World Rivers Day is an annual global event to raise awareness for river conservation and celebrate the vital role rivers play in ecosystems and human life. This was the ideal opportunity to kick-start a collective clean-up operation of a large section of the Soet River in Strand.

This initiative was led by the Soet River Catchment Management Forum under the leadership of Dave Walker; supported by the City’s Water and Sanitation, as well as Urban Waste Management Directorates. Several community-based and private sector organisations also rolled up their sleeves to support the initiative, including Greenways Golf Estate, Plastics SA, Southern Turf Management, Helderberg Ocean Awareness Movement, The Litterboom Project, Dr GJ Joubert Primary School, Strand Secondary School,  Blue Planet, Shoprite, Oasis Reach for your dreams, Making a Change and many local residents.

'While the City budgets for major bi-annual river clean-ups as part of ongoing maintenance, lasting impact can only be sustained by the involvement of broader society through community-led activities and personal commitment to responsible waste disposal.

‘Every bottle and plastic recycled is waste redirected from polluting our rivers, and every resident who cares makes a significant difference. Thank you to all the volunteers and partners who dug deep for the sake of our environment. Together, we’re showing that there is hope for restoration, one clean river at a time,’ said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

The main objectives of the multi-disciplinary clean-up were to:

• remove large quantities of litter and debris caused by illegal dumping along the Soet River,
• cut grass and remove alien vegetation
• clear verges and riverbanks
• educate residents about river stewardship and the negative impact of illegal dumping on water bodies

‘The City will soon enhance its maintenance programme for much needed portions of the Soet River. That is anticipated to do a great deal to restore water flow in affected areas. I urge all residents to please attend meetings of the Soet River Catchment Management Forum. It’s an ideal opportunity for local residents to interact with officials and advise on matters relating to the water quality and flow of the Soet River. The next meeting is at the Strand Municipal offices at 16:00 on Tuesday, 14 October 2025.’ said Dave Walker, chairperson for the Soet River Catchment Management Forum.