Community joins forces to clean Benoni Plaza

The words ‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,’ by Helen Keller could not be more evident on February 22, when over 200 people joined in to clean the Benoni Plaza.

The #cleanMYbenoni campaign was initiated and hosted by the 200% Foundation in partnership with the Ekurhuleni metro and members of the community, which focused on upholding restoration, community building, community empowerment and healing.

Founder of the 200% Foundation Manogari Moonsammy said the idea was to shine a spotlight on this area, find permanent sustainable solutions to get the vagrants clean and free from substance usage; and make the area people- friendly and safe once again.

An incentive scheme was designed to serve as motivation for the vagrants to clean up after themselves and a family of four won first place as they filled 138 bags.

Prizes consisted of groceries and non–perishable items that were sponsored by Lakeside Mall.

Ward 73 councillor Sinethemba Matiwane said he is happy to have seen everyone come together to clean the Plaza.

“This gives the community a sense of belonging as some vendors closed shop in order to assist.”

He added that demolition of the Benoni Plaza should take place as soon as a contractor has been appointed.

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A total of 50 businesses, organisations and religious groups also came on board to support the project and offer services.

Emergency services and law enforcement were present for visibility and crime-prevention purposes, but they made sure they dived right in and lead by example.

Benoni’s SAPS station commander Brig Ntakuseni Lukhwareni got his ‘hands dirty’ and said that it was important for them to be part of the campaign to keep all who were present safe.

“The project culminated with a giant signboard, sponsored by Shereno Printers, erected at the Plaza Centre.

“This was symbolic of Benonians placing their stamp on Benoni, and proudly reclaiming their town,” said Moonsammy.

To complete one of team 200%’s seven key fundamentals of environmental conservation, Green Earth Recycling from Daveyton was present to ensure the waste collected was recycled.

Moonsammy said this project was part of a three-phase project hosted by the 200% Foundation.

“The following two projects are #feedMYbenoni (long-term sustainable solutions to address famine, hunger and poverty) and #empowerMYbenoni (community awareness).

“This will occur within the next two months.”

The following businesses and organisations contributed towards this project:

SAPS, EMPD, Ekurhuleni Health Services, ER24, Foxtrot Tango 2 – (fire truck), Department of Social Development, Afriforum, Community Police Patrollers from Kingsways / Lindelani, Benoni Publicity Association, Democratic Alliance Ward Council, African National Congress members, Shereno Printers, Far East Undertakers, Siyabonga Africa, Bad Boyz Security, CMS, Mannys Building Supplies, Nadkan Chemicals, Introspective Financial Services, Design Station, Lakeside Mall Benoni, Imbalala, Mzansi Fire and Security, Rochelle Pillay Incorporated, Guiding Light, Bamboo, VIP Boxing Academy, Mica Benoni, Cosmic Stainless Steel, UN Part Distributors, Kumara Freight, DJ Feroz Majam.

The following outlets provided treats:

Cheers, Villa Funchal, Lemongrass, Café Bellini, Asiago, Riyaadh’s Fast Foods, Quarterdeck Restaurant.

The following religious organisations and teams participated:

Benoni Tamil School Board, The Grace Fellowship Church, The Full Gospel Church – Northmead, The Drop-In Centre – Putfontein, Shree Shakti Allyium, Gilgal East Ministries, Servants of Christ Ministries – Etwatwa, House of the Lord – Airfield and Willowmoore Interact Team.