Make PMB beautiful again
“We were known as the ‘City of Choice’. Let’s choose to make our city beautiful again.”
This is the message behind the relaunch of Keep Pietermaritzburg Clean Association (KPCA).
Spearheaded by Athlone resident Lara Edmonds, the reconstitution of the original KPCA, originally established in the 90s, serves to evoke an interest in reclaiming the city and maintaining it.
At their first meeting to relaunch the KPCA, which took place on May 6, Edmonds was elected as the interim chairperson, with Peter Green serving as her deputy. Chicco Nkosi (campaign director), Zodwa Khumalo (treasurer), Tanis Brauteseth (secretary), Jan Hankey and Sne Mngadi were the other members elected onto the interim executive committee. The Dusi Umngeni Conservation Trust (DUCT) also forms part of the executive committee.
Initially established in 1992 to focus on a youth environmental education programme, KPCA grew to include a very successful ‘Adopt A Spot’ campaign with residents, businesses, clubs and churches. However, interest in the association waned over time.
The passion to ignite the flames of the once very successful association was kindled in Edmonds, who, among various other portfolios, is the chairperson of the Athlone Ratepayers and Residents Association.
“While the focus of KPCA will be on suburban anti-litter and clean-up campaigns, the beautification of the city is also an important mandate. KPCA’s new slogan is ‘Keep PMB clean, neat and green’, and we call on citizens from all suburbs to once again take up this challenge,” said Edmonds.
“KPCA calls on residents and businesses to get behind this initiative and emphasise that the best spot to adopt is on one’s own doorstep – the verge outside your property or the area around your business premises. KPCA is also keen to identify areas that are more difficult to maintain and is willing to collaborate with other teams to get them clean, neat and green again,” Edmonds added.
Edmonds reiterated that KPCA is also willing to work with the Msundusi Municipality to rebuild the relationship they once shared, especially with their Adopt A Spot campaign.
“In the past, a partnership with the municipality on the Adopt A Spot campaign existed. This allowed for permanent signage for businesses who adopted specific spots. This was hugely successful as spot by spot, areas were cleaned, beautified and maintained,” she said.
Edmonds cited the example of trailblazers like Jan Hankey, who prior to the relaunch of KPCA, adopted the Grey’s Taxi Rank spot in 2019, working under the name ‘Tom’s Team’ (named in memory of her son). She continues to maintain and clean this area on a regular basis, and now has four people working on her Townbush clean-up team. Thanks to their efforts, Settler’s Park is lush and the colourful Plane trees stand tall around the neatly mowed lawn.
“Active citizens like Jan Hankey are an inspiration to us. She is an example of leadership in action.
“While it is an ongoing maintenance job, it is remarkable what a difference one woman on a mission has made,” Edmonds said.
She added that Tom’s Team is eager to do more if sponsorship allows, and KPCA is looking to develop mobile signage to recognise those individuals or businesses willing to ‘adopt a spot’ with KPCA.
A taxi litter education campaign is in the formative stages and Zodwa Khumalo has suggested the slogan: ‘Let’s pick it up’ or ‘Let us come together to pick it up’.
Please follow KPCA on their Facebook page, or contact Lara Edmonds on 084 587 0880 if you would like to adopt a spot.