Johannesburg Executive Mayor Cllr Herman Mashaba swapped his suit for overalls, a cap, protective boots and hand gloves to lead a clean-up campaign in the Lenasia CBD – including the taxi rank – in Region G, south of Johannesburg, on Tuesday April 11.
He was part of a high-profile contingent that included City leaders and officials from entities such as Pikitup, Johannesburg Roads Agency, Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo and City Power that went on a massive cleaning up spree to demonstrate the City's commitment to a clean, healthy and safe environment.
Mayor Mashaba – accompanied by Members of the Mayoral Committee, Cllr Nico de Jager (Environment and Infrastructure Services), Cllr Nonhlanhla Sifumba (Community Development) and Cllr Mzobanzi Ntuli (Housing), as well as Regional Director, Mickey Padiachee and several councillors – collected rubbish from the streets, pavements and dump sites and placed it in plastic refuse bags for disposal.
The Mayor said this was part of the City’s campaign to lead by example. Speaking to residents and members of the Lenasia Business Forum (LBF) at the Lenasia Civic Centre after a two-hour clean-up drive, Cllr Mashaba said this marked the beginning of a partnership between the City and communities to improve residents’ quality of life.
“We’re aware that the spirit of entrepreneurship in Lenasia is no longer there. We want to show you that our government is the government that listens to people and is for the poor. This is why we are here today,” he said.
“As government, we are tasked with the responsibility of delivering quality services to our residents. This clean-up campaign brought together various entities within the City so as to work with the community to improve Lenasia’s cleanliness. If we want to ensure that the whole of Joburg is open for business, we must encourage our residents to keep their communities clean.”
“I’m at your service. I’m the Mayor of all residents, irrespective of their political affiliation,” Mashaba said.
Pastor SNM Napier of the Lenasia Community Development Centre said he appreciated the Mayor’s visit and his commitment to improving service delivery. He said he was positive people’s lives would change for the better.
LBF Chairman Yunus Bhamjee welcomed Mayor Mashaba’s engagement with members of his forum. He said he was interested to know how the Mayor planned to ensure that Johannesburg reached its economic growth potential.
