As part of A Re Sebetseng, a small group of residents took to the R55 in Kyalami to clean the Jukskei River on 16 February.

The idea for the clean was spearheaded by Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe who called for the creation of a Jukskei cleaning forum that would be headed by the residents themselves, to clean the R55 bridge between Leeuwkop and Waterfall.

Deppe said the group is dedicated to keeping the Jukskei clean. “The forum has got to engage with the City of Joburg to clean up. This is just small exercise to show how bad the river looks, there are many initiatives across the city to maintain the riverbed.”

She added, “The people in Alexandra are doing a great job and there is also Waterfall Estate who have people cleaning the river every week.”

“We also want to show how, whatever we do here will affect people downstream in Fourways, Lonehill and Chartwell.

“To get this done is a major feat. If we all adopt a section of the Jukskei River we can come along way, because province just won’t do it. They are responsible for this bridge.”

In moving forward, Deppe reiterated that she would like to develop a forum so there can be engagement with the City of Johannesburg environmental department and to carry on the work of already established forums.

She concluded, “I really am concerned about our health and the people who live off this river system… It is a much bigger picture.”

If any residents are interested in joining this group they can contact Deppe on

082 886 8519.

Details: Annette Deppe; [email protected]

Related article: