EMALAHLENI – A Mandela Day clean-up campaign organised by the Kakarambha Foundation brought community members together to clean littered streets and public spaces in Tasbet Park while encouraging residents to keep the area clean.
The campaign, held ahead of Mandela Day, began at T.P. Sililo Secondary School before volunteers made their way along Kiepersollaan Avenue, collecting litter and clearing illegally dumped waste.
While the initiative honoured Nelson Mandela's legacy of service, it also highlighted the growing problem of littering in the community.
Speaking after the clean-up, Kakarambha Foundation representative Thando Masango said volunteers were concerned by the amount of waste they collected.
“What we discovered while cleaning is that we have a serious problem of littering in Tasbet Park. We are pleading with the community to change and stop littering,” said Masango.
He said caring for the environment should become a daily responsibility rather than something observed only on Mandela Day. Volunteer Zethu Hanise described the campaign as a meaningful way of honouring Mandela's legacy through service.
“For me, Mandela Day means remembering that one person can make a difference if they choose to serve. It means giving back and making someone's life a little better, just as Tata Mandela did,” said Hanise.
Armed with refuse bags and gloves, the volunteers cleared litter from roadsides, open spaces and areas affected by illegal dumping, leaving previously neglected public spaces noticeably cleaner.
Hanise said seeing the transformation after the clean-up was rewarding.
“I am proud of the Tasbet Park community and the team from the Kakarambha Foundation. Before we started, the area was dirty and covered with plastic and other litter. After the clean-up, it looked fresh,” she said.
She added that some residents showed their appreciation by bringing refreshments to the volunteers.
Hanise encouraged residents to continue caring for their surroundings beyond Mandela Day.
“I'd like to see people stop littering and start using the bins that have been provided. I also hope residents will continue working together every month, not just on Mandela Day. Don't be ashamed, it's never too late to start. Next time, join us for 67 minutes because your contribution matters,” she said.
Mandela Day, observed annually on 18 July, encourages people around the world to dedicate 67 minutes to community service in honour of the 67 years Nelson Mandela devoted to public service and the struggle for justice, equality and human dignity.
