BY LERATO PHOSISI
In a powerful display of unity and civic pride, the residents of Lenasia South rolled up their sleeves and took back their neighbourhood from illegal dumping and pollution that has long threatened their health and dignity.
The large-scale clean-up, spearheaded by community activist Farhana Gaffar, transformed dumping hotspots into clean, livable spaces, sending a strong message that residents will no longer tolerate environmental decay at their doorstep.
Speaking about the motivation behind the campaign, Gaffar said the deteriorating condition of the area had become a serious health hazard, particularly for families living closest to the dumpsites who remain the most vulnerable. She said the community could no longer wait for help and decided to act.
Her vision for the future is a cleaner, safer Lenasia South where residents take ownership of their environment and where cleanliness becomes a culture, not just a campaign. She emphasised that maintaining a clean environment is everyone’s responsibility and urged residents to stop illegal dumping, report offenders, and participate in regular clean-up initiatives to sustain the progress made.
To ensure sustainability, Gaffar made a heartfelt appeal to local leaders and the municipality for consistent support, including regular refuse removal, enforcement against illegal dumping, and provision of resources. She expressed gratitude for the positive response received from Ward 120 Councillor Puseletso Nzimande, who intervened decisively by bringing in City Parks teams and arranging additional trucks to remove the waste.
The campaign was made possible through pure community power. Machinery and trucks were sponsored by residents themselves. Gaffar personally raised funds for bin bags, masks and gloves, while other residents sponsored refreshments for volunteers.
Gaffar extended special appreciation to dedicated volunteers: Kishana – Kingfisher, Corine – Kingfisher, Enver – Bayswater, Jogie – Flamingo, Hamid – Albany who provided a Bobcat, Beverly – Azalea, Sonto – Barnet, Erwin – scrap collector, Sean – scrap collector, Gift – scrap collector, Celia – Barnet, Fikile – Cambridge, and Hoosien. A very special thank you went to Saddik and Uncle Hamid for bringing the truck and Bobcat, which made a significant difference in getting the job done.
“Today proved that when a community comes together, we can make a real difference. Many hands make light work,” said Gaffar.
Weighing in on the broader impact, Business Forum leader Omar Khan highlighted the direct link between dirty environments and crime. He stressed that dumping is a criminal offence, yet some shops continue to dump expired drinks and waste on the sides of the road. He added that a dirty environment not only breeds criminal activity but also drives investors away, as residents feel embarrassed to invite people into the area because of the filth.
Khan commended Councillor Nzimande for her intervention, stating that without her assistance, he would have been forced to use his own bakkie and would never have managed to clear the massive piles of garbage. He confirmed the Business Forum will play an active role in monitoring the area, enforcing by-laws against illegal dumping, and working with law enforcement to keep the area both clean and safe.
Among the volunteers was 65-year-old resident Nomasonto Ngcobo, who said she joined the campaign because she could no longer watch her community drown in waste. Her message to those who did not participate was clear: community pride starts with each individual, and it is time for all residents to stand up and be part of the solution.
