on August 16 in Raslouw and Wierdapark, where residents worked from Gouws Avenue through to Ruimte Road and Wierda Road, sweeping, clearing and collecting litter.
“About 30 volunteers turned out, including members of Gateway Church’s youth group and Pastor Shirley, who,” as Pretorius described it, “came ready to rumble.”
The effort received strong support from local businesses and organisations.
Pretorius said the Roots and Fruits market donated a water point with fresh fruit platters, MacBuild Hardware provided spades, rakes, gloves, and bags, and security companies Scorpion and Monitornet monitored the area throughout the morning.
Although the municipality contributed 50 green bags and agreed to remove the collected refuse, Pretorius said the community preferred to ensure the waste was taken directly to a dumpsite.
“We were concerned that it would just end up back on the roads,” she said.
Pretorius acknowledged that the only real challenge was keeping within the planned two-hour timeframe.
“We are a diverse group of people who joined hands and shared the ubuntu spirit, so the challenge was sticking to the time since we said only two hours,” she said.
Already, more residents have joined the WhatsApp group to take part in future clean-ups.
“I believe a cleaner neighbourhood will hopefully make for a better and safer community. It takes a village to stand together and become the change we want,” she said.
Pretorius added that she would like to extend the initiative beyond Raslouw.
“I would love for this project to spread to other wards. I also hope to do the same project in Ward 48,” she said.
She encouraged residents who were not able to attend to join upcoming projects by contacting 061 447 4892 to be added to the community WhatsApp group.
Freedom Front Plus PR Councillor Lenor Janse van Rensburg described the initiative as an example of what can be achieved when communities take ownership of their environment.
“The clean-up was launched to restore pride in our public spaces and promote civic responsibility. It was about building unity and momentum for ongoing improvement,” she said.
Van Rensburg said the August 16 clean-up targeted several main routes identified by residents as neglected.
She said the results of the initiative were remarkable.
“Residents will notice cleaner streets, revitalised public spaces, and a renewed sense of pride. Beyond aesthetics, this initiative fosters a culture of care, strengthens community bonds, and lays the groundwork for sustained improvement and safety,” she said.
She emphasised that this was the beginning of an ongoing campaign.
“This was the first of many. We are planning a series of clean-up activations across Ward 70, each targeting different zones and inviting broader participation.”
While the initiative was proudly community-driven, Van Rensburg added that her office is working with municipal departments to support future phases through waste removal and logistical help.
“Everyone is welcome, and every contribution counts,” she said.
“Residents are the backbone of this movement. Their continued involvement, whether through volunteering, reporting issues, or simply encouraging others, will shape the future of Ward 70.”
She extended her appreciation to the organisations and businesses whose support made the clean-up possible.
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