Enzokuhle Community Waste Collection and Khulisa Intsha Yethu, in collaboration with New Pathways, hosted the Breath Better Together Cleaning Campaign in Orlando East on Moshoeshoe Street on March 26.

Community-based organisations, together with residents and teachers, gathered to clean the area adjacent to Ditawana Primary School, which has long been known as an illegal dumping site filled with heaps of refuse.

The director of Enzokuhle Community Waste Collection, Gina Florence Mthini, said the turnout exceeded expectations and organisers were pleased to see residents taking part in the initiative.

“It is very gut-wrenching to witness an area close to a school being destroyed by illegal dumpers because it poses a health hazard to learners and teachers.

“When I arrived, the area was filled with all kinds of waste and was infested with flies due to the smell. Overall, we are grateful to everyone who came on board, especially the residents. However, we still believe that more needs to be done to maintain the area and ensure that it remains clean and litter-free,” said Mthini.

She added that one of the challenges faced during the campaign was providing cleaning equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) to residents who volunteered to assist.

“One of the challenges we face during cleanup campaigns is that some residents who assist expect compensation, and we also lack resources. We value the health of those who help us with cleaning, which is why we call on private entities to assist with resources, because we cannot risk the health of residents.

“During the programme, residents were also educated about the risks and consequences of illegal dumping. This is important because, in some cases, the same residents who are affected by the problem are also contributing to it,” she said.

According to the City of Johannesburg’s illegal dumping bylaws, no person may dump, throw, drop or abandon any waste, including litter, garden refuse or household waste, in any public place, open field or on private property without authorisation.

Owners of vacant land or buildings must also prevent illegal dumping on their property. The city may issue a notice to clean up the waste, and if the notice is ignored, the city may carry out the cleanup and bill the property owner for the costs.

The director of Khulisa Intsha Yethu, Zandile Hlatshwayo, said community members should work together to ensure that the area remains litter-free.

“We have other areas that we have previously cleaned, and to this day, they are still litter-free. This is because residents work together to guard the areas and ensure that no one dumps there.

“Going forward, we will continue educating residents about the dangers of illegal dumping as it affects everyone — in this case, the learners of Ditawana Primary School,” said Hlatshwayo.

She added that there are plans to eventually transform the area into a playground for learners at the school.

“We hope the area can be protected and turned into a playground for the learners. We know this will take time and effort, but we believe that with the assistance of local businesses, our vision can become a reality,” she said.

Residents who wish to report illegal dumping may contact Joburg Connect on 0860 562 874 or send an email to joburgconnect@joburg.org.za