In light of the illegal dumping of refuse, which continues to pose severe health hazards to the environment, the Njhakanjhaka Tribal Authority organised a cleaning campaign to educate Elim Mabobo residents on keeping their surroundings clean.
The campaign, intended to make residents aware of the importance of cleaning the environment and stimulate responsible action, was conducted at different points in Elim on Saturday, 26 November.
The campaign was a collaboration between the University of Venda (Univen), Vumbanani for Peace Building (VFP), Elim Hlanganani Care for the Aged, and several other bodies. The residents were summoned by the nduna, Mr Nelson Mabobo, and addressed by Dr Agnes Mathaulula, a senior lecturer at Univen's Institute for Rural Development.
Elim Mabobo residents were taught about the dangers of polluting their environment. The contamination of water systems caused by dirty diapers and garbage was identified as one of the major problems. The locals were warned against this illegal dumping because, as the community still faces water shortages, residents use the same stream for household purposes.
One of the residents, Mandla Memo, said that while they wanted to keep their environment clean, they did not know where to dispose their trash. He said that keeping their environment clean was a collective responsibility that they all shared, but that the community had no dumping site. "Our situation is different because our local municipality does not provide us with trucks that come and collect our trash, which makes this matter worse," he said.
Professor Joseph Francis, the head of Univen's Institute for Rural Development, who attended with a group of students, urged the residents to each play an important part in maintaining their environment. "Whatever trash you come across should be considered as your personal problem because every citizen has a duty in preventing contamination to the environment. We are aiming to create future leaders who care for their environment," he said.