Malvern community members clean up the neighbourhood

An initiative called Clean Malvern has become a valued project in the suburb.

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The initiative was organised by the Malvern Care Team (MCT) and the Crime Sector Forum 3 to stop illegal dumping, educate the community and encourage them to keep Malvern clean.

Nomvula Sidu, interim chairperson of MCT, said the team supported the initiative as it is a great opportunity for all members of the community to unite and do what is best for Malvern.

“If you clean outside your house and you teach your neighbours to do the same, the whole community will benefit from it. We can’t win this fight alone, but if we involve everyone it is going to be a success and we will be teaching them that it all begins with us,” she said.

She said that illegal dumping, littering and urinating in the streets have got out of hand and are creating health hazards.

“It also adds to the unlawfulness in the area.”

The EXPRESS met several volunteers involved in the Clean Malvern Project who were eager to create awareness about it.

Mike Spadino, chairperson of the Crime Sector Forum 3, and Jessica Buck, who coordinates the volunteers for the project, are both proud of the work done through the initiative.

“It will hopefully create a true sense of community among residents. It is important in combating the grime and crime, to create a sense of pride in our suburb,” said Spadino.

“We need to show unity and encourage our community. They must know that we are against crime and violence and we support the Clean Malvern idea,” he said.

Buck said she is involved in Clean Malvern because she wants to live in a clean area and be proud of it.

“It’s important to keep Malvern clean. When a city is clean it attracts tourists, which will improve the state of the economy, which creates more employment opportunities and attracts multinational companies.”

Ward 118 Clr Neuren Pietersen was also excited about the initiative and proud that the community had taken it upon themselves to keep the area clean.

“Malvern constantly has to fight against the theft of wheelie bins and illegal dumping. Illegal posters also litter the visual landscape, which encourages more grime, which also encourages crime. It is wonderful to see so many people coming out to support the Clean Malvern team.

“They will also be supported by the city through the A Re Sebetseng programme, which provides bags and collection services during the monthly clean-ups, which take place on the third Saturday of each month,” said Pietersen.

For more information, contact Sidu on 082 890 1353, Spadino on 078 032 2953 or Buck on 082 897 5178.