EVATON. – Heineken Beverages recently partnered with the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment and Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) to celebrate Nelson Mandela Day through a clean-up campaign in Evaton.
The objective of the clean-up campaign is to raise awareness regarding illegal dumping, promote zero tolerance towards littering, and inspire behavioral change in members of the community.
ELM residents were implored to respond to this year’s theme dubbed: “The Legacy Lives on Through You” by participating in various activities to clean up. Over 400 residents from ELM joined the clean-up campaign at Evaton stadium, clinic, and sports ground.
Gauteng MEC of Social Development Mbali Hlophe was overjoyed by seeing community members come out in numbers to join the cleaning campaign.
“Efforts of this nature may look small, but they go a long way in mitigating the impact of climate change while contributing to stabilizing and enriching the soil around our communities, which in turn help food gardens flourish. Climate change threatens to reverse our progress toward eradicating hunger and malnutrition. It is, therefore, in our hands; we can all play a part in changing this trajectory by adopting a more climate-friendly lifestyle and creating awareness of the impact of climate change on food security,” Hlophe adds.
Corporate Affairs Director for Heineken Beverages Millicent Maroga said that the campaign brings about a sense of community pride and seeks to encourage residents to take ownership of their areas by ensuring environmental cleanliness.
“We care about the communities in which we operate. Improving the lives of people living in these communities is entrenched in our ‘Brewing a Better World strategy. By working together with partners to raise awareness, we are hoping to empower people to take control of their role in reducing waste,” Maroga said.
Maroga called the initiative a catalyst for change, urging community members to be the change they want to see in their environment.
ELM Spokesperson Makhosonke Sangweni says: “Through this initiative, ELM and partners have showcased the importance of partnerships between government and the private sector for the greater good of the community. Mandela Day is a lifetime reminder of dedicating our time and re-igniting the culture of volunteering and serving the communities we operate in.”
The clean-up campaign is in line with Heineken Beverages’ efforts to bring positive socio-economic change to communities and the Gauteng Bontle ke Botho Clean and Green Campaign that is Led by the Gauteng Provincial Government.
