The community of Pimville came out in their numbers to support a clean-up campaign in Zone 1 on Saturday morning.
The clean-up mainly focused on one of Zone 1’s oldest parks – or rather what it used to be. After years of neglect, the park had turned to an illegal dumping site, a breeding ground for rats, and a high crime zone. The idea for the clean-up came from local residents: Thandie Banjathwa, Boniswa Banjathwa, and Emily Ramasunzi.
“At first it was only about starting a Non-Profit Organisation. We looked at our ward and tried to find a way we could help the community,” said Thandie.
To her surprise, the campaign received more support than expected. City Parks and Pikitup got on board. Soon after, local businesses were also making contributions towards refreshments and snacks for community members at the clean-up.
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“It (the support) took us by surprise, to be honest,” she said.
“We approached a few local businesses and received fantastic feedback. Onions&All (a local restaurant) was the first and biggest contributor before some more local businesses got involved. We are incredibly grateful to all the businesses that supported us. We also have to thank City Parks, Pikitup, and our Ward Councillor, Ma’am Moabi for getting behind the campaign.”
Speaking to Soweto Urban on the day, Ward 25 Councillor, Raynett Moabi said she was proud to see young people being proactive, and hoped it would be the start of a long-lasting tradition.
“It’s great when community members themselves are able to identify a problem within their ward and make a plan on how to fix it. I was very happy to be a part of this. The park had become a perfect spot for thieves. The pollution was hazardous to the lungs, and the rats here were attracting snakes. I hope what we achieved today, we can continue for years to come,” said Moabi.
Astonishingly, it took Thandie and her team just under a week to plan out the idea, recruit financial support and get the community involved – The trio worked relentlessly throughout.
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