Local celebrities volunteering their time include hip-hop singers Kuli Chana and Lebo “Shugasmakx” Mothibe, as well as TV and radio presenter Penny Lebyane. They have spoken about their love for Joburg and say they are ready to make a difference.

“As a person who believes in a clean household, I equally enjoy driving and walking in a clean city,” says Shugasmakx. “It’s good for our health, kids playing in the parks, property value and business. They say cleanliness is next to godliness and I believe that.”

Lebyane adds: “I am a proud South African and the environment is part of my heritage. I am part of the Pikitup Clean City Campaign because l believe it’s my responsibility as a Jozi girl to do my part and to encourage others to do so. It’s my city and it’s my responsibility to keep it clean.”

Chana says it’s not “fresh” to live in an unclean city. “People should make it their responsibility to dispose of the waste in their house, institution or business establishment in an eco-friendly manner. Let us all make an effort and pitch in.”

Getting rid of litter and illegal dumping spotsIn a statement released by Pikitup’s acting managing director, Lawrence Boya, citizens were urged to take responsibility for keeping Joburg clean. “If all Johannesburg residents and businesses put their refuse where it belongs, they could save the city up to R60-million a year.

“I urge all city residents to join hands with Pikitup to keep Joburg clean. We cannot chase every bit of waste in the city and with continuous illegal dumping, we are fighting an unwinnable war,” said Boya.

Now in its third year, the Pikitup Clean-up Day is run in partnership with Johannesburg City Parks and the Johannesburg metro police department. Each of these entities has a significant role to play.

Metro police has dedicated 43 officers who are responsible for enforcing by-laws, including issuing of fines to those found dumping refuse illegally. Doing its part on the day, City Parks will rehabilitate public areas that have previously been neglected by beautifying them. This will include planting trees.