NPO keeps Benoni clean
Community clean-ups undertaken by the organisation have made strides in reclaiming the city as the jewel of the east.
The sun winked from behind storm clouds, almost as if nature was giving thanks to the loyal supporters and volunteers of Clean Projects.
Merely nine months after initiating their first community clean-up, the organisation hosted an appreciation evening in honour of all who have supported their vision of restoring Benoni to the jewel of the east.
Clean Projects was founded by Jonathan and Alison Etherington, along with fellow directors Jacqui Keel and Collette van de Venter.
Gathered at the Benoni Country Club on November 27, Alison explained that on his daily commute to Delmas, Jonathan became increasingly annoyed by the dismal state of the Pretoria Road and Fifth Avenue intersection.
“Having lived in Benoni for only nine years at the time, Jonathan gave me an ultimatum – either we start doing something or immigrate,” she said.
“Well, we started by cleaning the intersection. So, it is obvious we are here to stay.”
What started as a once-off clean-up soon gained momentum, with residents, community organisations, schools and businesses jumping at the chance to lend a hand and donate time and resources.
Jacqui and Collette soon joined the ranks.
The three directors of the registered NPO have since spent countless hours brainstorming, spearheading various sustainable community projects and creating employment for 10 labourers under the Clean Projects banner.
The numbers speak for themselves, as to date:
• 25km of kerbs have been cleared and painted.
• 6km of pedestrian pathways have been cleared.
• More than 140 cubes of soil have been removed.
• 80 hectares of grass have been cut.
• 4 000 bags of litter have been collected.
• 50 stormwater drains have been cleared.
Collette said that being part of Clean Projects is not something you do; it is a fire ignited in the soul and spills from the heart.
“Small changes make great things happen.
“We have been blown away by not only the support we have received but also by the steps taken by individuals who contribute greatly to the bigger picture,” she said.
Jacqui said it is evident that South Africans are fed up with the state of the environment and service delivery, but there has been a shift.
“Instead of complaining, communities, businesses, schools, and other organisations are banding together, getting the work done and proving that we have the power to make a change,” she said.
“Being in a room full of people who did not only show up once to help but have donated their time and passion is evidence that we are committed to beautifying our suburbs and reclaiming it as ours.”
Raising a glass to all its accomplishments, the team confirmed they are identifying the community’s needs and will undertake various area-specific clean-ups, including Crystal Park and agricultural holdings.
Suburb representatives have been identified and will work closely with the directors to mobilise the community.
As a last hurrah, the organisation and the Rotary Club of Benoni Aurora will undertake a special project at the Greater Benoni Child Welfare from 08:00 on December 9.
They will be clean, clear, and rejuvenate the organisation’s property.
For more information, follow the Clean Projects Facebook page.
The Benoni City Times also received thanks at the appreciation evening for its contribution to spreading the positive news about what Clean Projects does.
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