Parkhurst community unites to clean up park and protect Braamfontein Spruit
Residents and businesses rolled up their sleeves to restore their park, learn about water, and build a cleaner future.
The Parkhurst Residents and Business Owners Association (Praboa) held their third clean-up on June 8, attracting residents, local businesses, and community groups committed to preserving the Braamfontein Spruit. Sponsored by Prime Plumbing, the event blended environmental action, education, and community connection. It featured collaboration with groups like Jozi Trails, Grow Parkhurst, and Being a River, which combines citizen science and creative arts to foster a deeper connection with local waterways.
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The morning began with a captivating geology talk, led by Being a River, which invited participants to consider the ancient origins of the park’s landscape. Rachel Adatia explained how the granite bedrock beneath the spruit has been shaped over billions of years, encouraging volunteers to imagine the changing environment across centuries and millennia. This deepened awareness set the tone for the work ahead.
Volunteers, organised into small teams, tackled the task of removing plastic waste, polystyrene, and other non-organic debris, which had accumulated along the water’s edge and tangled within tree roots. The clean-up not only improved the physical space; it also fostered community connection and environmental stewardship, goals Praboa is passionate about.
Adding an innovative touch to the event, the White Horse Scout troop installed a ‘tippy tap’ – a simple, water-efficient handwashing station operated by a foot pedal, widely used across Africa where running water is scarce. This station was donated to Praboa by the Scouts and demonstrated a practical solution for hygiene during outdoor activities, reinforcing the importance of clean water access.
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Prime Plumbing’s owner Keegan de Waal highlighted the company’s dedication to water sustainability, while sponsoring the event. “Water is a shared resource that requires collective responsibility,” he said, emphasising the importance of the park and the riverbank’s long-term health.
De Waal also shared how Prime Plumbing operates sustainably, by being fully paperless, reducing waste with digital paperwork, and prioritising locally sourced products to cut transport emissions. Their services, including rainwater harvesting systems and whole-home filtration, aim to reduce dependence on municipal water. “Sustainability guides everything we do,” De Waal stated.
The clean-up’s immediate aim was to clear the park and riverbank of litter, creating a cleaner, safer environment for residents and wildlife alike. However, the deeper objective was to raise awareness about the link between community actions and water quality. “If even one person takes steps like fixing a dripping tap, installing a rainwater tank, or thinking twice before tossing rubbish, that’s a win for our shared water resources,” De Waal reflected.
Praboa will pause activities during winter and reconvene in September for World Clean Up Day. They are discussing ways to involve other suburbs and schools in expanding community education on sustainable water use. The community clean-ups have evolved into social gatherings, which foster friendships and a shared commitment to protecting local natural resources.
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