Miss Earth South Africa semi-finalist Mpho Mohlakoane cleans up Turffontein

Miss Earth South Africa semi-finalist Mpho Mohlakoane (27) from Bassonia took it upon herself to team up with Spirit Temple Ministries church to clean up Turffontein on September 5.

“The clean-up was successful as there were sites consistently used for dumping, and it is hazardous,” said Mohlakoane. “The clean-up was also to bring awareness and to stop illegal dumping, encourage and educate the community to keep their area clean.

“It’s important to keep our areas clean at all times. A clean area can be attractive for people visiting the country and it also improves the state economy,” she said. 

The group cleaned the area as planned, but more work still needs to be done. 

“This is a problem that can only be solved if the community works together to keep the community clean. Future clean-up drives will include the open land located in Soetdoring Avenue in Bassonia that has seen the slow accumulation of waste.”

Mohlakoane, who is also doing her masters in botany, said Miss Earth SA is a programme that aims to empower young South African women. It shares knowledge and gives a platform to create a sustainable difference in the plight to combat the destruction of our natural heritage.

During Arbour Week, Miss Earth SA semi-finalists also planted trees across the country. 

“Trees were planted at Giyani Primary School, Lourdes Primary School and Solwazi Primary School in Orange Farm. “Trees and forests are important in regulating freshwater flows and slow down climate change. It is estimated that deforestation contributes as much as 17 per cent to annual global warming.

“We also have campaigns where I will be teaching the importance of tree planting and how communities can improve in taking care of their plantation,” she said. 

Mohlakoane told the CHRONICLE she will also be doing a vegatable garden project at their church, where they will help the less fortunate to give them food that will be produced in their garden.

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