They were assisted in their initiative by Ward Councillors Magedien Davids and Rashid Adams, who arranged for the City of Cape Town’s Solid Waste Management and Recreation and Parks departments to provide bags and a waste collection service. A total of 150 bags of refuse were collected during the clean-up operations.

The inititive served not only to clean up the streets but also mitigates against flooding due to blockages in the stormwater system during adverse and inclement weather conditions during the prevailing winter season. The removal of illegal dumping and the unblocking of stormwater pipes cost the City millions of rand annually.

By making the community aware of the issues surrounding illegal dumping, and assisting them to keep their streets clean, this cost to ratepayers can be greatly reduced and the funds spent on much-needed upgrades to services and facilities.

‘It was encouraging to see the community involving themselves with this Mandela Day activity and setting a benchmark for cleanliness in the informal settlement that creates a livable and comfortable environment,’ said Cllr Davids.

The clean-up effort for Vygieskraal included Canal Road, Pearl Crescent, Veld Close, Ruby Crescent and Violet close. In Bokmakierie, residents gathered at Bokmakierie Primary School and cleaned the surrounding area from 3rd Avenue to 8th Avenue.

To report illegal dumping in your area, please contact the City on 0860 103 089 or send an email to wastewise@capetown.gov.za.