A number of illegal dumping sites across Tsakane were invaded by scores of community members, geared up in their ”green working suits”, to rid the area of the dirt blanketing the open spaces. Almost 2 000 green cleaning cadets from across the Ekurhuleni region recently embarked on a Bontle ke Botho (BkB) Cleaning Relay, spread across the streets of Tsakane, to remove heaps of dirt at the illegal dumping sites, which could otherwise be used for meaningful community projects.
They were led by Ekurhuleni’s Member of the Mayoral Committee for Environmental Development Clr Ndosi Shongwe, and Gauteng MEC for Economic Development Lebogang Maile.
“The City of Ekurhuleni is confident that we will win the battle against waste and illegal dumping, especially now that we are involving members of the community,” said Shongwe.
“For them, living in hygienic neighbourhoods is important, and joining hands with the local government to curb this predicament is motivational and encouraging for them to also tell their fellow neighbours not to litter.”
The success of the ongoing Clean Neighbourhood Friday campaign put the city in the forefront to be chosen to host the BkB campaign.
The city has supported the campaign since its inception in 2002.
Many wards and schools, as well as the municipality itself, have won the provincial BkB prizes on several occasions, for initiating best environmental action projects.
It is through winning first prize that Ekurhuleni qualified to participate in the Department of Environmental Affairs’ National Greenest Municipality Competition (GMC), where it also took first place in 2013.
This made the city the first Gauteng municipality to be awarded first place in the GMC.
Dingaan Sukazi, an Extension 10 resident, took part in the BkB Cleaning Relay and was in a team led by Shongwe, which concentrated on cleaning Extension Eight.
“I’m very passionate about recycling and keeping my neighbourhood clean,” he said.
“In our community we have an organisation that teaches young schoolchildren about recycling and creating art through waste. I hope the municipality will give us an opportunity to educate more schools on recycling waste and the skills development that comes with it.”
In keeping with the theme, and curbing illegal dumping, Shongwe moved to Kingsway, in Benoni, where more than 1 000, 240-litre wheelie bins were issued to the residents of the area.
