Local man and friend cleans dumpsite to encourage environmental awareness
“The more emissions that we produce due to how much trash we generate will affect us in the long term.”
Two young men from Atteridgeville took it upon themselves to clean up a dumpsite in Saulsville.
Given Makgopa (29), together with the help of his friend, Khutso Hlabela, cleaned up the dumpsite at Mahlahle Primary School on their own.
Makgopa, who currently studying towards a BSc in life sciences at Unisa, is passionate about the environment and his community.
“Human health is at risk through our inaction. We keep producing large amounts of trash. We do not dispose of it correctly, and in the end, that will be our downfall as it is for the environment and wildlife in the ecosystems we all share,” said Makgopa.
“We cannot prevent or promote longevity with how we treat our planet.”
According to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental affairs, Gauteng contributes about 45% of the total waste generated in South Africa.
For this reason, Makgopa believes it is important to address this issue and how it affects communities and the environment.
“It is important because I think our community is not aware of how the way they dispose of waste, in turn, affects them and those around them and the ecosystem as a whole,” he said.
“The more emissions we produce due to how much trash we generate will affect us in the long term.”
Makgopa also explains how irresponsible waste disposal can have an impact on human health due to the increase of bacteria and vermin.
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“One can develop diseases such as asthma, birth defects, cancer, cardiovascular disease, childhood cancer, COPD, infectious diseases, low birth weight, and pre-term delivery.”
Makgopa has found motivation from people around the area who are interested in helping to clean up dumpsites.
He plans to start an initiative that will educate people and assist with cleaning the city.
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