Our Ward Matters continues transforming Rustenburg

Platinum Weekly newspaper | Rustenburg – From overgrown sidewalks and illegal dumping hotspots to unsafe open spaces, Our Ward Matters (OWM) continues making a visible impact across Wards 15, 16 and 17. Led by founder André van Dyk, together with Ward 17 councillor Tanya Rothman and supported by volunteers, residents and local businesses, OWM focuses on cleaner, safer and more welcoming neighbourhoods.

Innovation meets community service
Community clean-ups are not only about removing litter — they are also about finding smarter and more sustainable ways to work.

A new partnership between OWM and recycling designer Daleen Fourie has introduced innovative reusable collection bags that can be used to separate recyclable materials during larger clean-up projects. The system allows for the sorting of plastics, glass, cans, garden refuse and general waste, helping improve recycling efforts while potentially creating additional opportunities through recycling initiatives. Daleen also designed practical 

Inspiring community spirit at Wildevy
On 1 June, OWM joined local resident Wouter (Vista Café owner), who had already started collecting litter around Wildevy Centrum before the team arrived. According to Van Dyk, visible positive change inspires others to become involved and take pride in their surroundings. Together, volunteers cleaned the entire area around the shopping centre, reinforcing the message that community involvement remains one of the strongest tools for lasting change.

Ongoing focus on Kruger Bridge
The open veld areas near Wildevy and Kruger Street, on both sides of Kruger Bridge, have remained a major focus throughout 2026. Over several months, OWM has repeatedly returned to clear dumping, remove litter, cut grass and improve visibility. The area has long been associated with illegal squatting, public drinking, drug activity and illegal dumping.

Recent intervention by Public Safety and Rustenburg Local Municipality saw several illegal structures removed, including a blue structure near Moepel Substation. While significant progress has been made, OWM says additional support remains necessary to address remaining challenges in the area.

Helen Joseph area gets a makeover
On 2 June, teams worked opposite BP Safari and throughout the Helen Joseph area. Grass was cut, litter removed, stormwater drains opened and road islands cleaned and restored. Work also extended from Bergbos Clinic towards BP Garage and surrounding residential areas. The project forms part of OWM’s broader goal of improving the appearance and safety of public spaces regularly used by residents.

Preparing for Project Civitas
During the first week of June, teams concentrated on Cuckoo Avenue, Waterberg Avenue, Elandsrivier and surrounding roads in preparation for a major community outreach project with the Care Centre (Project Civitas).

Volunteers spent several days cutting grass, removing litter and opening neglected spaces before the larger community event took place.

Project Civitas unites the community
One of the highlights of the month took place on 8 June when volunteers from Project Civitas and Our Ward Matters joined forces for a large-scale community clean-up initiative.

The day began with prayer before volunteers divided into teams responsible for litter collection, grass cutting, debushing, road marking restoration and painting street signs. The project was supported by donations from The Paint Palette and assistance from Rustenburg Local Municipality’s Waste Department, which supplied a skip for waste removal. Organisers described the event as a powerful example of what can be achieved when community organisations, residents, businesses and local government work together.

Maintaining safer open spaces
Throughout June, OWM teams continued tackling overgrown public spaces in areas including Timbati Veld, Nylrivier, Apiesrivier, Kremetart Avenue, Manuka Avenue, Klopper Street and Koorsboom. The work included cutting grass, clearing dumping sites, opening stormwater drains and improving visibility around substations and roadways. According to OWM, maintaining these areas helps prevent illegal dumping, reduces opportunities for criminal activity and improves safety for residents.

Rivers area and Waterfall Mall projects
On 27 and 28 June, volunteers focused on major clean-up projects around the road island near Waterfall Mall and along the canal areas of the Rivers neighbourhood. Grass cutting, debushing and litter removal significantly improved visibility at intersections where overgrown vegetation had begun obstructing traffic signs and motorists’ views. The Rivers area project also focused on maintaining the canal corridor between Watervalrivier, Krokodilrivier and Helen Joseph, helping preserve an important green space used daily by residents.

Main photo: Volunteers from Project Civitas and Our Ward Matters worked side-by-side during a large-scale community clean-up aimed at creating safer and cleaner neighbourhoods.

WANT TO HELP?
Contact André (076?057?1669) or Ilse (083 393 0316)
Banking details: Our Ward Matters | FNB | Acc: 63038972641 | Branch: 258055 | Ref: OWM

Together, we clean. Together, we care. Together, Our Ward Matters.