Nelson Mandela Bay businesses have joined forces with the Missionvale Care Centre to launch an initiative that aims to tidy and maintain the streets of the metro.
This joint effort includes contributions from local businesses, residents, Ward Councillors, the NMB Municipality, churches, and schools, all working together to make a tangible difference in the community.
More and more NMB businesses are embracing the opportunity to give back by adopting a street in the metro. These businesses not only take responsibility for cleaning and maintaining their adopted streets but also contribute to the employment and training of local youth. The Missionvale Care Centre has been instrumental in this regard, training jobless young men and preparing them for the job market. Lucky Ngamlana, a dedicated mentor from the Centre, guides and supports these young men in their roles.
The workers engaged in this initiative are easily identifiable, wearing white outfits. These uniforms, adorned with the logos of sponsoring companies, are complemented by yellow baseball caps and matching bags for litter collection. The names of the workers are prominently displayed on their tops, reinforcing a sense of pride and responsibility. These workers also tend to the edges of roads and pedestrian walkways, ensuring a comprehensive clean-up.
A recent article by PE Express highlighted the inspiring story of Sancho Maranti, a young man from Walmer Township. Sancho’s involvement in the project has not only enabled him to secure employment but also to make a significant contribution to his community. This initiative, which includes cleaning a five-kilometre stretch of Kragga Kamma Road, showcases how community collaboration can transform lives. Dr Johann Malherbe, a key advocate for the project, emphasised the long-term benefits of well-kept spaces on people’s well-being and the economy.
The initiative, welcomed by various community members and leaders, has ambitious goals. These include trimming trees, removing fallen branches, cutting grass, painting road markings, fixing potholes and streetlights, and landscaping with trees and flowers. Sponsors of the initiative see their logos prominently displayed on the workers’ uniforms, creating a visible link between the businesses and their community contributions.
Denise van Huyssteen, CEO of the NMB Business Chamber, previously praised the #TidyKraggaKammaRoad initiative, noting its alignment with the chamber’s goals to revitalise the Bay. “This will ensure that vital investment and employment are retained and will help build confidence to enable new investments to be undertaken,” she said.
The community-driven effort welcomes additional sponsors to join in supporting the beautification of the metro.
For more info, or if your company would like to adopt a street or contribute to the initiative, email Rose at reception@optilife.co.za.
