Monthly clean-ups to sustain Mamelodi’s anti-dumping campaign
Community members cleared key township entrances, with support from Tshwane officials, local groups, and even soccer-playing grannies inspiring residents to join the movement.
The fight against illegal dumping sites and littering continues in Mamelodi.
This follows after hundreds of volunteers from all corners of Mamelodi took part in a National Clean-up Day initiative, where they collected tons of waste.
Kamogelo Kekana from Mamelodi City NPC said over 500 volunteers, including schools, community groups, and civic organisations, came together during the weekend to take part in National Clean-up Day.
Kekana said the National Clean-up Day in Mamelodi is a township-wide campaign, driven by Mamelodi City NPC, Mamelodi Heritage Institute PBO, and Operation Lukisa Sgela NPC.
“The clean-up covered all three of Mamelodi’s key entrances. From Mamelodi West, Denlyn, and Denneboom entrances, to the Mamelodi East Vista/University of Pretoria Entrance on Solomon Mahlangu Drive, and Mamelodi Far East on Tsamaya Road next to Mams Mall,” said Kekana.
The clean-up campaign in Mamelodi is aimed at keeping Mamelodi clean and bringing back its culture of being a clean township.
Kekana said this is a monthly community clean-up initiative designed to bring residents together in a collective effort to make Mamelodi cleaner, safer, and more united.
The campaign received high-level recognition with a visit from the MMC for Waste Management and Agricultural Affairs Obakeng Ramabodu, who confirmed the city’s commitment to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with organisers.
“This partnership will ensure ongoing support and resources to sustain the initiative beyond the day itself,” said Kekana.
A standout moment was the participation of Sunshine FC, a team of grannies. They played soccer and inspired the crowds by leading from the front, showing that civic pride and environmental responsibility cut across all generations.
Kekana added that the day saw active participation from local councillors, CPF leaders, and EPWP workers, reflecting strong alignment between government structures, community bodies, and civil society.
He further said this was not a once-off event.
The campaign is part of a long-term sustainability plan that will have monthly clean-ups every third Saturday of the month.
The CPF will help monitor illegal dumping hotspots. There will also be trader accountability initiatives at township entrances, and the launch of school EcoClubs to educate and mobilise young people.
Mamelodi West organiser Patience Zoey Mabaso said that as organisers, they fully understand and respect the importance of keeping such initiatives neutral and free from political influence.
Mabaso said it is also important to recognise the roles and portfolios of MMCs, which organisers cannot interfere with.
“Cllr Obakeng Ramabodu, MMC for Environment and Agriculture Management, made it clear that this initiative had nothing to do with politics.
“He acknowledged the organisers, stressed that it was a Mamelodi-driven effort, and even reminded his political members that this was not a political gathering but a community one,” said Mabaso.
“We are grateful that this has been raised so that we remain alert and continue safeguarding the neutrality of these campaigns going forward,” she said.
She also acknowledged the supportive role played by ward 6 councillor Shiba Madonsela.
Tshepo Ramoncha from Tsalanang organisation thanked everyone who took time over the weekend and participated in the clean-up campaign.
Ramoncha told the participants that their contribution was deeply appreciated and was making a real difference in the community.
“Let us not stop here; together, we can continue to keep our township clean, safe, and beautiful for everyone,” said Ramoncha.
He added that the journey of change has begun, and with the participants’ continued support, they can make Mamelodi shine even brighter.
Kekana concluded by calling all corporates and sponsors to come forward with ongoing support – in-kind resources, funding, or partnerships – to help grow this initiative and ensure the transformation of Mamelodi into a clean, safe, and sustainable township.
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