Silent Walk Sends Strong Message to Keep George Clean
In the photo: Residents, municipal officials, and partners in a Silent Walk Against Illegal Dumping
Residents, municipal officials, and campaign partners united on the streets of Thembalethu on Friday, 27 February 2026, for a Silent Walk Against Illegal Dumping. The event formed part of George Municipality’s ongoing Illegal Dumping Awareness Campaign, reinforcing a shared commitment to restoring community pride and protecting public spaces.
The walk began outside the Thembalethu Police Station at the corner of Nelson Mandela Boulevard and Nkonjane Street — an open space identified as a recurring hotspot for illegal dumping — symbolically highlighting the need for urgent and sustained action.
Sivuyile Mtila, Senior Manager: Environmental Services, introduced stakeholders and expressed appreciation for their continued partnership. Supporting organisations included Polyco (Polyolefin Responsibility Organisation NPC), Shoprite, the South African Police Service (SAPS), Henque Waste, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).
MMC for Community Services, Councillor Erika Brown, also welcomed all attendees and participants, thanking them for their commitment to keeping Thembalethu clean.
Executive Mayor Alderman Browen Johnson addressed participants before the silent walk, emphasising that maintaining clean neighbourhoods is a shared responsibility between the Municipality and residents. He called for continued cooperation and long-term behavioural change, stating: “Illegal dumping is everyone’s problem. It is not only the aesthetics of an area that are impacted. Yes, it is an eyesore, but it also affects health and the environment.”
The Executive Mayor further urged residents to take ownership of their immediate surroundings by keeping them clean and safe. He added, “Illegal dumping is not allowed. It damages our environment, threatens public health, and undermines the dignity of our community.”
Following the address, participants embarked on the Silent Walk in a visible show of unity against environmental neglect. The route proceeded along Nelson Mandela Boulevard into 26th Avenue and concluded at Makhaza Street — another identified illegal dumping hotspot — at an open space opposite the Roman Catholic Church, where clean-up activities commenced.
Participants also took photographs in a branded campaign frame displaying anti-illegal dumping messages, symbolising their collective commitment to protecting the environment.
The initiative forms part of the Municipality’s month-long campaign focused on education, enforcement, and visible action. Since the launch of the campaign, municipal cleaning teams, Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) participants, law enforcement officers, and volunteers have worked together to address illegal dumping hotspots across George.
A representative of one of the key stakeholders, Innocentia Sikweyiya, Waste Management Officer from the Garden Route District Municipality, thanked all participants for their involvement and reaffirmed the District Municipality’s commitment to supporting George Municipality in eradicating illegal dumping.
George Municipality remains committed to working alongside communities and stakeholders to combat illegal dumping and build a cleaner, healthier, and more dignified environment for all residents.
Residents are reminded to make use of designated waste disposal services and to report incidents of illegal dumping to the Municipality.
For enquiries, contact the Community Services Directorate – 044 802 2900
