Written by Lehlohonolo Seleso, TMD and UFS Rover Crew Chair
As Rovers from UFS and TMD, we embarked on a mission to make a difference in our community. We chose to host “Operation Clean Up Our Town” in response to the Plastic Tide Turners Challenge. The Chairperson of TMD and UFS Rovers, identified the town of Phuthaditjhaba in Qwaqwa as the perfect location for this initiative. We understood the importance of maintaining a healthy environment, especially in crowded areas like town.
We organised this operation because we recognised the devastating impact of plastic waste on our environment. We saw how litter and pollution were affecting the aesthetic appeal of our town, not to mention the harm it caused to local wildlife and the people working on the streets. As Rovers, we felt a sense of responsibility to take action and make a positive change in our community. We wanted to be part of the solution, not the problem.
On the day of the operation, we gathered early in the morning, equipped with gloves, trash bags, masks and a determination to make a difference. We split into teams and covered large areas of the town, including the local taxi rank, mall and the shopping center, We collected plastic waste, bottles, and other non-biodegradable items. We also engaged with local shop owners and residents, educating them about the importance of proper waste disposal and the impact of plastic pollution. We left them all with the extra trash plastic bags to use when disposing their waste. It was amazing to see how eager people were to learn and get involved.
Through this initiative, we learned the value of teamwork, communication, and community engagement. We realised that even small actions can collectively make a significant impact. We also gained a deeper understanding of the consequences of plastic pollution and the importance of adopting sustainable practices in our daily lives. It was a truly eye-opening experience that has inspired us to continue making a difference.
The direct beneficiaries of our operation were the residents and visitors of town. By cleaning up the area, we improved the aesthetic appeal of the town, making it a more pleasant place to live and visit. We also contributed to a healthier environment, reducing the risk of pollution and harm to local wildlife. Additionally, our initiative raised awareness about the importance of proper waste disposal and inspired others to take action in protecting our environment. It was incredible to see the impact we had, and we can’t wait to do it again.
The initiative forms part of the Plastic Tide Turners Challenge badge initiative currently being implemented in the Free State in partnership with World Scouting’s Africa Region and the United Nations Plastic Tide Turners Challenge.