Community members use Women’s Day to lead a cleanup movement in Midrand

Lebohang Shovhote believes having more hands on the ground will help keep Ward 112 clean and litter-free.

Sphiwe Masilela

7 hours ago

Team work: Participants take a moment to pose for a group picture. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

Noordwyk resindent Y-isha Raphael fills a plastic bag with litter. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

Midrand’s Ward 112 residents took an inspiring step towards environmental stewardship by organising a community cleanup initiative.

Illegal litter found in Noordwyk Park during a cleanup campaign. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

Motivated by the belief that change starts with individual action, about 12 dedicated community members, young and old, came together to make a difference in their local environment on August 9.

Zanele Le Roux uses a stick to pick up litter. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

The group assembled at Noordwyk Park around 09:00, where they spent an hour collecting litter and revitalizing the area.

Sector 3 Crime Forum deputy secretary and Midrand CPF treasurer Andrew Paterson. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

Afterwards, they moved to the corner of Tambotie Road and Acacia Street in Crowthorne.

Bottled-filled corner Tambotie Road and Acacia Street. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

Their mission was supported by ElevateHer, a local SMME, which generously donated the dirt bin bags used during the cleanup.

Young Eli Windvogel picks up bottles on Tamboti Road. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

Anthea Windvogel from ElevateHer said despite their enthusiasm and dedication, they face significant challenges, including a lack of waste bins and inadequate education on the importance of proper waste disposal.

Andrew Paterson pulls hidden plastic under garden refuse out. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

“We can no longer sit back and live in this mess. It’s not just about us, but it’s about the future generation. Our streets and communities deserve better, and it’s up to us to lead the way. Although some community members have committed to weekly cleanup initiatives, the scale of the problem requires broader involvement. As the community, we are now calling on local businesses, educational institutions, fellow residents, and municipal authorities to join us,” said Windvogel.

Charlene van Onselen concerned about illegal fires at the park. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

Also read: Ward 132 councillor, Annette Deppe urges people to refrain from littering

Cleanup initiative co-founder Lebogang Shovhote added that it is a collective responsibility to ensure that the environment is preserved, not just for one day only but for future generations.
“The support we have seen from our community members is truly inspiring, but we need more hands and more voices to make a lasting impact. Together, we can create a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone,” she added.

Family affair: Anthea, Eli, and Hannah Windvogel work together to pick up litter in Noordwyk Park. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

She said by choosing to celebrate Women’s Day through service and community action, the residents of Ward 112 have set an example for others to follow.

Mtheto Ncukayithobi, Y-isha Raphale, Eli, Hannah and Anthea Windvogel, Nsuku Mushwana, and Lebogang Shovhote. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

“Their efforts demonstrate that anyone can be a catalyst for change, and when communities unite, they can achieve remarkable outcomes,” concluded Shovhote.

Co-founder of the clean up initiative Lebogang Shovote enjoys cleaning Tamboti Road. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

Details: For more information, or to get involved, contact Anthea Windvogel at 071 365 0456, or Lebogang Shovhote at 078 570 6870, or follow @cleanupmidrand on Instagram.