Our Ward Matters: Turning action into accountability

A cleaner view at Wildevy Centre and Kruger Street, next to the bridge, following ongoing clean-up efforts by Our Ward Matters.

Platinum Weekly newspaper | Rustenburg – Founded by Ward 15 councillor André van Dyk, Our Ward Matters (OWM) continues to demonstrate the remarkable difference that can be achieved when residents, businesses, volunteers and community leaders unite behind a common goal. Under the leadership of Cllr André van Dyk and Cllr Tanya Rothman, the initiative is steadily transforming Wards 15, 16 and 17 into cleaner, safer and more welcoming communities. The past week again highlighted two very different realities: the persistent challenge of illegal dumping and neglect, and the determination of volunteers who refuse to simply look the other way.

A duty to our environment

This week, the Our Ward Matters team is concentrating its efforts on the River Canal and Timbatifield, clearing rubbish and working to improve the surrounding environment. For the team, however, cleaning is about more than removing waste. It is about creating neighbourhoods where residents can proudly say: “Here, I belong.”

The initiative relies on community support to help cover fuel, equipment and other resources needed to continue its work. Residents and businesses are encouraged to take ownership of their surroundings, protect open spaces and support efforts to create cleaner and safer neighbourhoods.

Seven months of returning, cleaning and caring

On 13 January 2026, Our Ward Matters began a major project at Wildevy Centre and Kruger Street, next to the Rustenburg Baptiste Kerk. What started as a clean-up soon developed into a much bigger commitment to reclaim neglected spaces and improve safety.

Since then, teams have worked on both sides of the bridge and in surrounding open areas, cutting back overgrown vegetation, removing illegally dumped waste, clearing rubbish and improving visibility.

Working alongside residents, businesses, churches and the Rustenburg Local Municipality Waste Department, the initiative has demonstrated what consistent action can achieve.

But the job is far from over.

On Monday 17 August, the team returned to clean the area once again. Cllr Van Dyk also met with Wildevy management and Pastor Jackie Gouws to discuss continuing concerns.

According to Van Dyk, serious complaints have been received about illegal squatters, public drinking, illegal dumping and crime in the area.

These concerns affect nearby residents, businesses, churches, schools and children who use and live around these spaces.

He stressed that cleaning alone cannot solve the problem. Safety, law enforcement, municipal services and community responsibility all have a role to play. “We cannot simply clean an area once and walk away. We return. We monitor. We engage. We act,” 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.