Thembisa NPO turns dumping sites into community spaces
The local environmental NPO Clean Environment has been on a mission to tackle illegal dumping across Thembisa since 2017, transforming more than 100 dumping sites into sustainable spaces like mini gardens, car washes and small parks.
The Tsenelong Section NPO has built a reputation for reclaiming neglected areas, turning them into clean, functional community spaces.
The NPO aims to remove waste and create environments that discourage future dumping.
'This started in our section,' said Tshepang Motaung, the co-founder of Clean Environment.
ALSO READ: Illegal dumping now criminal offence in Ekurhuleni
'We noticed many tenants dumping plastic and rubbish in open spaces. What motivated us to keep going is that many communities supported us, and after we cleaned, they maintained the spaces. Not all areas do, but most of them.'
The group, comprising five dedicated volunteers with the NPO since the beginning, also runs weekly educational campaigns in communities to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal dumping and promote a cleaner environment.
One of the NPO's milestones was launching its recycling business, now in its second year.
'When cleaning, we noticed many recyclables. That's when the idea for a recycling business started,' Motaung said.
The income supports their clean-up efforts, although financial challenges persist.
'We don't always have PPE or the tools we need, so we bring what we can from home to keep going.'
While community members often respond positively during clean-ups, maintaining the cleaned spaces remains challenging.
'Some areas go back to being dumping grounds shortly after we clean,' Motaung explained.
ALSO READ: Illegal dumping on Modderfontein Road remains an eyesore
The NPO tries to involve local ward councillors in their campaigns, but often ends up working alone.
However, the CoE's Thembisa Waste Office was a consistent supporter, helping with rubbish collection, tractor loader backhoes and tipper trucks for rubble removal.
One of their most impactful recent projects was cleaning a bridge that had become a health hazard and an obstacle for pedestrians.
'The waste blocked the bridge, so crossing it was unsafe. We couldn't just walk past, so we organised a clean-up,' said Motaung.
The team restored the bridge with support from the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), the Dipalesa Foundation and two community members.
Looking ahead, Clean Environment plans to launch a campaign called #KeGame in partnership with the WESSA.
This initiative will combine clean-ups with educational awareness drives in Thembisa, running weekly or biweekly. An upcoming focus area will be Winnie Mandela Zone 4.
'We randomly select some of the worst dumping sites and clean them to benefit the community. We're committed to keeping Thembisa clean, one spot at a time,' Motaung said.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
Glen Hills baby home appeals for donations
THE Ray of Hope Babies Home has been a place of safety for abandoned and vulnerable infants in Glen Hills for 15 years. Recently, Crisis mother Rachel Uys noticed a decline in donations, sponsorships, and volunteers and is calling on the community to help alleviate the mounting pressure it is experiencing. Uys said the drop in donations over the past year has placed the NPO in a difficult position. 'The economic climate has affected everyone, and we've really felt the impact. While we're incredibly grateful for the church and community members who continue to support us, we are in need of more help,' said Uys. The home, which consistently cares for six babies up to the age of three and a half, provides round-the-clock care, medical attention, and emotional support. Some children require specialised formula, medication for eczema or withdrawal symptoms, and other tailored treatments which pushes the monthly care costs up to R3000 per child in certain cases. The recent financial strain has forced the organisation to consider temporary staff downsizing. Volunteers have stepped in to fill the gap, but more are needed. 'We've had to temporarily let go of one of our casual caregivers. I have stepped in but I also have a ton of operational duties to see to such as hospitals and clinic visits, court visits, shopping, etc. And as the children grow, their needs grow too. It's not just baby formula. Toddlers need solids, new clothes, and pull-ups,' Uys explained. 'Unfortunately, people often only think of the babies when donating, but our toddlers need just as much. We need long-term volunteers who can commit their time regularly. Even one extra person helping with meals or laundry makes a huge difference,' said Uys. Currently, staff live on the premises part-time and are grateful for basic food donations like rice, mealie meal, bread, and spreads. Ray of Hope welcomes individual and corporate donations, and can issue Section 18A certificates for tax-deductible contributions. Supporters are encouraged to reach out via phone or email to request the home's current wish list of essential items and child-specific needs. 'Every donation counts whether it's cash, nappies, or your time. Together, we can keep giving these little ones the love and care they deserve,' she said. To make a donation or for their donation wish list and sponsorship opportunities, call Uys on 084 924 3100 or email info@ For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
5 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Stitched with love: 67 Blankets brings warmth and dignity to Nazareth House
Eighty-six handmade blankets stitched with care and compassion by volunteers around the country were handed over to residents at Nazareth House in Yeoville, Johannesburg, on Wednesday as part of the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day initiative. Carolyn Steyn, founder of the NPO, was joined by members of the KnitWits community for the handover. 'This place has a special meaning for me,' she said. 'My mum grew up here as an orphan. She came here at the age of three and stayed until she was 20.' The initiative, which began in 2013 with a challenge from Zelda la Grange, Nelson Mandela's former personal assistant, has grown into a nationwide movement of 'social cohesion and community spirit', said Steyn. What started as a personal pledge to crochet 67 blankets evolved rapidly after Steyn's Facebook appeal for help went viral. 'It snowballed into a movement — for good, for change.' The 86 blankets donated on Wednesday were crafted as part of the Hugest Happiness Blanket unveiled on March 20. Each item carries a label with the 67 Blankets logo and the words 'handmade with love' — a phrase that was felt in every corner of the room.
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- The Citizen
Thembisa NPO turns dumping sites into community spaces
The local environmental NPO Clean Environment has been on a mission to tackle illegal dumping across Thembisa since 2017, transforming more than 100 dumping sites into sustainable spaces like mini gardens, car washes and small parks. The Tsenelong Section NPO has built a reputation for reclaiming neglected areas, turning them into clean, functional community spaces. The NPO aims to remove waste and create environments that discourage future dumping. 'This started in our section,' said Tshepang Motaung, the co-founder of Clean Environment. ALSO READ: Illegal dumping now criminal offence in Ekurhuleni 'We noticed many tenants dumping plastic and rubbish in open spaces. What motivated us to keep going is that many communities supported us, and after we cleaned, they maintained the spaces. Not all areas do, but most of them.' The group, comprising five dedicated volunteers with the NPO since the beginning, also runs weekly educational campaigns in communities to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal dumping and promote a cleaner environment. One of the NPO's milestones was launching its recycling business, now in its second year. 'When cleaning, we noticed many recyclables. That's when the idea for a recycling business started,' Motaung said. The income supports their clean-up efforts, although financial challenges persist. 'We don't always have PPE or the tools we need, so we bring what we can from home to keep going.' While community members often respond positively during clean-ups, maintaining the cleaned spaces remains challenging. 'Some areas go back to being dumping grounds shortly after we clean,' Motaung explained. ALSO READ: Illegal dumping on Modderfontein Road remains an eyesore The NPO tries to involve local ward councillors in their campaigns, but often ends up working alone. However, the CoE's Thembisa Waste Office was a consistent supporter, helping with rubbish collection, tractor loader backhoes and tipper trucks for rubble removal. One of their most impactful recent projects was cleaning a bridge that had become a health hazard and an obstacle for pedestrians. 'The waste blocked the bridge, so crossing it was unsafe. We couldn't just walk past, so we organised a clean-up,' said Motaung. The team restored the bridge with support from the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), the Dipalesa Foundation and two community members. Looking ahead, Clean Environment plans to launch a campaign called #KeGame in partnership with the WESSA. This initiative will combine clean-ups with educational awareness drives in Thembisa, running weekly or biweekly. An upcoming focus area will be Winnie Mandela Zone 4. 'We randomly select some of the worst dumping sites and clean them to benefit the community. We're committed to keeping Thembisa clean, one spot at a time,' Motaung said. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
