October 17, 2024 – The Cape Flats, a suburban area of Cape Town, South Africa, faces numerous socio-economic challenges, many of them originating from a long legacy of the apartheid era. Our commitment to peacebuilding in local communities there is driven by their need for positive change, which motivated us to establish a branch of its Youth Peacemaker Network in the Cape Flats in view of fostering peace, promoting sustainability, and empowering communities across the region. With many young people facing significant obstacles, WPDI aims to provide local youth with empowering opportunities for leadership and community development. These efforts are especially important in townships of the Cape Flats where environmental issues like illegal dumping pose serious risks to public health and safety.
In July, WPDI mobilized some of the young women and men from the group of Youth Peacemakers trained and supported in the area, to team up with the City of Cape Town’s Solid Waste Management Department and local community members to raise awareness within local populations on the devastating impact of illegal dumping. This event focused on Sea Winds, one of the Cape Flats areas heavily affected by the environmental and health hazards caused by improper waste disposal.
We were honored to welcome Alderman Grant Twigg, a member of the Mayoral Committee and Head of Urban and Waste Management, as a guest speaker at the event. In his address, Alderman Twigg spoke about how illegal dumping, especially in disadvantaged communities, contributes to blocked drainage systems, leading to severe flooding during rainy seasons. He emphasized that the consequences of illegal dumping are not just limited to environmental degradation but also create dangerous health risks for the residents of Sea Winds and other areas of the Cape Flats.
Alderman Twigg called on the community to take responsibility, saying: “I encourage every member of Sea Winds to be part of the solution, not the problem. In addition to ensuring that all trash is properly disposed of and that everything recyclable is recycled, you can help by volunteering with organizations addressing our waste issues. We are also deeply grateful to organizations like WPDI for their support. Change starts with each of us. We all have a responsibility to keep our environment clean.”
The discussions during the event also highlighted several factors contributing to the illegal dumping crisis in the area. A lack of disposal bins in the community was identified as a major issue, along with the recurring problem of bin theft, even when the city provides them. In response, the City of Cape Town announced plans to step up security patrols, distribute more disposal bins, and enforce stricter penalties for illegal dumping offenses. These measures aim to curb the growing problem while promoting responsible waste management practices.
Mandy Marr, a local Councilor who participated in the event, expressed her appreciation for the work done by WPDI’s Youth Peacemakers. She offered heartfelt encouragement to the young leaders, saying: “I want to thank all the Youth Peacemakers from WPDI for your hard work. I encourage you to continue improving your communities with the same diligence you have shown here. Littering and illegal dumping must fall for a safe and clean environment.”
The event concluded with a community clean-up effort at one of the most affected dumping sites in Sea Winds. Youth Peacemakers and local residents worked side by side to clear trash and debris, showcasing the power of collective action in tackling environmental challenges.
WPDI is proud to support initiatives like these that not only raise awareness about environmental issues but also provide opportunities for the community to come together and create lasting change. With the continued dedication of our Youth Peacemakers and the support of local leaders, we are confident that we can help foster a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future for the Cape Flats.
Together, we can be the change our communities need.
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