Where Hands Work, Hope Grows – another big week for Our Ward Matters
Platinum Weekly newspaper | Rustenburg – From clearing thick veld in the Rivers area to collecting Christmas gifts for hardworking volunteers, Our Ward Matters (OWM) once again demonstrated how community transformation starts with small, consistent acts of service. Rain slowed them down, but it never stopped them. Led by André van Dyk, Cllr Tanya Rothman, and supported by the EPWP team, OWM spent the week uplifting Wards 16 and 17 — mowing, cleaning, debushing, listening to residents, and bringing hope exactly where it’s needed most. Every week, OWM proves one simple truth: when people care, change becomes visible.
19 November – Timbati Veld Gets the Attention It Needed
Volunteers tackled overgrown grass, rubbish, and cement bins — even while managing repairs to their brushcutters. Residents immediately noticed the difference as large sections of veld were restored. One member dedicated the day to picking up litter in Nylapies, Helen Joseph Street, and behind the SPAR/Total Garage stretch. OWM reminded residents: donations of petrol, oil, brushcutter line, and wages keep the wheels turning. A big thank you to TOTAL Tuscany, who sponsored 10 litre petrol!
20 November – Safety Concerns Addressed in Sesbania Avenue
Our Ward Matters teamed up with Henk and Oom Jan from AfriForum to address concerns about squatters living in the bushes. Cllr Jean Keyser joined André on-site to record a video for Law Enforcement and RLM’s urgent attention. (catch the video on our Facebook page!)
24 November – Christmas Kindness Arrives Early
OWM volunteers received a heart-warming surprise when Cllr Tanya Rothman collected Bakers Choice assorted biscuits for every team member — a gift from Felicity, whose generosity was warmly appreciated. They also received six Christmas food hampers from Agapé Gemeente. Christel Herbst and Mariska van Aswegen handed the hampers to Cllr Rothman, with plans to deliver them alongside the team’s December bonuses.
24 November – Timbati Completed & Nylapies Transformed
The EPWP team completed the massive Timbati veld — a dramatic improvement now seen by anyone entering the Rivers area. They then moved to Nylapies, where they trimmed grass, removed large piles, and cleaned pathways.
24 November – The Charity Division Receives Clothing Donations
Our Ward Cares, the charity arm of OWM, received clothing donations from Nadine Ouwencamp and her husband. Once sorted, OWM will distribute the items and share updates with the community.
25 November – Helen Joseph Clean-up Continues
The team tackled Corner Krokodilrivier/ Helen Joseph, working from the Kgaswane side. They cleared grass, removed bush overgrowth, and picked up rubbish — with plans to continue behind the Total Garage and both sides of Helen Joseph until the Ward 17 boundary.
WANT TO HELP? Contact André (076?057?1669), Ilse (078?258?6620), or Ronel (072?854?8965).
Banking details: Our Ward Matters | FNB | Acc: 63038972641 | Branch: 258055 | Ref: OWM
Together, we clean. Together, we care. Together, Our Ward Matters.
