Cleaning Up The Most Polluted River in South Africa
On Saturday, Making a Change proudly joined hands with the Soet River Catchment Forum and the Western Cape Government for a powerful initiative — the Soet River Cleanup. Together, we took a stand against pollution and neglect, working side by side to restore one of South Africa’s most damaged waterways.
The Soet River, once a lifeline for its surrounding communities, has tragically earned the reputation of being the most polluted river in South Africa. Years of illegal dumping, chemical waste, and household litter have turned this vital ecosystem into a danger zone for both people and wildlife. The cleanup aimed not only to remove the waste but to reignite a shared sense of responsibility for protecting our environment.
💪 A Community Coming Together
Volunteers from local neighborhoods, schools, and environmental organizations came equipped with gloves, masks, and an unshakable spirit. What started as a daunting task soon became a collective movement of hope. Together, we collected tons of waste — from plastic bottles and tires to hazardous materials — uncovering the river’s natural flow once again.
Representatives from the Western Cape Government provided logistical support, while the Soet River Catchment Forum shared critical insight into the long-term rehabilitation plans for the area. Making a Change contributed manpower, community mobilization, and environmental education — reminding everyone that real transformation begins with awareness and action.
🌱 More Than Just a Cleanup
This event was about more than picking up litter; it was about making a statement. It was a message that says: we refuse to let our rivers die. By coming together, we demonstrated what can be achieved when citizens, organizations, and government collaborate toward a shared goal.
As part of the ongoing Soet River restoration project, future initiatives will focus on:
Educating communities about waste management and sustainable practices.
Strengthening monitoring systems to prevent illegal dumping.
Planting indigenous vegetation along the riverbanks to support biodiversity.
💚 A Call to Action
The cleanup may be over, but the work has just begun. Making a Change encourages everyone to take part in protecting our natural resources — whether by joining future cleanups, reducing plastic use, or reporting illegal dumping.
The Soet River has suffered for too long. Together, we can bring it back to life.
Because when we protect our rivers, we protect our future.