CLEANING UP, ONE STREET AT A TIME

Platinum Weekly newspaper | Rustenburg – Our Ward Matters (OWM) continued its efforts across Rustenburg this past week, tackling overgrown vegetation, litter and illegal dumping while encouraging residents to take greater pride in their surroundings.

Founded by Ward 15 councillor André van Dyk and working under the leadership of Cllr Van Dyk and Cllr Tanya Rothman, the initiative remains active in Wards 15, 16 and 17 – and recently extended its efforts into Tlhabane.

On 19 and 20 August 2026, Cllr Rothman supervised work from Nylapies towards the hill along Helen Joseph Road and the pump station. The team cut back grass, cleared bushes and collected rubbish before continuing along Waterberg Avenue. Besides improving visibility for walkers, joggers and other residents, removing dry, overgrown vegetation may also reduce the risk of veld fires.

On Saturday, 22 August, approximately 40 volunteers gathered near Reuben Monareng Primary School and the church across the road in Tlhabane. The clean-up followed planning between Vusumuzi Jele, Jonathan van Rensburg and Cllr Van Dyk.

The Rustenburg Local Municipality’s Waste Department supplied a skip, while councillors, community representatives, residents and volunteers worked together to clear grass, sweep streets and remove accumulated rubbish. Provincial leader MPL Freddy Sonakile also joined the clean-up and helped provide food and refreshments afterwards. The team encountered extensive dumping, overgrown grass and water flowing continuously from a fire hydrant near the school and churches. OWM stressed that such conditions affect not only the appearance of an area, but also residents’ health, safety and dignity.

Work continued on 24 and 25 August along Helen Joseph Road, Robin Avenue, Sparrow Avenue and Vink Avenue. The team plans to investigate suspicious dumping activity in bushes near Sparrow and Vink avenues, despite visible no-dumping signs.

OWM thanked Ilse du Preez, the participating councillors, volunteers, municipal workers and residents who supported the various projects.

“We can clean an area today, but if dumping continues tomorrow, the problem simply returns. Lasting change requires consistent action, education and community involvement,” Van Dyk said.

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.