Almost 2 000 green cleaning cadets from across the Ekurhuleni region recently embarked on a Bontle ke Botho (BkB) Cleaning Relay spread across the streets of Tsakane to remove heaps of dirt at illegal dumping sites.

They were led by Ekurhuleni’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Environmental Development Cllr Ndosi Shongwe and Gauteng MEC for Economic Development Lebogang Maile.

“The City of Ekurhuleni is confident that we will win the battle against waste and illegal dumping, especially now that we are involving members of the community,” said Shongwe.

“For them living in hygienic neighbourhoods is important, and joining hands with the local government to curb this predicament is motivation and encouragement for them to also tell their fellow neighbours not to litter,” said Shongwe continued.

Clean Neighbourhood Friday campaign

The success of the ongoing Clean Neighbourhood Friday campaign has to put the City in the forefront to be chosen to host the BkB campaign.

The City has supported the BkB Campaign since its inception in 2002. Many wards and schools, as well as the municipality itself, have won the provincial BkB prizes on several occasions for initiating best environmental action projects.

It is through winning first prize that Ekurhuleni qualified to participate in the Department of Environmental Affairs’ National Greenest Municipality Competition (GMC) – where it also took first place in 2013.

This made the City the first Gauteng municipality to be awarded first place in the GMC.

In keeping with the theme, and curbing illegal dumping, Shongwe moved to Kingsway in Benoni where over 1 000 240ℓ wheelie bins were issued to the residents of the area.