In honor of Mandela Month, Desiree Alexs from Wentworth devoted her 67 minutes of service to a cause deeply personal to her, cleaning the area surrounding Collingwood Primary School, located along Goedehoop Street.
Inspired by Nelson Mandela’s legacy and motivated by a tragic incident involving her family, Alexs took action to improve her community. Her resolve was strengthened after her sister’s granddaughter suffered a serious injury caused by a rusty iron spring dumped near the school on Goedehoop Street.
“It broke my heart to see a child hurt like that. No one should have to walk through dangerous litter on their way to school or home,” she said, as she worked tirelessly to clear the Goedehoop Street area of hazardous debris, including broken glass, scrap metal, and other waste.
While her efforts have made a noticeable difference, Alexs acknowledged that a full clean-up of the Goedehoop Street surroundings will require time and collective effort. She urged community members to avoid hiring illegal dumpers and instead use the designated municipal dump site for disposing of unwanted items and garden refuse.
“We need to do better for our children and for each other. This is not just about Mandela Day, it’s about taking responsibility every day,” she emphasised.
Collingwood Primary School has since endorsed the initiative and committed to supporting the clean-up efforts by providing disposable gloves and refuse bags to volunteers. The school hopes this partnership will encourage ongoing community involvement and help maintain a safer, healthier environment for pupils and residents along Goedehoop Street and beyond.
Mrs H Greeves, principal of Collingwood Primary, expressed her heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Alexs for her dedication and leadership. “We must remember that schools play a vital role in our community. When people like Alexs step up, it not only keeps our children safer but inspires others to take pride in their surroundings,” she said.
