Langa benefits from clean-up campaign
THE SPOTLIGHT was cast on illegal dumping in Langa during a clean-up campaign that seeks to create awareness and education about the dangers of the practice.
Environmental awareness organisation WeLoveU, which started in South Korea, hosted the event in the Cape Town suburb yesterday. The aim was to raise awareness about environmental issues like climate change, and to change people’s mindsets about how they view their surroundings.
One of the organisers, Kusile Kewana, said: “We’ve chosen to do the Clean World Movement in Langa because, when we approached solid waste management, they pointed out that this is one of the areas that needs constant cleaning.
“Langa is also one of the oldest townships in the Western Cape. People cannot benefit through one clean-up, it must be a continuous thing.”
Kewana said they were part of the Clean World Movement, which has embarked on similar programmes around the globe.
Zandile Myeki, 22, a volunteer, said she wanted to be part of “a great movement and share love through a clean environment”.
Solid waste inspector Mogaamat Titus said it was a great initiative.
He said mindsets were changing, and, even though illegal dumping continued, residents felt embarrassed when people from outside the community came to conduct clean-ups.
“I am a Capetonian; this is my environment and my home. It’s my responsibility to make sure that it’s clean and a safe place to live in.
“We are also here to promote a healthy lifestyle because as we are currently cleaning this illegal dumping site on the side (of the road), there is a container selling food, which is a health risk, especially for children,” Titus said.