43 learners from Redhill School took part in a river clean-up at Ernest Ullmann Recreation Centre in Morningside Manor on October 17, removing litter from the area as part of the school’s ongoing environmental initiatives.

The clean-up was led by Dhruv Singla, chairperson of the school’s environment committee, under the guidance of mentor Ross Griffiths.

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“Our main objectives were to clear as much accumulated waste from the riverbanks as possible,” Singla said, “and to prevent that pollution from travelling further downstream towards the oceans,” he said.

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The learners encountered various forms of waste, including plastic bottles, food containers and polystyrene. They also found larger discarded items such as tyres, clothing, mattresses and electronic equipment. Griffiths said learners who were new to the activity were often shocked by the rubbish dumped in rivers.

Redhill organises river clean-ups almost monthly at parks and recreation centres across Sandton. According to Griffiths, these activities also give senior school learners opportunities to complete their required 20 hours of community service.

Singla encouraged other schools to establish environmental committees and organise regular clean-ups, while residents can help by reducing single-use plastics, recycling and disposing of household waste responsibly.

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