Over 200 volunteers stepped out in Soweto recently to remove 26 tons of waste from the environment in Diepkloof Extreme Park.

The clean-up which was led by, Coca-Cola Africa and Global Citizen in partnership with Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), PETCO and the City of Johannesburg, is one of many taking place around the country aimed at inspiring people to take action to meet global sustainable development goals.

The clean-up saw over 120 local community members register to participate as well as 97 City of Johannesburg and Coca-Cola staff members. Asyia Sheik, Head of Public Affairs and Communications for Coca-Cola South Africa, says country-wide clean-ups help shift attitudes towards littering and recycling.

“Clean-ups encourage environmentally responsible waste-management habits as well as motivate South African communities to recycle. We are proud to be part of the movement to create the next generation of global citizens,” Sheik explains.

World without waste

These clean ups form part of a broader environmental strategy by The Coca-Cola Company, called a World Without Waste.

The vision aims to collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle and can it sells by 2030, as well as aim for at least 50% of all its packaging to be made from recycled material

“We’ve been operating in Africa for 90 years. Throughout all that time, we have stayed committed to the people and communities we depend on. We believe in doing business the right way,” Sheik notes.

The next clean-up will be taking place on 17th November in Soweto. Details will be made available closer to the time.