In an effort to promote responsible waste management leaders from all three spheres of government have set out on clean-up campaigns around the country as part of the Good Green Deeds programme.

The campaign, which will be officially launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape on Friday, is a nationwide environmental programme that challenges all citizens to take a stand against littering and start initiatives to clean-up their neighbourhoods.

According to acting Director General of Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Phumla Williams various government leaders will heed the call and mobilise their communities to take part in the campaign to rid South Africa of illegal dumping and littering.

“Government is calling on all citizens to be part the Good Green Deeds nationwide environmental programme and participate at the clean-up activities happening in their communities,” Williams adds.

Launch events

The Presidential launch will take place at Sisa Dukashe stadium in Mdantsane. The day will include clean-up activities at the Eastern Beach area.

Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abraham will embark on a clean-up activation at Sterkspruit community library, Small Business Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu will lead a visit to Ramahlale Primary School in Mamelodi to conduct a waste management programme and plant trees to promote green living open spaces for learners.

In the North West, the Premier Tebogo Job Mokgoro will lead a clean-up campaign at Mahikeng Taxi Rank and Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela will launch the Buy Back Centre as part of the Good Green Campaign in Ladybrand.

Enhancing service delivery

The objective of the campaign is also to expand productive capacity and enhance service delivery in key green economy sectors including investment in bio-waste resources using best practices in food waste composting and urban food production initiatives that result in meaningful employment creation in green economy sectors.

Williams is also urging South Africans to participate in the social media challenge for the campaign. All those on social media should post a picture or video clip of themselves taking some action to clean-up the country using the hashtag. #GoodGreenDeeds.

The GCIS, through its provincial offices, is also expected to hold a series of activations in various communities countrywide. A comprehensive schedule can be accessed on https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_documents/good_%20green_%20deeds_events.pdf.