One Clean Street at a Time, Our Ward Matters delivers!
Platinum Weekly newspaper | Rustenburg – While many residents eased into the festive season and early January slowdown, Our Ward Matters (OWM) did the opposite — accelerating into 2026 with purpose and action! Across Wards 16 and 17, clean-up teams hit the ground running, proving once again that real community change doesn’t come from talk alone, but from consistency, care, and boots on the ground.
Led by André van Dyk, alongside Cllr Tanya Rothman, the EPWP team, fellow councillors, and dedicated volunteers, Our Ward Matters began the year with visible, hands-on interventions that tackled litter, overgrowth, illegal dumping, and neglected public spaces head-on.
A Strong Start: Ward 17 Clean-Up | 5 January 2026
The first clean-up of 2026 took place in Ward 17, where OWM teams were deployed across several key routes and problem areas, including Dachil Street, Azaleapark, Helen Joseph Road, and surrounding open spaces leading towards the R24 and Waterfall Mall. These efforts reinforced a vital message: clean spaces improve safety, health, and environmental protection while restoring community pride.
Ward 16 in Focus | 6 January 2026
On 6 January, OWM turned its attention to Ward 16, targeting visible problem areas and main routes while working towards Manuka Substation near Geelhoutpark SPAR. Two teams covered multiple neighbourhoods, clearing litter along church grounds, schools, residential streets, and busy access roads.
Rivers Area: Clearing, Cutting, and Care | 7 January 2026
On Wednesday, 7 January, Our Ward Matters, under the supervision of Cllr Tanya Rothman and Michael Rothman, continued clean-up efforts in the Rivers area. Work focused on Timbati Veld and Usuturivier Ave, where recent heavy rains had caused severe overgrowth. Teams cut grass and cleared storm drains, improving safety and water flow. While good progress was made, further work is still needed as gardens and trees require ongoing attention.
Residents are encouraged to support OWM, as donations help cover essential daily costs such as petrol and equipment.
Safety Concerns Highlighted | 12 January 2026
On 12 January, OWM focused on the corner of Kruger Street and Wildevy Avenue, next to Rustenburg Baptiste Kerk. During the clean-up, it became clear that the church and surrounding area have been affected by crime. Overgrown vegetation has created hiding spots for criminals, posing a serious safety risk for residents using Kruger Bridge and nearby routes. Across the road near Wildevy Centrum, residents have raised concerns about squatters, drug activity, and public drinking. The clean-up was supported by Cllr Tanya Rothman, Cllr Jean Keyser, Cllr Martin Coetzee, and Youth Leader Michael Rothman.
Additional efforts included clearing Tamarisk Avenue near the open park, removing grass from the roadway, cutting overgrown areas, and taking down illegal advertising from trees in both Tamarisk and Wildevy Avenues.
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.
