By Johnathan Paoli
In a move to tackle one of the city’s most persistent environmental challenges, the Johannesburg Metro launched the KleenaJoburg100 Spots Campaign this week, aiming to identify, clean and rehabilitate 100 illegal dumping sites across the municipality.
The initiative, led by Executive Mayor Dada Morero, is praised as marking a major stride in the city’s broader vision for a cleaner, greener urban future.
“The launch of the KleenaJoburg100 Spots Campaign is a significant milestone in our journey towards creating a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Johannesburg. I am thrilled to see our city come together to tackle the issue of illegal dumping, which has a profound impact on our environment, public health, and the overall quality of life for our residents,” Morero said.
Launched at a newly transformed public park in Senaoane in Soweto, once a notorious dumping ground, the campaign signals a shift in how Johannesburg approaches waste management and urban renewal.
Morero said that the park was a tangible example of what could be achieved through coordinated efforts between government, communities and waste management entities.
The campaign forms a central pillar of the broader Mayoral Rehabilitation Campaign, which unites stakeholders across the public and private sectors.
They include the city’s waste management entity, Pikitup, various municipal departments, law enforcement agencies, local community members and informal traders.
Their collective goal is not just to clear dumping sites, but to instil long-term sustainable waste practices among Johannesburg’s more than 5 million residents.
The mayor stated that the KleenaJoburg100 Spots Campaign would be guided by four core objectives.
Firstly, each of the 100 sites will be targeted for clean-up and rehabilitation, aiming to not only remove waste, but also reclaim public spaces and reduce health and safety risks.
Secondly, it will include city-wide education and awareness drives to promote responsible waste disposal among households and businesses, reinforcing the link between cleanliness and public health.
Thirdly, a significant emphasis is placed on community involvement. Residents will be encouraged to help identify illegal dumping hotspots and take part in clean-up operations, fostering local pride and a sense of shared responsibility.
Lastly, recognising that complex urban issues require collective action, the campaign hinges on collaboration and drawing in technical expertise, logistical support, and local knowledge from all corners of society.
The campaign will roll out in phases, beginning with the identification and prioritisation of dumping sites in the most affected areas.
Pikitup, in coordination with other municipal departments, will lead the clean-up operations, while also working with residents to ensure the areas remain clean and well-maintained.
While illegal dumping has long plagued Johannesburg, impacting air and water quality, attracting pests and devaluing property, city officials are confident that this campaign marks a turning point.
The campaign is expected to significantly improve the quality of life in many low-income areas where illegal dumping is most severe.
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