When three of Grabouw’s most prominent businesses decided to roll their sleeves up this Clean-Up and Recycle Month they didn’t just talk about making a difference; they grabbed their gloves and headed straight to the water’s edge.
Two-A-Day, Oude Molen Distillery and Western Cape Fruit Processors joined forces to tackle pollution choking the vital Swannie River.
The 14-week initiative, starting Monday 15 September at a cost of R200 000, employs six workers from G&P Transport and Maintenance to remove waste from the stretch between Oude Molen and the local pump station safely.
“We cross the river every day on our way to work, and it is heartbreaking to see the plastic, tyres and even nappies that pollute it,” said Jandré Human, winemaker at Oude Molen Distillery.
The targeted area is expected to yield several tons of waste. Last year a smaller clean-up removed 38 tons of plastic. This year’s collected plastic will be delivered to Beautiful Star Recycling and Projects for resale.
TWO-FOLD PROJECT
The Swannie River flows into the Palmiet River, eventually reaching the Atlantic Ocean. The pollution poses significant risks to the environment and agriculture, with microplastics infiltrating soil and plastic bags clogging irrigation pumps.
Chris Petzer, group operations director at Two-A-Day, emphasises the project addresses both environmental protection and town reputation.
“The accumulation of rubbish, inadequate waste management and the general lack of tidiness in the town are having a detrimental effect on the image of Grabouw.”
He believes cleaner surroundings benefit everyone. “It is essential for sustaining investor confidence, promoting tourism and fostering community pride. If we lift the standards in the community it has a direct effect on our people and, eventually, the company.”
Two-A-Day has called for stronger municipal involvement. “The health of our water sources is incredibly important,” says Petzer.
“Much of our irrigation water comes from the Swannie River, and if we don’t protect it, the impact will be felt all the way down to farm level. Our producers depend on clean, good-quality water to grow apples and pears of the highest standard.”
CALL FOR ACTION
Human hoped the initiative would inspire broader action. “We hope this initiative inspires other businesses and communities to take action in uplifting the environment. Clearing the river is a short-term solution, but we are already in discussions with the municipality and other stakeholders about long-term measures.
“As a shareholder in Two-A-Day and the company responsible for marketing its fruit globally we at Tru-Cape know that healthy rivers and clean water are essential,” said Roelf Pienaar, Managing Director of Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing. “We are especially proud of the leadership that Two-A-Day is showing in this initiative. It proves that when businesses work together we can make a real and lasting difference.”
This collaboration underscores the vital role local businesses can play in addressing environmental challenges while protecting South Africa’s rivers and farmlands.
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