Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube, Sunday News Reporter
CHURCHES, youth groups, schools, civic organisations and local residents joined forces on Friday to participate in a large-scale clean-up campaign aimed at promoting environmental cleanliness and community pride in Bulawayo.
The initiative was inspired by President Mnangagwa’s national call for cleanliness and sought to restore the city’s beauty while encouraging sustainable environmental practices.
One of the clean-up campaigns, targeting Bulawayo’s city centre, was led by a coalition of Christian organisations, including the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Council of Churches, Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference, UDACIZA, the Brethren-in- Christ Church and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The event received support from the Bulawayo City Council, Environmental Management Agency (EMA), Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services, Herentals High School, local businesses and residents’ associations.
Bishop Funny Dube, the event co-ordinator, explained that the campaign was motivated by a Biblical commitment to environmental stewardship and aligned with the national First Friday Clean-Up Campaign launched in 2018 by President Mnangagwa.
“The main purpose of the event is to demonstrate Christian stewardship through practical action. We are called to be the salt and light of the earth, which includes caring for God’s creation,” said Bishop Dube.
The clean-up focused on 6th Avenue, one of Bulawayo’s busiest and most littered streets, stretching to Basch Street.
Over 300 participants gathered for prayers and remarks from church leaders before distributing cleaning supplies and starting the litter collection and pavement sweeping.
Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube and the city’s Mayor, Councillor David Coltart also attended the event and praised the organisers for their dedication to civic responsibility.
Bishop Dube added that the campaign was organised in close co-operation with EMA and the City Council’s Cleansing Department, which provided technical support. Police clearance and donations of water, gloves, bin liners, and brooms were secured from local businesses including Baker’s Inn, Skip Services, Nyekile Transport and Lions Club Khumalo.
“This is a collective effort by the Christian community to practice environmental stewardship and demonstrate our faith through service,” Bishop Dube said.
“We hope it inspires more residents to take responsibility for the cleanliness of their city.”
He noted that the campaign’s success would be evaluated through physical improvements and feedback to enhance future clean-up drives.
“This is not a once-off event. We are committed to making it part of the monthly National Clean-Up Campaign and will continue mobilising churches and residents for sustainable city cleanliness.”
The organisers plan a follow-up meeting under the theme “Did Well and Do Better” to assess the outcomes and strengthen community engagement.
The Youth Climate Ambassadors (YCAF) from the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), in collaboration with the Makokoba community also led a clean-up in Makokoba.
YCAF, a youth-led group focused on climate action and sustainable development, emphasised the role of young people in safeguarding Zimbabwe’s environment.
“The clean-up is important because it promotes environmental health, reduces pollution, prevents the spread of diseases, and protects natural habitats,” said Mzingaye Tshaka a YCAF coordinator.
“It also raises awareness on waste management, builds community spirit, and empowers young people to lead by example.”
The Makokoba clean-up was organised with the support of local councillor, Thandiwe Moyo, who has been actively mobilising monthly campaigns to keep the suburb clean.
“Makokoba is one of the oldest and busiest high-density suburbs in Bulawayo and often faces littering challenges. Thanks to partnerships like this one with Nust students, we are transforming our neighbourhood,” said Clr Moyo.
Pupils from Bulawayo Methodist High School and Mzilikazi High School also participated actively.
