Pave the Way creates paid work while cleaning up Johannesburg
A community partnership turns neglected pavements into reliable income and purposeful shifts for vulnerable residents.
Neglected pavements across Johannesburg are finding new life as a community project turns local eyesores into employment for vulnerable residents.
Carly Kay founded Pave the Way, a community initiative that works with registered non-profit organisation Cross the Divide to clean and maintain public spaces while providing paid work opportunities for people experiencing homelessness, displacement and financial hardship.
Read more: Parkhurst community unites to clean Braamfontein Spruit for World Clean-up Day
Since its first major clean-up in May, the initiative has raised about R180 000, funding around 720 paid work opportunities and completing about 30 clean-ups across Johannesburg.
Kay said the most rewarding part had been witnessing changes among the men taking part in the programme.
“Being part of a team and part of something where they have the opportunity to serve, work every week, earn a decent living and have a purpose has been incredible,” she said.
Restoring dignity through honest work
The initiative currently accommodates about 26 men, many of whom were introduced to Kay through Cross the Divide founder Susan Winkler, who has longstanding relationships with the community.
The team works primarily on Wednesdays, with additional shifts dependent on available funding.
Its clean-ups have covered areas including Rosebank, Hyde Park, Dunkeld, Parkwood and Craighall Park, with work along major routes such as Jan Smuts Avenue and Oxford Road.
Kay said residents had responded positively, with many expressing appreciation for improvements to neglected public spaces.
However, the initiative’s ability to create more work opportunities remains limited by funding.
“As much as we want to take on more, it comes down to finances,” she said, adding that the men already involved would welcome additional shifts.
Expanding through community support
Each R250 donation funds a four-hour shift and a meal, of which R200 is paid directly to the participant, and R50 contributes towards the meal. Additional funding is needed for equipment, protective clothing and refuse removal.
Also read: Community joins hands through a Mandela Day clean-up
Kay hopes to secure regular monthly contributions from businesses and eventually establish a partnership with the City of Johannesburg to expand the programme.
She said the initiative had also highlighted the importance of giving people the opportunity to earn an income and contribute to their communities.
“At the end of the day, we are all human. We all want dignity, respect and the opportunity to contribute,” she said.
Pave the Way works in collaboration with Cross the Divide, which administers donations on its behalf. Section 18A tax certificates are available.
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