KNYSNA NEWS - The natural beauty of the Knysna forests was celebrated recently during a small but meaningful ceremony recognising the ongoing efforts of the MTO Group to keep these treasured landscapes clean, safe and free of illegal dumping.

Set among the towering trees of the forest, the gathering highlighted a successful collaboration that began several years ago between MTO and the local cycling community, who regularly use the forest’s extensive trail network.

Disturbed by the growing problem of illegally dumped waste, cyclists joined forces to undertake a large-scale clean-up within MTO-managed forests. That initiative marked the beginning of a long-term partnership focused on protecting the environment.

Since then, cyclists have effectively become the "eyes and ears" of the forest. Through a dedicated WhatsApp group, they report incidents of illegal dumping directly to Kruisfontein Forest Guard Gaston Pietersen, sharing photographs and precise location coordinates. 

This rapid reporting system has enabled swift action and significantly reduced the impact of dumping on both indigenous and commercial forest areas.

With the support of Kruisfontein Plantation Manager Christiaan Smit, Pietersen is able to respond quickly to reports. 

Provided with an MTO bakkie, he spends much of his day collecting and removing dumped waste and ensuring it is properly disposed of at the Knysna refuse transfer station. In cases where dumping is extensive, additional resources such as trucks, heavy machinery or extra manpower are made available, underscoring MTO’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Without the dedication of these MTO employees, the forests would face growing accumulations of waste, threatening the health of the ecosystem and diminishing the restorative experience enjoyed by cyclists, runners, dog walkers and other visitors.

In appreciation of these efforts, members of the cycling community - Tom Sluijter, Ivor Abelheim and Joan Louwrens - met with Smit and Pietersen during the ceremony to present them with Christmas hampers and personalised cards of thanks. 

The gifts were sponsored through donations from numerous cyclists and served as a gesture of gratitude for the invaluable support provided in keeping the trails clean and well managed.

The initiative is further supported by new signage placed at trailheads, encouraging all forest users to report illegal dumping. Reports can be submitted via email to nodumping@mto.co.za, helping to ensure that issues are addressed promptly.

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