Chairperson of the Lusha Initiative Platform Sipho Sibisi said the initiative is a non-profit development that deals with community and human development as well as educational programmes in Bertrams.
“We decided to come up with the initiative since our area is a tourist attraction,” said Sibisi.
“Lusha visited one of the main attractions in Joburg east, Victoria Yards, and after accessing the area, we started community projects and developments that will create a better standard of living in the community
“One of the main objectives was to get the community involved in cleaning up the area. We understand that a clean environment attracts people who want to do well and it helps reduce crime,” added Sibisi.
He believes a clean area brings the community and youth together, where they could be involved in activities that will keep them away from bad decisions.
“We want to instil discipline.”
He said since the youth got involved in the platform, they are planning to do the clean-ups twice a month which will be the first week and the third week of each month.
Ward 66 Clr Carlos Da Rocha and Pikitup were present to support the Lusha initiative with the clean-up programmes.
“It’s an honour to be called by Lusha Initiative Platform to join forces, seeing how they took it upon themselves to clean up the area is a good thing.
“As councillors, we try by all means to do the work as much as we can to help our communities, but getting assistance from the youth makes our jobs much easier,” said Da Rocha.
Sibisi thanked Nando’s for sponsoring the programme with T-shirts and refreshments, and other small businesses that contributed.
“They made our job easier by recognising our initiative which builds a strong and successful community. More activities are still going to take place in this area,” he said.
