In Mfuleni, young residents, urban farmers, and emerging water activists are taking a more prominent role in protecting the Kuils River.
Supported by a partnership between the city and a local non-profit, community members interested in environmental stewardship received the training, tools, and opportunities needed to combat pollution and restore healthier river systems.
The city’s Water and Sanitation Directorate partnered with the Environmental Monitoring Group (EMG) to prepare four high schools in Mfuleni for participation in a mini-participatory action research (PAR) process.
By guiding young activists along the banks of the Kuils River, EMG helped them identify areas of concern and environmental challenges. The group then reviewed and prioritised their findings to inform discussions with relevant stakeholders.
In addition to the research efforts, the EMG coordinated a localised cleanup operation, successfully clearing 28 bags of refuse from the waterway. An audit of the 2,669 items retrieved revealed that plastic made up 62% of the total waste.
These initiatives further bolstered local engagement within the Kuils River Catchment Management Forum, fostering a deeper commitment to environmental preservation.
Councillor Zahid Badroodien, the city’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, remarked: “In partnership with organisations such as the Environmental Monitoring Group, we are working to cultivate a community that understands the value of environmental stewardship.
We want to ensure that each resident possesses the knowledge to actively participate in safeguarding urban rivers for future generations.”
He emphasised that such initiatives enable community members to actively contribute to remedial efforts, tackling the complexities of water contamination via localised waste removal programs.
The integration of local expertise regarding social dynamics has proven essential, effectively informing strategic dialogues aimed at the long-term restoration of the Kuils River ecosystem.
Mandy Moussouris from EMG said: “It is critical that community participation is supported in all communities. We feel that all too often it is only those in advantaged areas that have access to forums (like the river catchment management forums) and opportunities to raise concerns and issues.”
She further remarked: “If we are to cultivate a society rooted in equity, universal access to potable water, dignified sanitation, and a resilient environment is non-negotiable. Achieving this vision requires providing every citizen with a platform to be heard, and we trust this initiative has significantly advanced our collective journey toward that goal.”
nokubonga.ndlovu@inl.co.za
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