Cape Town - Muizenberg residents have taken matters into their own hands by ensuring they have regular clean-ups in the community, under the banner of Clean Green Muizenberg.
Their latest initiative was to install upcycled oil drums at Muizenberg Pavilion, with the assistance of local artists, that were painted by the children of non-profit organisation Vrygrond Peace Garden.
Founder of Clean Green Muizenberg and resident, Kelly Kotik, 31, said the group was started in October 2023.
“We find different ways to keep the neighbourhood clean and also connect with other local organisations to uplift everyone in the community.
“The group was started before the festive season because during that time the beaches are full of people. It gets quite crowded and there is always quite a bit of rubbish left over afterwards. Our primary focus was to keep the beaches clean, but it has expanded.”
Kotik said the Muizenberg Pavilion was often crowded and they identified a shortage of bins. The first phase of the bin roll-out was in December, when five bins were placed. In the second another 10 bins were installed.
“We decided oil drums would draw attention and be eye-catching.
“We decided to paint it by partnering with the children from Vrygrond Peace Garden.
“The bins are permanently installed. We do at times get sponsorships from local companies, but sometimes we dig into our own pockets. We also hosted a pizza party for the children which has since led to more potential assistance from the children,” said Kotik.
Zaid Philander, co-ordinator at the Vrygrond Peace Garden, said the nonprofit was established two years ago to teach children to grow their food.
“There are a multitude of NGOs and projects in Vrygrond, but none are open at weekends, so children don’t have safe places to play in.
“We want to connect the children to a bigger world and environment. Not only did they upcycle the bins and create artwork, it is also a wonderful way to highlight the importance of sustainability of clean spaces.”
Cape Argus