What was the problem?
The town of Benoni, in Gauteng’s East Rand, was becoming increasingly run down. Sidewalks were neglected, parks were overgrown and illegal dumping sites were spreading. Every polluted sidewalk and blocked storm drain was adding up.
How are they fixing it?
Starting in 2023, a group of Benoni residents came together to start Clean Projects under the slogan “little things matter.” In just a few years, the group has done big things. Now registered as an NGO, Clean Projects has cleared more than 25 km of kerbs (and repainted 16km of those), disposed of over 10,000 bags of litter, cleaned 50+ drains and more around Benoni. They also do more than just fix what’s broken; they make the town shine with new murals and public gardens.
What’s making it work?
Focusing on public spaces. Clean Projects focuses on the main intersections and entrances to Benoni and neighbourhood parks. These public spaces are for everyone to enjoy and make use of, but are often the most run-down.
Collaborating with the city to improve service delivery. Clean Projects regularly meets with City of Ekhurhuleni municipal workers, such as the parks department, to coordinate their efforts. For example, the group has encouraged the city to use municipal tractors to more regularly cut grass in the city’s larger parks. According to City of Ekhurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini, “Clean Projects has helped ease operational strain, allowing municipal teams to allocate resources more effectively across the region.”
Creative fundraisers. By partnering with a range of community organisations, schools and groups, Clean Projects has successfully fundraised to maintain their work. These efforts range from an art exhibition that raised R28,000 to a community fundraising walk that got 200 residents involved. These fundraisers have not only helped the group get the resources they need to transform the town but also built a strong sense of community investment in their work.
Creating employment. Clean Projects employs 13 full-time staff who do the on-the-ground work of cleaning up city parks, trimming overgrown grass, cleaning streets and more.
Showing their impact on social media. With before-and-after pictures showing how they’ve fixed up a curb or cleaned a park, Clean Projects keeps residents engaged online.
Join the movement
Interested in helping to make a cleaner and more beautiful community? Join Clean Projects by visiting their website here or start your own community project in your area. Together, we can help South Africa reach its full potential!
Acknowledgements
Community clean-up initiative now creates jobs | Benoni City Times by Jani de Beer
Council boosts clean ups | Benoni City Times
Photo: Clean Projects