Our Ward Matters turns neglect into neighbourhood pride
Making a visible difference: OWM’s clean-up at Moepel Substation and around Wildevy Centre on Tuesday, 29 September 2026.
Platinum Weekly newspaper | Rustenburg – Cleaner streets and safer surroundings start with people willing to roll up their sleeves. Our Ward Matters (OWM) is doing just that, clearing overgrown vegetation, collecting litter and encouraging residents to take pride in their neighbourhoods.
Founded by Ward 15 councillor André van Dyk and led by him and councillor Tanya Rothman, the initiative remains active in Wards 15, 16 and 17.
Helping hands fuel the clean-up
On Tuesday, 29 September 2026, OWM continued cleaning around Moepel Substation and the open veld near Wildevy Centre. Team members removed illegally dumped waste, cut back vegetation and cleared weeds encroaching onto the road, and began improving the garden at the corner of Wildevy and Kruger streets.
OWM thanked Jacques from Wildevy Centre and Vista Café for sponsoring 20 litres of petrol to keep the brushcutters running. Rustenburg Local Municipality’s (RLM) Waste Department supplied a skip for the collected waste.
A coffee, a kindness and a thank you
After a day’s work on Monday, 5 October, the OWM team received a welcome treat from Coffee on Safari. Owner Linda invited team members to enjoy a coffee or Freezo of their choice in appreciation of their efforts. OWM thanked Linda and her staff for their generosity and warm welcome, encouraging residents to support businesses that support community initiatives.
Those who care deserve to work safely
Work continued around Wildevy and Kruger on Monday, 5 October, beginning near Rustenburg Baptist Church. Pastor Jackie Gouws discussed concerns in the area with the team and offered encouragement for the week ahead.
Alarmingly, an Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) worker serving on its team was allegedly assaulted, verbally abused and threatened while working. The Community Policing Forum (CPF) and Outdoor Arena Security assisted at the scene. Van Dyk said the team had worked in the area for more than nine months, helping improve surroundings used by Protea Park Laerskool, crèches, churches, businesses and residents. He appealed to the community and relevant authorities to help protect those doing this work.
Three areas, one shared responsibility
On Thursday, 1 October, Rothman led clean-up efforts across three areas. Team members cleared branches between Springbokpark and Impalapark, using a skip supplied by the RLM Waste Department, and cut overgrown grass in Nylapies. The EPWP OWM team also tackled grass and litter in the Timbati veld in the Rivers area. The discovery of further illegal dumping prompted an appeal for residents to take responsibility for their waste.
With petrol, equipment, brushcutter line, maintenance, protective clothing and refuse bags adding to daily costs, OWM is calling on more residents, businesses and churches to contribute. Every contribution helps the team return to the streets and continue its work.
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.