Zoo Lake came alive with community members who dedicated their morning on July 18 to clean up and pick up waste for Mandela Day.

The youth and elderly showed up in droves to spend their 67 minutes, while some brought bags of recyclables to stand a chance to win prizes.

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The event aimed to increase recycling awareness while encouraging residents to play an active role in protecting one of the city’s most loved public spaces.

Fibre Circle’s Shilpa Rama-Madhav explained that proceeds made from the recyclables went to the upkeep of the lake.

“Today we are here for our 67 minutes, where we have a recycling drive which includes community members and any proceeds made from the recyclables go towards the [upkeep of the] lake. We also have a clean-up where people can spend their 67 minutes and make a meaningful difference.”

Johannesburg Junior Council member, Alexana Sarup, said the clean-up initiative meant a lot to her.

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“As a person on the environmental committee, clean-up initiatives are important. It’s disappointing that my peers and I have picked up a lot of litter, but I am also glad that I can help and educate people about the dangers of littering.”

Zoo Lake Committee member Fran Haslam thanked Fibre Circle for its partnership and community members for their turnout.

“Mandela Day is special because it’s a day to give back and about community.

Since Zoo Lake is one of the most loved parks, we need to keep the Madiba magic; it’s also wonderful to see the youth giving back and the elderly enjoying their mornings here.”

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