Business clusters in North End and Perseverance remove tons of garbage during Mandela Day

Over 400 people joined hands with the Nelson Mandela Bay Chamber’s geographic clusters in North End and Perseverance where eight skips and five bakkie loads of garbage were collected in the respective areas as part of Nelson Mandela International Day activities. 

A total of 18 businesses brought their staff members who were later joined by members of the public, who volunteered with collecting garbage where a variety of items was removed. This included car tyres and bumpers, shopping plastics and trollies, paper and other items that were found in the targeted areas. 

At North End, more than 200 staff members from businesses around the area participated in cleaning up the North End Lake where two skips and five bakkie loads of garbage were collected. “The lake serves as an important aesthetic site for the North End area, as well as a recreational asset for the Bay for fishing and sporting activities,” says Denise van Huyssteen, Chamber Chief Executive.

“During the clean-up, the teams also removed car tyres and other heavy items which were plunged into the water, confirming the extent of illegal dumping in the area. Illegal dumping remains a huge challenge across the metro, as garbage is regularly dumped in open spaces, some of which is close to residential and business areas.” 

“It was fantastic to see the way the business community has collaborated among each other in support of Mandela Day. This highlights the growing levels of volunteerism among business people across the Bay, who are committed to resurging the Bay so that its true potential can be unlocked. Positive change starts with each one of us taking action.”  

The businesses in North End and Perseverance donated a variety of items in support of the clean-up such as protective gear, garbage bags, light snacks and drinks for the teams.