Pavement clean-ups in Rosebank, Dunkeld, Parkwood and Hyde Park are doing more than just cleaning up public spaces. Through Pave The Way, people experiencing financial hardship are being offered paid work, but the initiative needs sustained funding and better transport to reach more communities.

Founded by Carly Kay, Pave The Way works with Cross The Divide, a registered non-profit organisation, to organise clean-ups that let participants earn an income while improving their neighbourhoods.

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The team of 26 men typically works on Wednesdays, clearing litter and maintaining public spaces. The initiative has raised more than R200 000 and created over 800 paid work opportunities, according to Kay.

Keeping the existing programme running, however, requires regular financial support.

“R25 000 every month would cover at least four full weeks for the team,” Kay said.

Each R250 contribution funds a four-hour work shift and a nutritious, home-cooked meal. Workers receive R200 directly, while other operating expenses include refuse bags, tools and waste removal, which can cost about R1 000 per collection.

Kay hopes to secure monthly contributions from businesses to help make the programme more sustainable.

“What we really need for long-term sustainability is monthly commitments, for example, four companies committing R5 000 or R10 000 each month,” Kay said.

Transport is another challenge. The team currently relies on a small bakkie to move workers and equipment within a radius of about 5km to 6km, limiting its ability to reach other communities seeking similar clean-ups.

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“Recently, someone reached out from Kensington saying they do a lot of community work and wanted to collaborate. We’d love to, but transport is the main hurdle to get there,” Kay said.

A donated one-tonne truck would help the initiative expand its reach. Kay also hopes to establish teams in other areas, with experienced participants trained as team leaders who can help new workers develop practical skills.

In the longer term, she wants to work with the City of Johannesburg to connect participants with formal upskilling programmes and opportunities for permanent employment.

“If the city can partner with us or integrate our team into formal municipal upskilling programmes, these men can transition from our grassroots initiative into permanent employment,” she said.

Residents and businesses can support Pave The Way through its Instagram page, @pavetheway1, which links to its donation platforms. Contributions are administered through Cross The Divide, which can issue Section 18A tax certificates.

The initiative also welcomes equipment donations, including heavy-duty refuse bags, spades, brooms and wheelbarrows.

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