Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
THE Johanne Masowe Chishanu Church in Pumula South has rolled up its sleeves and led a massive community clean-up campaign to tackle litter hotspots ahead of the rainy season.
The clean-up, held near Ngwalongwalo and surrounding shopping centres, drew close to 200 church members, who cleared mounds of litter and bones piling up near boreholes and bushy prayer sites.
Organiser Obreey Muhaso said the initiative was sparked by growing concern over health risks from litter close to water sources used by locals.
“By observing the heaps of litter near community boreholes, we decided to act before the rains spread disease. This is about reducing risks like cholera and malaria while keeping our neighbourhood clean,” he told B-Metro.
Muhaso said the church was inspired by President Mnangagwa’s National Environment Cleaning Day, and wanted to turn the slogan “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” into real action.
He thanked Madzibaba Sir Wicknell Chivayo for supplying cleaning materials, and Madzimai Nomathemba, the local church leader, for coordinating the campaign.
The exercise also had the backing of Ward 27 Councillor Lizzy Sibanda, who joined in the clean-up and praised the initiative.
“This church has inspired the whole community. The area was full of litter, and they did an amazing job cleaning it up,” said Sibanda.
Muhaso added that the programme will be ongoing, focusing on boreholes, shops, and open-air worship sites, while also educating residents on proper waste disposal.
“We’re not stopping here. Our goal is a cleaner, healthier Bulawayo — one community at a time,” he said.
