Cleaning illegal dumping sites

The community formed the Tsakane Community Cleaning Organisation in March last year with vision of cleaning the area where they live.

The organisation was formed by the unemployed women who wanted to see their area clean.

However, later men and young people also joined the organisation.

They use their own equipment to clean large open spaces between their houses that have been turned into illegal dumping sites by residents.

Speaking on behalf of the organisation, Poppy Mathabathe said the organisation is also aimed at fighting against rats and the bad smell.

She said they also educate the community about the importance of keeping a clean environment.

“There is no excuse to dump illegally because the metro provided the community with dustbins which are collected every Friday,” said Mathabathe.

Adding that anyone seen dumping illegally will be punished.

Speaking about the challenges that they face in their voluntarily work, Mathabathe said some of the community members undermine them by continuing to bring filthiness into the area where they have cleaned.

Community member Nomoya Tshabalala, whose house is a few metres away from one of the biggest illegal dumping sites, also joined the organisation to clean the area next to her home.

She said the bad smell that came from the site forced her to close her house’s windows to prevent the smell from filling her house.

Tshabalala appealed to the community to work together with the organisation in the fight to end illegal dumping sites in their township.