By Staff Reported
May 2019
Sammu, loosely translated from Setswana, means from the soil, is a non-profit organisation, organised a clean-up campaign from Mayibuye Apprentice, Batho Hall and Sol Plaatje Municipality’s front yard.
Twenty-five people, including employees from Move On UP 246 a recycling company, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) and the Department of Environmental Affairs armed with a dust mask, gloves and T-shirt, brazed the cold morning from 07:30 until 09:30. The youngest participant was Khotso August, a grade two learner from Kevin Nkoane Primary School, who accompanied his father, Tshepo August, a Public Order Policeman. Although Khotso’s peers were still asleep or playing at home, he proudly saved the environment by picking up papers.
Mpho Mojakwe, the organiser was not impressed with the number of volunteers. “We want to change our citizens’ mindsets, from dumping to recycling and teaching them to make a living out of waste while preserving the environment,” she said.
CCBSA used this opportunity to promote the 100/21 Project. The company intends to recover 100% of what they have produced. The campaign will run until 2021. They have recovered 66% up to so far. “We are committed to preserving the environment through such projects with other stakeholders, including municipalities.” Said Kedi Mashodi from CCBSA.
Sammu have identified several hotspots around Kimberley and plan to make this a monthly activity. “Cleaning our city to avoid a situation similar to Alexandra,” referring to the rat infestation, Edgar Ndebele commented from Move On UP 246. The recycling plant operates from Helen Joseph and has created many jobs, ranging from garbage collectors, sorters, and balers. “At the plant, the material is sorted, baled and distributed,” explained Ndebele.
The Youth Environmental Co-ordinator, Celani Plaatjie from the Department of Environmental Affairs, said, “Communities are responding well to these initiatives. There is a significant decrease in public littering, thanks to the department for implementing consumer education and awareness.” He praised the government for funding projects such as the Extended Public Works Program for assisting with the fight against littering.
All the garbage was packed in black plastic bags and sorted accordingly. Communities are encouraged to look out for notices that will indicate when and where the next spot will be.
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