EMFULENI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY #PhakhamaVaal Campaign to Clean Up Emfuleni

Emfuleni Local Municipality has taken a bold step in addressing persistent waste management challenges and service delivery issues. On 2 June 2025, the Executive Mayor launched the #PhakhamaVaal campaign in Sebokeng, with a renewed commitment to restoring cleanliness and dignity to the municipality's public spaces.

The campaign commenced with visible action along Lebohang Mahata Road, Waterdal Road, and the Golden Highway. Led by Emfuleni’s Executive Mayor Sipho Radebe and supported by the Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Mr Jacob Mamabolo, the initiative has been welcomed as a much needed intervention in a region grappling with mounting waste and illegal dumping.

A Community Call to Action

Addressing community members and municipal workers at the launch, MEC Jacob Mamabolo emphasised the broader social and economic importance of a clean living environment.

“Our citizens have the right to live in a clean and healthy space. This campaign goes beyond just picking up trash, it aims to bring back respect and foster a sense of ownership, partnership, and responsibility within our neighbourhoods,” he remarked.

MEC Mamabolo reiterated that a clean environment is linked to public health, quality of life, and local economic activity. His presence at the event signals a strong provincial backing for local efforts to resolve fundamental municipal service delivery challenges.

Clean Commitments

Executive Mayor Sipho Radebe, speaking during the campaign rollout, reflected the MEC’s sentiments and underscored the Emfuleni Local Municipality’s commitment to sustained and effective change.

“We recognise our residents’ frustration, and we are devoted to working hard to ensure the cleanliness of our town. This campaign is an important step forward,” he said.

Mayor Radebe further noted that while the initiative starts with cleaning up waste, its long term goal is to rebuild public confidence in municipal services. “This is just the beginning. We want to show our residents that we are serious about service delivery and dedicated to reversing the decline in our communities,” he added.

“We recognise our residents’ frustration, and we are devoted to working hard to ensure the cleanliness of our town. This campaign is an important step forward.”- Exec. Mayor: Cllr Sipho Radebe

Leading by Example

Municipal Manager Mr April Ntuli, also took an active role on the ground, joining cleaning teams along the targeted streets. His visible leadership, alongside various municipal officials, set a positive tone for the campaign. Staff were equipped with personal protective equipment, indicating the municipality's commitment to the health and safety of its workforce.

Ntuli highlighted the importance of not only removing waste but also maintaining a system that discourages future dumping. He stated that the campaign includes both immediate action and long term strategies. “We are not only here to clean, but to set an example, implement effective systems, and work hand-in-hand with our communities. Cleanliness should become a way of life,” he said during the launch.

Focused Clean-Up and Waste Removal

Since the campaign launch, dedicated municipal teams have actively focused on key interventions across Emfuleni.

Their efforts have included:

• Intensive waste collection

• Clearing of illegal dumping sites

• Street Sweeping

• Regular removal of domestic and public waste

The municipality continues to coordinate efforts to expand the campaign across other parts of Emfuleni, ensuring maximum coverage and sustained impact. Residents are also encouraged to remain engaged by reporting illegal dumping and participating in local clean-up initiatives, reinforcing a shared responsibility for a cleaner community.

A Clean Start for Emfuleni

The launch of #PhakhamaVaal represents more than just a clean-up drive, it is an appeal for shared responsibility. With visible leadership, strong provincial support, and community involvement, Emfuleni is positioned to advance with impact toward restoring its environment.growth and meaningful transformation.