Thembisa NPO turns dumping sites into community spaces

The local environmental NPO Clean Environment has been on a mission to tackle illegal dumping across Thembisa since 2017, transforming more than 100 dumping sites into sustainable spaces like mini gardens, car washes and small parks.
The Tsenelong Section NPO has built a reputation for reclaiming neglected areas, turning them into clean, functional community spaces.
The NPO aims to remove waste and create environments that discourage future dumping.
'This started in our section,' said Tshepang Motaung, the co-founder of Clean Environment.
ALSO READ: Illegal dumping now criminal offence in Ekurhuleni
'We noticed many tenants dumping plastic and rubbish in open spaces. What motivated us to keep going is that many communities supported us, and after we cleaned, they maintained the spaces. Not all areas do, but most of them.'
The group, comprising five dedicated volunteers with the NPO since the beginning, also runs weekly educational campaigns in communities to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal dumping and promote a cleaner environment.
One of the NPO's milestones was launching its recycling business, now in its second year.
'When cleaning, we noticed many recyclables. That's when the idea for a recycling business started,' Motaung said.
The income supports their clean-up efforts, although financial challenges persist.
'We don't always have PPE or the tools we need, so we bring what we can from home to keep going.'
While community members often respond positively during clean-ups, maintaining the cleaned spaces remains challenging.
'Some areas go back to being dumping grounds shortly after we clean,' Motaung explained.
ALSO READ: Illegal dumping on Modderfontein Road remains an eyesore
The NPO tries to involve local ward councillors in their campaigns, but often ends up working alone.
However, the CoE's Thembisa Waste Office was a consistent supporter, helping with rubbish collection, tractor loader backhoes and tipper trucks for rubble removal.
One of their most impactful recent projects was cleaning a bridge that had become a health hazard and an obstacle for pedestrians.
'The waste blocked the bridge, so crossing it was unsafe. We couldn't just walk past, so we organised a clean-up,' said Motaung.
The team restored the bridge with support from the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), the Dipalesa Foundation and two community members.
Looking ahead, Clean Environment plans to launch a campaign called #KeGame in partnership with the WESSA.
This initiative will combine clean-ups with educational awareness drives in Thembisa, running weekly or biweekly. An upcoming focus area will be Winnie Mandela Zone 4.
'We randomly select some of the worst dumping sites and clean them to benefit the community. We're committed to keeping Thembisa clean, one spot at a time,' Motaung said.
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