Thembisa:Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has initiated the latest event of the Love Your Street service delivery program in Thembisa, located within the Ekurhuleni Municipality. Armed with brooms and refuse bags, the Minister, along with other government officials, civil society organizations, and community members, engaged in efforts to enhance neighborhood cleanliness and community safety.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Minister emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining clean and safe environments. The initiative involves collaboration with municipalities to clear overgrown areas and ensure adequate street lighting, preferably using solar power, to make streets safer for women and children. Ntshavheni addressed illegal dumping, urging residents to wait for municipal refuse collection services rather than dump waste illegally.
The campaign visit is significant as it coincides with recent tragic discoveries of multiple women’s bodies in the area, underscoring the need for safe, well-lit, and clean public spaces. Ntshavheni noted that many of the victims were found in illegal dumping sites, which highlights the campaign’s alignment with the National Strategic Plan against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
The Love Your Street initiative, launched earlier this year by The Presidency and the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), aims to foster community pride and active citizenship. It builds on previous government campaigns to keep cities clean and safe, with a focus on transforming neglected areas into secure community spaces and raising awareness about GBVF.
As part of this initiative, the campaign also supports the Presidential 1 Billion Trees planting drive, promoting environmental sustainability and community participation. The program extends to schools, encouraging them to engage in environmental cleanliness and sustainability efforts, like maintaining vegetable gardens and participating in beautification competitions.
The collaborative effort seeks to cultivate environments that are not only clean but also safe, allowing women and children to thrive.
