Partnership drives water and sanitation action in Makhaza
23 June 2025
In celebration of Youth Day on 16 June 2025, one of the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate grant recipients, Ukwindla – a community-based organisation based in Makhaza, Khayelitsha – hosted a major clean-up drive in the Zweledinga informal settlement. The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts by the City to collaborate with community organisations to improve water and sanitation services.
Through Ukwindla’s facilitation, 100 young residents were recruited and equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) to take part in the clean-up operation. The City’s Urban Waste Directorate provided logistical support by collecting and disposing of the waste gathered during the clean-up.
‘It was a pleasure spending Youth Day alongside Ukwindla. This clean-up is more than a once-off event. It represents a shared commitment to creating cleaner, safer and more dignified living environments by keeping solid waste items out of our sewer pipelines and waterways. I encourage residents to continue the momentum and take pride in their surroundings. The City cannot address the challenges in the water and sanitation sector alone. Partnerships like these are crucial to amplifying our collective impact,’ said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.
‘We appreciate the support provided by the City. As Ukwindla alone, we can do so little, but together with our partners, such as the City, we can do so much more. A clean environment produces great thinking that leads to success,’ said Mpumelelo Gwe, Ukwindla’s project manager.
In addition to the clean-up, Water and Sanitation’s Informal Settlements Basic Services (ISBS) joined Ukwindla in conducting inspections, repairs and cleaning of full flush toilets in Zweledinga. This forms part of a broader partnership to address infrastructure issues within the community.
From 17 to 30 June, Ukwindla will continue to carry out minor plumbing repairs to leaking taps and blocked or vandalised toilets in both Zweledinga and Enkanini informal settlements. Many toilets in the area have been rendered unusable due to the disposal of foreign objects and general misuse.
Supporting grassroots action through grant funding
In May 2025, the City awarded funding to 11 community-based organisations as part of its Water and Sanitation Directorate’s grant programme. The aim is to support local initiatives that encourage residents to play an active role in improving water and sanitation conditions in their areas. These partnerships are intended to deliver measurable, sustainable results over the coming months.
End Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
