A group of concerned Plettenberg Bay citizens have taken these words to heart. Since February, these citizens have been coming together on a weekly basis to play their part in keeping Plett clean. This group, Clean Up Plett Campaign, organise their efforts by means of groups on social networking site, Facebook, and social networking application, WhatsApp.
The group was incepted to address concerns about the shoddy appearance of many sectors in central Plett. These citizens have taken the initiative squarely into their own hands with each of the members making contributions as an act of personal responsibility for creating the environment they wish to live in.
"As we are a major tourist attraction destination it is each and every person and establishment's responsibility to help where they can to make them feel welcome. Nobody wants to see overgrown verges and dirty streets littered with garbage lying around. If you see it, address it. Contact anyone in the group so we can set the wheels rolling and keep our town beautiful," reads the description on the Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/286054018212504/?fref=ts.
"I couldn't stand to see the state of the town anymore. We have taken ownership of the streets," said Alison Bryant, founder and coordinator of this campaign.
"We have had such unbelievable support. Our aim is, together with the municipality, to keep Plett as clean as possible," she explained.
By taking the initiative and 'paying-it-forward', this group of citizens has inspired others to take similar initiatives within their immediate communities. Veronica Cloete, a resident of Kurland Village, coordinates a team of concerned citizens who now meet weekly to keep the streets of Kurland Village clean.
Bryant has appealed to all Plett residents to contribute in their own way to ensure that this initiative can be sustained. Many people feel that their municipal rates should ensure that basic services, such as the service these citizens are currently rendering, are provided by the municipality. Questions as to what the staff employed by the municipality to clean the streets are doing whilst citizens perform their functions for free, have also been raised.
DA councillor, Wayne Craig, conceded that, like any organisation, the municipality periodically experiences staff problems which are addressed as and when they arise. He pointed out that the municipality provides a basic service, but their efforts are foiled by the sheer volume of litter people dump on the streets. "The municipality simply can't keep up with it," he said. He commended each person participating regularly in the Clean Up Plett Campaign. He also acknowledged that it is a travesty that these people should spend their time cleaning up after those who refuse to take personal responsibility for the litter they generate.
Both Craig and Bryant agreed that education is key. If all disposed of their own litter in responsible ways, there would be no need for others to clean up their mess.
"We appeal to our fellow Plettonians to educate others, friends employees, children, grandchildren. We want Plett to be pristine at all times so that we can wow our visitors and make them come back to Plett time and time again and therefore making it a better place for all," said Bryant.
The Clean up Plett Campaign is driven by business people who donate their time and resources. Because their time is limited, this group have employed Patrick Windvogel as their dedicated representative to ensure that litter is tackled and the public gardens are maintained at a level deemed acceptable by members of the business community. His wages are paid by means of donations collected at Rice and Linen at Market Square on his behalf. He has been issued a uniform and a bicycle to make his job easier.
"Patrick is so proud if his achievements and we are so proud of and grateful to him," said Bryant.
The Clean up Plett Campaign is working with the municipality to encourage it to put systems in place to minimise the level of litter in town. One such intervention would be the installation of dustbins at regular intervals throughout town. The theory is that if it were easier for people to dispose of their litter responsibly, more people would do so.
Bryant appealed to Plett residents to refrain from throwing rubbish or cigarette butts out of their car windows. She also appealed to them not to drop rubbish whilst walking on the streets.
Clean up Plett Campaigners meet every Tuesday evening at around 17:15 and spend an hour weeding or picking up litter in areas they have noticed need extra attention during the week.
Express Signs, Pinnacle Painters, Zig Zag Branding, The Clean Shop, Dulux Paint, Penny Pinchers, Glow lighting, Arlene's Pool Services and Garden Route Timbers are a few of the businesses that have been committed to this campaign from the outset.
Local garden services have joined the campaign by each taking responsibility for maintaining a designated area. Eden Gardens, Home from Home, Smart Gardens, Garden Thyme, Dave's Garden Services and Milkwood Gardens all participate.
The Raphaeli Waldorf School, Plett Primary School and the Plett Christian School have also become involved.
Andy Smit, Maxine Brett, Kirsten Deacon, Dave and Brenda Scott, Dee Gotz, Mandy Frost, Lesley Mullins, Perino Pama, Di Butlin, Matt Covarr, Nic Bryant, Mike and Joanne Janse van Vuuren, Lynne Kapp and Stephanie Shrosbree are among the individuals making a regular weekly contribution toward the success of this campaign.
This initiative needs the participation of people dedicated to this cause in order to ensure its continued success. Those who wish to get involved, can contact Alison Bryant on 082 572 1027.
Plett clean-up team.
ARTICLE: CANDICE LUDICK, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST
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