Deputy President Paul Mashatile
By Mpho Moloi
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will launch a nationwide initiative aimed at creating cleaner, greener, and more inclusive urban spaces.
The “Clean Cities and Towns” campaign, set to kick off on Friday at the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication in Kliptown, Soweto, seeks to mobilise citizens in a powerful grassroots movement to transform townships, towns, and villages into cleaner, healthier, and more unified communities. The launch will feature active participation from top national and provincial leadership, including Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero, and senior government officials.
According to the Presidency, the initiative is designed to “start a nationwide movement, encouraging citizens to come together for community cleaning activities throughout townships and villages.” More than just a call to pick up litter, this campaign will be a symbol of shared responsibility, social unity, and environmental renewal.
A National Call to Action for Cleaner and Healthier Communities
The Clean Cities and Towns campaign aims to tackle environmental neglect, illegal dumping, and deteriorating public spaces that have become commonplace in many South African communities. Speaking through a statement on Thursday, the Presidency emphasised that the campaign is more than a once-off activity—rather, it is about changing attitudes and building community pride through consistent collective action.
“This unified effort will not only promote cleaner surroundings but also cultivate a sense of community spirit and pride,” said the Presidency.
Friday’s launch is expected to kickstart ongoing clean-up drives, recycling initiatives, and urban greening projects in all provinces, with participation from community members, civil society organisations, municipalities, and various sectors of government.
Kliptown: A Historic Starting Point for a Transformational Campaign
Choosing Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication in Kliptown is symbolically powerful. Kliptown is home to one of South Africa’s most iconic moments—the adoption of the Freedom Charter in 1955, which proclaimed a democratic vision for a united, equal South Africa. By returning to this historic site, the Deputy President is linking the values of dignity, equality, and shared responsibility with a new drive to improve the daily lives of people, especially in previously disadvantaged areas.
Friday’s programme will include tree planting, street and park cleaning, and engagement with local residents on how they can become long-term stewards of their environment. Mashatile is expected to highlight the importance of communities reclaiming their spaces as part of restoring safety, dignity, and pride in urban life.
Backed by the District Development Model and SALGA Commitments
The campaign forms part of the government’s broader service delivery efforts under the District Development Model (DDM), which aims to bring together all spheres of government—local, provincial, and national—in a unified and integrated approach to development and governance. The Deputy President is the national champion of the DDM, and this campaign is a key expression of its goals: addressing not only infrastructure and service failures but also social and environmental decay.
The Presidency confirmed that the campaign will also build on commitments made earlier this year at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Lekgotla, where Mashatile emphasised that environmental health is inseparable from social justice and inclusive economic growth.
The Clean Cities and Towns initiative will focus on:
- Cleaning and revitalising public infrastructure,
- Promoting community-led recycling and greening,
- Raising awareness on sustainable living,
- Combating illegal dumping,
- Encouraging youth and schools to take active roles in community hygiene.
Inclusive Growth, Environmental Justice, and Unity
The Presidency said the movement also seeks to promote “sustainability, equality, and solidarity among all citizens.” These values reflect a growing concern across the country that urban neglect, inequality in service delivery, and climate-related challenges are deepening the divide between communities. By placing environmental action at the heart of inclusive development, the campaign seeks to empower citizens as both contributors to and beneficiaries of a clean environment.
Friday’s event in Kliptown will demonstrate that this is not a government-only campaign. Instead, it calls upon communities, residents’ associations, religious groups, NGOs, schools, and businesses to take ownership of their environment. The campaign is also expected to provide opportunities for job creation through Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) placements and municipal partnerships that engage local youth in ongoing cleaning and maintenance efforts.
Mamelodi Sundowns Advance to CAF Champions League Semi-Finals After Goalless Draw with Espérance Tunis#Sundowns#CAF-Champions-League#Esperance
🔴 Central News Special Edition | Issue 109 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: Rand Water Completes Massive Maintenance Project Ahead of Schedule, Boosting Water Supply Across Gauteng and Beyond
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Central-News-Issue-109.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
_________
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza #news #politics