The notorious “river of disease and death”, the Hennops River received a new lease on life as volunteers from across the globe united to remove tonnes of pollution in a coordinated environmental clean-up effort.
This activity is part of ASEZ’s Zero Plastic 2040 campaign aimed at addressing the global plastic pollution crisis. ASEZ, an international volunteer group, is supported by the Church of God, a global organisation with 3.7 million followers across 7,800 locations in 175 countries.
On Sunday, volunteers participated in the cleanup of the Hennops River, collecting approximately 2,000kg of waste in just two hours. Items such as plastic cups, PET bottles, waste clothing, vinyl, Styrofoam, and scrap metal were gathered and transported using a one-tonne truck, loaded twice. The event was particularly significant as ASEZ members from Korea joined in, demonstrating solidarity and cross-border cooperation in the fight against pollution.
The City of Tshwane expressed its gratitude to the volunteers by providing bottled water, rubbish bags, and cleaning tools to support their efforts.
MMC for Environment and Agriculture Management, Obakeng Ramabodu, said: “I think ASEZ has contributed a lot, and they are still contributing to making sure that the issue of the global plastic campaign is taken to the communities.
“We have never had any financial misconduct; we’ve never had any corruption allegations towards this ASEZ movement, and we want them to continue and make sure that they attract as many young people. We want to send our love to the ASEZ volunteers.”
Leanne de Jager, a member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, also praised the volunteers for their efforts in educating communities about pollution and environmental conservation.
“What ASEZ is doing is invaluable around the world. Your activities every week, and every month are assisting to not only get the word out there, but you highlight the problems of pollution in the world and what people can do,” she said.
Sihle Neck, a member of ASEZ said, “Plastic pollution is a hot topic worldwide. The youth, who are the future generation’s leaders, are taking the lead in achieving zero plastic and have joined forces to respond to climate change. We hope that citizens will also join us in creating a sustainable global environment.”
Khodani Sindisiwe Simerone, another member of ASEZ, expressed her ambition to continue leading environmental cleanup initiatives and raising awareness about the importance of preserving natural ecosystems.
“I’m happy to attend this volunteer activity today. As university students, our role is to actually take action, not just by taking action, but setting an example for the youth to come so that they can also do what we are doing to make the world a better place and safer environment,” she said.
Noloyiso Xoliswa Mbiza, the national coordinator of the Adopt a River programme, praised ASEZ for its efforts in fostering environmental stewardship.
“I think this is so commendable, and I am so happy. It’s very rare to see so many young ones taking care of the environment and coming out and doing the work without complaining and doing it voluntarily.
“Plastic bags are one of the most common pollutants that are in our rivers. We can’t see the impact right away, but the impacts are right there in our food, in our water. So I would say, guys, please keep pushing; please share the message of plastic pollution; please share the message with people.”
The campaign was also conducted in Homa Bay, Kenya, Maputo, Mozambique, Metro Manila, Philippines; and North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
The Star