A newly launched initiative called Adopt a Street Volunteers Network programme, allows volunteers to earn money for keeping the streets of Hillbrow Clean. Supported by Clean City South Africa.
“Adopt a Street Volunteers Network programme is a community based initiative that unites the residents of Johannesburg in working towards a common goal of restoring the inner city to its former glory,” said Dalu Cele,CEO of Clean City South Africa.
He said a network of volunteers conducts weekly cleaning up events of the streets and open spaces where they live, every Saturday morning from 09:00 to 11:00am.
21 volunteers will be removing litter on a weekly basis on Hadfield Road, Catherine Avenue and the lower part of Pullinger Kop Park.
However,the programme does not only focus on cleaning the streets but it also offers some financial relief to those who need it the most.
Each completed shift counts towards grocery or airtime voucher. These vouchers are funded through donations received by Clean City South Africa.
Each volunteer earns 10 points after participating at each Saturday cleaning up event. After every 120 points earned, volunteers can redeem their points for either a R300 Shoprite voucher, R300 airtime voucher or R300 data voucher of their choice.
Zakhele Maseko,one of the volunteers has been living in the area for 4 years.He confirmed that the streets are covered in litter which motivated him to join the programme to improve conditions around his home.
“The streets are very dirty.If you’re staying there, you must respect the place.Today our street is very clean.I wish others could see it so that they also get inspired to clean their own streets”,said Maseko.
