Listening, caring and cutting back
Our Ward Matters continued its community clean-up efforts in Safari Gardens on Monday 19 October.
Platinum Weekly newspaper | Rustenburg – A freshly cut verge, a cleared sidewalk and a bag of collected litter may seem like small things. Together, they are making a visible difference as Our Ward Matters (OWM) tackles overgrown spaces and neglected corners across local neighbourhoods.
Founded by Ward 15 councillor André van Dyk and led by him and councillor Tanya Rothman, the initiative continues its work in Wards 15, 16 and 17, encouraging residents to take pride in the places they call home.
Room to breathe in the Rivers
On Wednesday 14 October 2026, the team worked alongside Rothman in Palalarivier and Krokodilrivier. Grass and overgrown vegetation between and behind houses in Palalarivier were cleared to improve visibility and help reduce potential veld-fire risks. In Krokodilrivier, near Little Margate, the team tackled overgrowth and removed grass encroaching onto the road.
Helen Joseph gets a helping hand
On Thursday 15 October, the team, led by Van Dyk, completed the upper section of Helen Joseph Road near Blikkies vol Liefde and cleaned the traffic island at the Kiepersol intersection. Sidewalks and road edges also received attention, improving visibility and making the route tidier for residents and motorists.
Residents speak, the team responds
A resident’s report of recurring weekend disturbances at a private vacant stand on the corner of Arend Road and Bosduif Crescent highlighted another area needing attention. Concerns included parked cars, drinking, loud music and a couch reportedly used as a permanent gathering spot.
OWM began clearing overgrown grass around the area and along Bosduif Crescent, while other members collected litter in Safari Gardens and continued cutting grass along Helen Joseph Road. Van Dyk acknowledged that the reported disturbances would also need attention through the relevant channels.
Listening leads to action
On Monday 19 October, Van Dyk reported that clearing the long grass had revealed the couch, dumped waste and alcohol bottles. He said he would take further photographs and refer the concerns to Waste Management and Public Safety for follow-up.
The team also cleaned stormwater drains along Arend Road, including the stretch past Coffee on Safari towards Safari Oord, while two members continued cutting grass along Helen Joseph Road.
“We cannot solve every problem overnight, but we can keep showing up and doing our part,” said Van Dyk.
According to OWM, service delivery issues identified during its work were reported on the day, with reference numbers obtained.
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.
