Who would expect a group of Grade 7s from Johannesburg to spend the final hours of their weekend cleaning up a park?

The Johannesburg Mini Council is a group of Grade 7 learners that did exactly that as they hosted a clean-up project at Westdene Dam. The project, titled #TrashTagChallenge, was a call by the mini councillors to get community members to come to the park and help them make a difference by making the park a beautiful place for all.

MMC Environment and Infrastructure Services Nico de Jager made an unexpected stop at the clean-up and was impressed to see the group of learners with gloves on and refuse bags in the hands working hard to clean the area. De Jager was given a chance to address the mini councillors, “It shouldn’t be your responsibility to clean up these parks. It is us, your parents, that have left this place in a mess but thank you so much for reminding us that we need to get together and have such initiatives.” He also spoke of the City of Johannesburg’s A Re Sebetseng project and how this resembled that.

Prior to the MMC’s arrival, Ward 69 councillor Genevieve Sherman also stopped by to see the work done by the learners and was given a chance to explain the work she does as a ward councillor. She told the children that she is proud to have them bring their energy to her ward and welcomed them to return whenever they wanted.

The mini councillors were led by a former mini councillor Samantha Hardiman. She said she was impressed with the commitment of her group to engage in projects that result in change. “This group is amazing – they are active, creative and determined. They are looking like great leaders at a young age.”

A few residents in the area joined in and spent their time assisting the mini councillors. Together they were able to leave the park looking in a better condition thanks to their efforts. The councillors thanked the residents for their support and hope more can join them in future projects.

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