Collect-a-Can leads clean-up of Soweto sports centre

"We are delighted with the results of the clean-up," said Zimasa Velaphi, public relations and marketing manager of Collect-a-Can. "Almost a ton of waste was picked up during the course of the morning in addition to 300kg of cans brought in by community members for recycling today."

Jozi FM, who are very active in educating citizens about the importance of good waste management, broadcast live from the park during the day. Collen Hans, Jozi FM's current affairs presenter who participated in the clean-up said it is very important to get community buy-in to keep their environment clean. "It wouldn't help if we cleaned up here today and then everyone littered again tomorrow. Community members need to get their hands dirty and become ambassadors for a cleaner environment in their areas."

Home recycling service

Ward councillor Shimane Motlhamme proved himself to be such an ambassador when he set to work cleaning up alongside the volunteers. "Educating people about the importance of recycling and not littering is key," he said. "We're very excited to be launching a separate-at-source home recycling service for residents in this area in October. Residents will be given two bags, one for paper and one for cans, bottles and plastics, and hopefully this will help build awareness about keeping the community clean."

Ten employees from Standard Chartered Bank volunteered their time to help with the clean-up. "We're here to support the community and to make a difference," said volunteer Cindy Naidoo. Standard Chartered Bank gives every member of staff three volunteer days a year, in addition to their annual leave.

"We're very grateful to everyone who gave their time and energy to make this event such a success," said Velaphi. "Community response has been great and we hope to have many more similar events in the future."