As the world celebrates the legacy of Nelson Mandela by taking action to inspire change on 18 July, government launches a bold campaign to inspire all South Africans to roll up their sleeves and partner with government on a major clean-up campaign in all municipalities beyond the International Mandela Day.
The Ministries of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs together with Water and Sanitation will lead a multi–sector formation comprising of all sections of society to espouse the values of Nelson Mandela everyday by committing to create a clean environment where they live.
As part of this campaign, the Ministries will dispatch about 150 officials across municipalities to take part in the clean-up campaign for the day. Meanwhile, the Minister of Water and Sanitation will join the Deputy President of the Republic, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and the Premier of the North West in various clean-up activities in Ngaka Modiri Molema in the North West.
In line with Mandela’s principles of dedicating oneself to the advancement of communities and creating sustainable livelihoods for all humankind, government urges all citizens to commemorate the Nelson Mandela legacy by dedicating their time and take part in the campaign.
Minister Gordhan says: “Our people are entitled to live in clean and decent conditions. In the spirit of moving South Africa forward the campaign will pay special attention to ensuring that each and every municipality works closely with its community towards a developmental local government”.
Campaigns such as the “War on Leaks” will be intensified during this period where unemployed youth and other members of the community will be encouraged to join government in fixing leaking taps across the municipalities. This will ensure that the water losses which are a major contributor to water shortages are curbed extensively.
The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Nomvula Mokonyane also said that the activities should focus on the problem of pollution in rivers and streams which affects the livelihoods of communities downstream. The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Pamela Tshwete will lead a river clean-up in an informal settlement in Butterworth, Eastern Cape on the day.
“It is important that these communities take responsibility for these environmental assets and as such our river health program will be enhanced through these efforts during Mandela Day “said the Minister.
The campaign which will start with the 67 minutes of cleaning the environment across the country on 18 July and continue to motivate all citizens every day is set to:
- encourage all South Africans to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to clean South Africa beyond the International Nelson Mandela Day;
- practice a healthier and cleaner way of living by taking care of the environment and cleaning up the areas where they live;
- beautify our country by getting together for a major clean-up of our cities, town, township, villages and schools;
- inspire change in their communities; and
- take responsibility for establishing better living conditions for themselves.
Municipalities countrywide will announce programmes where locals can get involved in the on-going activities as a way of sustaining the values of Nelson Mandela and doing their part to appreciate his devotion to changing people’s lives.
Enquiries:
Nomvula Khalo
Cell: 083 401 4914
