Keeping streets tidy
Bev van Welie got so fed up with the litter around the area, she decided she will not just complain about it, like so many do, but would rather do something about it.
Van Welie kickstarted an initiative and got hold of Vuyo Gqala who now works hard to keep the streets in the different areas clean.
With the help of Bev van Welie, Gqala visits more than five areas during the week including, Selborne, Dorchester Heights, Vincent and Nahoon, to clean up the litter.
“I saw the litter in Dorchester Heights as I was driving along there. I asked one of the men who work on our farm to help find someone who could clean the area,” Van Welie said.
Gqala and Van Welie started their clean up initiative in February last year but along the way have come to realise that they need the help of the public moving forward as it is not easy putting together the resources to get the job done.
With the help of ward councillor Isabel Thompson, who supplied a number of refuse bags, they have been able to continue with the commendable work.
“They are doing a sterling job with keeping those areas clean and I urge them to keep it up.
“There’s a problem with the supply chain for refuse bags but we’re really trying to get them for Bev,” Thompson said.
“She has been paying Vuyo out of her own pocket and I really hope that she is able to get more assistance with that and the project,” she said.
“Besides this story being about needing assistance, I’d like to urge people to join in on this initiative themselves. Gather a group of maybe five people, adopt a street and find someone who can clean it up for a wage,” Van Welie said.
She is appealing to anyone willing to help by donating black plastic bags and assisting with Gqala’s wages to contact Bev on 083-275-4088.
BY ZETHU MTAMBEKA