Fighting illegal dumping in the township
Being labelled as a lost generation is what motivated the youth of Duduza to form an organisation for the benefit of the community.
While some youths point fingers at the government and put the blame on it regarding the unemployed youth in the townships, others think of the ways to get them out of poverty.
The 20 members from Blue Gum View section formed a non profit organisation Yona Yethu Youth Saving Scheme last year without expecting a salary at the end of the month.
Their unemployment status is also what challenged them to come together to teach one another the skills that they have so as to create employment for themselves. To ensure a healthy and friendly living environment, they have turned one of the biggest illegal dumping sites in Blue Gum into a community park.
Not far from the park is a car wash that they have opened with the aim of generating an income.
Hlabane Mokoena, one of the members of the organisation said at the park, they have also installed a water fountain which they built themselves.
“With the different skills that each one of us have, we work together to provide the community with what is useful to them,” said Mokoena, adding that they also make profit from the cars that they make using wire.
However, Mokoena said the challenges that they are faced with include residents who undermine them.
“Others give discouraging comments, saying that in two years time, we will give up in what we do and go back to sitting on the street corners of the township,” said Mokoena.
Duduza resident, Innocent Ndlela, said he is very proud of what the young people are doing for the community while also making ends meet at home.
He encouraged them to continue doing a good job that benefits the community.
“I like that they are fighting against one of the biggest challenges in our township which is illegal dumping,” said Ndlela.
He added that many residents, including children, have been sick as a result of the filthiness in the dumping sites next to their homes.
“It is not always up to the government to create jobs but the youth needs to stand up and pave their way to success,” Ndlela concluded.
