Local NPO, the Soulbent Project, is asking residents to join their fight against illegal dumping this year by sharing images of dumping sites in their area.

Founder Mashudo Makhado said the current administration has done little to quell the environmental challenges the metro faces, leaving it in the hands of the community to ensure their spaces are clean.

“We kindly invite communities, organisations, schools, and individuals to share pictures of the work you are doing in your area. Your efforts, big or small, can motivate and inspire others to take action and care for their environment.

“Please share pictures of illegal dumping sites in your community, area or suburb. These images help us understand the environmental challenges you are facing and allow us to assess whether our volunteers can come and assist in restoring your community and making it green again,” Makhado said.

Since being founded in 2020, the Soulbent Project has been conducting weekly clean-ups in and around Saulsville, Atteridgeville, Mamelodi, and many other areas around Pretoria, even recently expanding to Soweto.

Their activities include cleaning rivers, removing illegal dumping, planting trees, running soup kitchens, promoting recycling, and food gardening.

The NPO now has over 80 committed volunteers who dedicate their time from Monday to Friday to keeping the environment clean and ensuring that communities are supported.

Makhado said illegal dumping affects health, safety, dignity, and the future of our children, and it is a problem the city must solve together.

“We also encourage you to share pictures of vegetable gardens in your community, schools, and home yards. Community and household gardens promote food security, reduce hunger, create skills, and teach sustainability,” he said.

“By sharing these successes, we educate and encourage others to start gardens and become self-reliant.

“In addition, please share pictures of cemeteries in your area. Cemeteries are sacred spaces that deserve respect, cleanliness, and proper care. Sharing these images helps educate communities about dignity, responsibility, and the importance of maintaining places where our loved ones rest,” Makhado said.

If your community needs assistance with clean-up activities, please contact the Soulbent Project at 078 914 1806.

Where possible, they may come and support your community with volunteers and guidance.

“South Africa needs more organisations like Soulbent Project NPO in every community organisation that works directly with people, without politics, and with love for the environment. One [piece of] litter picked up [every] day can make a better South Africa. Together, we can build cleaner, greener, and healthier communities for today and future generations,” he said.

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