The open space next to Persessco High School in Orlando West has become a battleground — not between people, but between those who care about their community and those who destroy it under the cover of darkness. Illegal dumping has plagued this site for years, breeding rodents, insects, and disease, while robbing the neighbourhood of its dignity. But enough is enough. Change is coming, and the youth of Orlando West are being called to lead it.
On 22 May 2026, the monthly cleaning campaign at the site brought together environmental activists, community volunteers, and key stakeholders determined to break the cycle of neglect. Among those present was Mr. Itumeleng Njokweni, Environmental Coordinator for Jozi My Jozi, an organisation that has been on the frontlines of this fight for two years.
“Nothing has changed,” Mr. Njokweni said bluntly. “The community continues to dump, regardless of the efforts to discourage them.” His words carry the weight of frustration — but also a renewed sense of purpose. Jozi My Jozi, in partnership with the Vilakazi Block Management community structure, has launched the Keep Kasi Clean programme to tackle the problem at its root.
The initiative began with a survey of fifty households closest to the dumping site, conducted late last year, to determine the true cause of the problem. The results were clear: waste is not being sorted for recycling. Residents were given feedback and offered practical solutions. Encouragingly, the community responded positively — they are willing to sort their waste. That willingness is the spark this initiative needs to ignite real change.
This is not just about keeping the kasi clean. This is about money in your pocket.
The proposal to recycle waste for cash is being positioned as a lifeline for the many unemployed youth in the area. Ms. Phumelela Monoang, a Community Environmental Health and Safety Lead who was also interviewed at the event, did not mince her words either.
“Most households dump at night because they are aware of their wrongdoings,” she said. “They know it is wrong. But the proposal of recycling waste for cash will make a big difference to the hopeless unemployed youth.” She stressed that youth are not just bystanders in this crisis — investigations have found that the majority of those dumping illegally across the ward are young people themselves.
This must stop. And it must stop now.
The community has collaborated with powerful stakeholders — Pick It Up, Citizen Relation Urban Management (CRUM), and local environmental activists — with one shared goal: to transform illegal dumping sites into formal recycling hubs. A new community structure called the Volunteering Management committee has been formed to drive this process forward. The committee plans to apply through Pick It Up’s Adopt a Spot programme, which would see the site formally recognised by the City of Johannesburg as a line item in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) — the city’s annual budget and community planning framework. Once formalised, dedicated funding for the site’s maintenance will follow. The target deadline is end of September 2026.
The Ever-Increasing February Environmental Community Activists have also been hands-on throughout the process, driven by a deep understanding of the economic and health value of recycling and clean public spaces.
To the youth of Orlando West: the street is watching, the community is watching, and the city is watching. You have a choice — continue to be part of the problem, or step forward and be part of the solution. The recycling hubs coming to your ward are not just about cleanliness. They are economic opportunities. They are jobs. They are dignity. They are yours to claim.
The time for ignorance and apathy is over.
For more information or to get involved, contact Mr. Itumeleng Njokweni on 017 495 0975.