SERVING TOGETHER

GrowthPoint Church and Our Ward Matters unite for major community clean-up

Community invited to join a powerful morning of service
Rustenburg residents are invited to take part in what promises to be one of the largest community clean-ups yet, as GrowthPoint Church partners with Our Ward Matters (OWM) for a major morning of service and community action.

The clean-up will take place on:

• Saturday, 7 March 2026
• Starting time: 07:00
• Meeting point: GrowthPoint Church

Organisers say the event is about more than clearing litter and cutting back overgrowth — it is about bringing the community together to take ownership of shared spaces and build a safer environment for everyone. Residents, families, volunteers, and community organisations are encouraged to come along and lend a hand.

Platinum Weekly newspaper | Rustenburg – While many talk about improving their communities, Our Ward Matters (OWM) is taking action. Through regular clean-ups and hands-on work, the team is transforming neglected areas into cleaner, safer and more visible neighbourhood spaces. Their efforts now stretch across Wards 16 and 17 and are expanding into Ward 15, bringing renewed pride to local streets and public spaces.

Led by André van Dyk and Cllr Tanya Rothman, the initiative shows that when residents stand together and take ownership of their surroundings, positive change becomes visible.

Leading the way
On Wednesday, 25 February 2026, volunteers began clearing thick overgrowth in Cuckoo Avenue, behind residential homes. The clean-up was sparked by a resident who rallied neighbours to help restore the area. OWM members started debushing and cutting the overgrown veld, improving safety and reducing the risk of veld fires.

Work continued the next day in several locations, including the corner of Waterberg and Helen Joseph Street, where vegetation along the hillside was cleared towards the nearby open space. Another priority area was the corner near Total Tuscany Garage and behind Tuscany Spar, close to the water canal — a spot where dense bushes had created safety concerns and where squatters had been sleeping.

Project Civitas shows the power of teamwork
Community spirit was clearly visible on 28 February during Project Civitas, a day dedicated to teamwork and service. Christel Herbst captured the day’s energy on video and also ensured volunteers had food and water — thoughtful support that kept everyone going. Marli du Plessis led volunteers, youth, and primary school learners in collecting litter, turning the clean-up into an important lesson about caring for the environment.

Meanwhile, Cllr Tanya Rothman led OWM members in Elandsrivier, clearing bushes and grass in an area affected by illegal dumping and helping load refuse bags into a skip provided by the Rustenburg Local Municipality Waste Department. At the same time, André van Dyk and the OWM team cleared dense vegetation in Tortelduif, Ward 14, using brushcutters, pangas, and blowers to leave the area clean and visible.

Volunteers also painted street poles, speed humps, and road markings, contributing to improved safety and visibility.

The project was made possible through generous community support, including donations of time, funds, petrol, refuse bags, water, paint, and even wors rolls.

A Vision for a Future Community Park
OWM is now focusing on the open space around the tennis courts near Mopanie Avenue and Maroela Avenue, which volunteers believe could become a beautiful community park.

The project follows repeated requests from residents — including an elderly family who had long asked when help would come to their area. The first donation towards the clean-up came from Marie Kemp, Ward 15 Committee Member, helping launch the initiative.

The team will continue clearing from Wildevy Centre towards the area opposite the centre and next to Rustenburg Baptist Church, before focusing on the tennis courts.

Removing dense bushes will eliminate hiding places — particularly important with two pre-schools nearby.

“This is not only about Protea Park’s safety,” said van Dyk. “It’s about your children and the future of our community.”

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.