In a move to tackle the growing issue of illegal dumping and improve the environment across Johannesburg, the City has launched an ambitious, city-wide clean-up campaign aimed at rehabilitating 100 illegal dumping hotspots. This drive, which began in the inner city (CBD) and is now expanding into Region B, is part of a broader commitment by the City to restore cleanliness, order, and safety, benefiting all who live, work, and visit the bustling metropolis.
The highlight of this ongoing initiative will be the official launch of the Mayoral Clean-Up Rehabilitation Campaign on 5 June 2025, coinciding with World Environment Day. The event will be hosted in Region D, with Executive Mayor Cllr Dada Morero at the helm, spearheading this flagship initiative aimed at rehabilitating 100 illegal dumping sites across Johannesburg.
A Multi-Departmental Effort for a Cleaner, Safer City
This campaign is a collaborative effort, drawing together multiple City departments and entities, including Pikitup, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Johannesburg Property Company, Economic Development, Development Planning, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, and Citizen Relationship and Urban Management. These various stakeholders will work together to clean up, secure, and rehabilitate areas severely impacted by illegal dumping and environmental neglect, focusing on making these areas not only cleaner but more accessible and safer for the public.
Mayor Morero’s vision for this campaign extends beyond just cleaning up the streets. “Our goal is to reclaim these spaces for our communities,” Morero said, “transforming neglected areas into spaces that serve the public good—whether that means creating new parks, community gardens, or safe playgrounds for our children.”
Targeting Hotspots in Seven Key Regions
The campaign will address seven priority regions across Johannesburg. The selection of sites for rehabilitation is based on consultations between Pikitup, Regional Directors, and local communities, ensuring that the most impacted areas are given the attention they need. The clean-up work will be carried out in phases, focusing on four sites at a time. The scope of the rehabilitation varies, with some sites receiving basic clean-up efforts and others being completely transformed into spaces that can be used and enjoyed by residents for years to come.
Some sites will see the introduction of proper signage to discourage further illegal dumping, while others will receive a full overhaul, turning them into green spaces that will improve the quality of life for residents. Community-driven projects, such as creating playgrounds or gardens, will be a central feature of the City’s efforts to rehabilitate these areas.
A Long-Term Vision for Waste Management and Education
In addition to the immediate clean-up efforts, the City is introducing long-term strategies to ensure that these changes are sustainable. “It’s not just about cleaning up once, but about ensuring that the changes are permanent,” said Morero. “We will enhance waste management planning, strengthen law enforcement, and increase education initiatives to create a culture of environmental responsibility across the city.”
As part of this long-term vision, the City is engaging with local businesses to form stronger partnerships, focusing on waste reduction and sustainable practices. Schools will also play an important role in the initiative, with environmental education programs and clean-up activities designed to instill a sense of responsibility in younger generations.
Fostering a Culture of Responsibility and Cleanliness
The Mayoral Clean-Up Rehabilitation Campaign aligns with Johannesburg’s broader mission to deliver quality municipal services and fight against urban decay. This campaign is an integral part of the City’s ongoing efforts to position Johannesburg as a caring, responsive City that values clean, safe, and dignified living conditions for all residents.
In conclusion, the clean-up drive represents much more than just a cleaning effort—it is a reflection of the City’s dedication to creating a healthier environment, where communities can thrive in safe, beautiful spaces. Through collaboration, education, and innovation, Johannesburg is making strides toward ensuring that all residents, young and old, can enjoy the clean and sustainable city they deserve.
Let’s make Johannesburg a city we can all be proud of.
