Residents to spruce up spruit

The main organiser of the community-orientated day, Natalie Zimmelman said usually residents rally their neighbours, friends and family to clean up a small portion of the spruit.

“This clean-up, however, is a combined effort between residents who live along the spruit – driven by local residents’ associations – and has gained the support of the City of Joburg and spruit interest groups like the Cubs and Scouts,” she said.

In February, Zimmelman organised a successful clean-up of a part of the spruit which runs through Parkhurst.

When Zimmelman joined the Parkhurst Village Residents and Business Owners Association in 2013, she took over the environmental portfolio.

Zimmelman said because many people in Parkhurst are walkers and cyclists, there was a need for the community to play a role in keeping the spruit clean.

The Braamfontien Spruit clean-up has gained support from members of the mountain biking communities, trail runners, dog walkers, outdoor birders, food truckers and horse riders.

“Rivonia Riding School in Rivonia is offering children under the age of seven a pony ride in exchange for a bag full of litter picked up on the day,” she said.

Zimmelman explained that although the Delta Park Environmental Centre would be the central hub for all the activities planned on Spruit Day, every residents’ association will have their own meeting points.

“Our biggest aim with this clean-up is to get the community aware of their surroundings, and effectively drive more residents into getting involved in making the spruit a cleaner and safer place,” she said.

She has also called on all businesses, individuals, clubs and organisations to provide sponsorship or turn up on the day to help make the environment a beautiful place.

For more information contact your local residents’ association or Natalie Zimmerman.

Details: 082 331 7846; nataliez@saica.co.za or like the group Spruit Day on Facebook.