PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Volunteers of Bitou Municipality and community members from the Crags and surrounding areas donned their orange bibs and blue protective gloves and equipped their rubbish pick-up tongs as they dedicated their 67 Minutes for Nelson Mandela to cleaning up their community.
In partnership with Keep Plett Clean volunteers, Bitou Municipality has officially launched its #MandelaMonth Clean-up Campaign in the Crags last Friday, in line with this year's theme of dedicating 67 minutes to service and dignity.
The initiative, which brought together people from various backgrounds, races and cultures, reflected the spirit of ubuntu and demonstrated what can be achieved when a community works together for a common purpose.
The campaign follows the recent official opening of the Kurland Drop-off Waste Facility and the successful clearing of an illegal dumpsite in the area. These interventions form part of the municipality's broader commitment to sustainable waste management, environmental protection and restoring community pride.
Speaking at the launch, Bitou Mayor Jessica Kamkam said Mandela Month is about taking action that creates lasting change. "A clean environment is not a once-off project. It is about changing behaviour, creating access to proper waste facilities, and working together to keep Bitou the best," she said.
The clean-up drive included picking up litter, clearing bushes, educating citizens on waste and removing illegal dumping hotspots. Residents, ward councillors, community leaders and municipal staff worked side by side to reclaim public spaces and encourage greater environmental responsibility.
The municipality said the campaign aims not only to improve the appearance of neighbourhoods, but also to promote responsible waste disposal and inspire residents to take ownership of the areas in which they live.
Campaign rolls out across Bitou
As part of the ongoing #Mandela-Month Clean-up Campaign, the initiative will be extended to several communities across the greater Plettenberg Bay area over the coming months.
The scheduled clean-up dates are:
- 31 July: Qolweni
- 14 August: New Horizons
- 28 August: Kwanokuthula
- 11 September: Kranshoek
- 25 September: Kwanokuthula
- 9 October: Green Valley.
Bitou Municipality has encouraged all residents to play their part in keeping their communities clean by avoiding illegal dumping, separating waste at the source and supporting local clean-up initiatives.
Municipal officials said creating cleaner neighbourhoods requires a collective effort, and that the success of the campaign depends on the continued participation and commitment of residents long after Mandela Month has ended.
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