Lokshin Pioneers has mobilised Gugulethu residents to remove illegal dumping from the Gugulethu Canal, helping reduce flood risks while promoting environmental stewardship and community resilience.
Working in partnership with the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate, Lokshin Pioneers is one of 22 community organisations receiving grant funding to develop practical, community-led solutions that improve water management and reduce flooding in vulnerable neighbourhoods.
The organisation’s Project Khuseleka, meaning “to be protected”, focuses on addressing illegal dumping, blocked stormwater systems, sewer blockages and the recurring flooding that affects communities in Gugulethu, Nyanga and the Borchard’s Quarry precinct.
One of the project’s flagship initiatives saw residents and volunteers come together to clean the Gugulethu Canal, where illegal dumping has repeatedly restricted water flow and increased flood risks during heavy rainfall.
During the clean-up campaign, community members removed 150 bags of waste from the canal, significantly improving the waterway while installing a permanent “No Dumping” sign to discourage future pollution.
The Borchard’s Quarry precinct, which serves as a gateway between Gugulethu and Nyanga, regularly experiences drainage and sewer blockages that place nearby informal settlements at greater risk during storms.
By removing waste before it enters drainage systems, organisers hope to improve water flow while encouraging residents to become active custodians of their local environment.
Beyond environmental action, Project Khuseleka is also investing in education and youth development.
Earlier this year, Lokshin Pioneers hosted a Career Expo at the J.L. Zwane Centre, where more than 160 learners from Luzuko, Ilitha and Sokhanyo Primary Schools learned about career opportunities while gaining a better understanding of disaster preparedness and environmental management.
Officials from the City’s Water and Sanitation, Urban Waste Management and Disaster Risk Management departments explained how different services work together to reduce the impact of natural disasters and protect vulnerable communities.
City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien, said community participation remains essential to improving local environments.
“Community-driven initiatives are instrumental in increasing local participation in environmental stewardship and water conservation. Our partners, Lokshin Pioneers, are challenging the community to re-evaluate behavioural root causes of blockages that lead to flooding. Through education, these efforts are helping to change mindsets and encourage multi-stakeholder collaboration for a cleaner environment.”
Lokshin Pioneers founder Sithembele Ntaba said the partnership had already begun changing attitudes within the community.
“We feel that the partnership with the City was a great success and that we increased community awareness about the dangers of illegal dumping.”
The initiative demonstrates how local organisations, residents and municipalities can work together to tackle environmental challenges while building safer, cleaner and more resilient communities.
By combining clean-up campaigns, education and community engagement, Project Khuseleka is helping protect waterways, reduce flood risks and inspire lasting environmental responsibility across Gugulethu and neighbouring communities.
