Dear editor,

River Rescue says a huge “Thank you” to the Kingswood students who donned boots and gloves and literally mucked in to clean the river tributary just below Mary Waters High School on 15 July 2022.

Some students had worked there some weeks before and were dismayed that the streambed was once again filled with litter. Nevertheless, they set to, tackled the mess, and worked non-stop, filling 10 HUGE yellow bags and really making a difference.

Cleaning the Makhanda watercourses can be depressing – it’s like housework for the planet and needs to be repeated until people see what difference it makes. But … if you care for something, you look after it, and the Kingswood team ACTED out that care, didn’t just talk about it. Their commitment was real, not just sentimental mouth music.

To do something worthwhile when you’re feeling disheartened about it is an act of courage, an act of love, and a measure of maturity.

Truly, the real activists in any community – the people who make a difference – are those who look to see what must be done and then DO it. This group DID it!

Uthando lwemilambo,
Helen Holleman
River Rescue

PS Everyone is invited to a special clean-up at Scott’s Farm on Wednesday, 27 July

This special clean-up is being driven by the Dept of Water and Sanitation as part of the ‘Clean Rivers’ drive for Nelson Mandela month. 

Venue: Scott’s Farm

Date and time: Wednesday, 27 July at 10.30 am 

You’re all invited to come if at all possible – I know mid-week is often difficult for many of you, but this is a wonderful opportunity to work with a really big group of people and see a really big difference.

Please let me know if you will be coming (riverrescue6140@gmail.com) so I can ensure we’ve got boots and gloves for you. If at all possible, it would be great if you can arrange your own transport – by the time my car is full of kit, there’s very little space for people! But YOU”RE the really important component!

Helen