Diepkloof residents clean-up the dumping/crime spot that is right in the middle of their neighbourhood

A hazardous environment is a no-no for the people of Diepkloof Zone one because not only is it harmful to people’s health but enshrined in the constitution of SA is the right to a safe and healthy environment as well.

The people from Diepkloof have had enough of the dumping/crime spot that is right in the middle of their neighbourhood, so they put on their gloves and got them dirty to make sure that their environment is crime-free and healthy.

Aemon Masemola of Seed to a Flower, the NPO that has seen the hazardous consequences of living around a neglected area that is used as a dumping spot explained that the area that Seed to a Flower had started cleaning in Diepkloof Zone One is meant to be turned into a food garden and at least a playing field for the children who live around the neighbourhood.

The neglected spot had become a thugs den and hide out above being a dumping spot, Jason Van Reenen from the community said, “I came to help make this area clean and dignified because I am currently unemployed, hopefully, the robberies undertaken around this area will now decrease.”

Zolisa Malata of Seed to a Flower explained that the open space area in Diepkloof Zone One has become like a plague for the people living around it because it breeds rats and flies, especially in summer.

Malata added that “The odour that originates from this spot we’re cleaning is even hazardous and as it is enshrined in our SA constitution, people have the right to a safe and healthy environment. Plus by cleaning we’re trying to even decrease the crime that happens in this area.”

Musa Mlangeni from the community also joined the residents in cleaning the environment, Mlangeni said, “The people must always think about not polluting their environment because a polluted area becomes a health hazard.”