Online Reporter
Ronald Mpofu, [email protected]
RATHER than waiting for opportunities to come to them, a group of young artists in Plumtree has decided to create its own.
More than 23 local artists have joined forces to clean up the Plumtree Recreational Swimming Pool site as part of National
Clean-Up Day activities, with the aim of transforming the neglected facility into a vibrant venue for live music, community events and recreation.
Armed with brooms, rakes and a shared vision, the artists are doing more than just clearing litter. They are sending a message that young people can play an active role in developing their communities and protecting the environment. By taking the lead, they hope to inspire residents to value public spaces and help restore facilities that have fallen into disuse.
The clean-up campaign was initiated by swimming pool leaseholder Precious Mpofu, who wants to breathe new life into the facility and restore recreational activities in the border town.
The clean-up began on National Clean-Up Day, 3 July 2026, and will continue until 6 July, with volunteers gathering at the site from 10am each day. The objective is to make the venue clean, safe and ready to host musical shows and other community activities by the weekend.
Mpofu said the project forms part of a wider vision to bring back a facility that once served the community and to provide young people with positive alternatives.
“The place was once operating at full capacity but later failed due to a lack of support. Running a swimming pool requires money. So this initiative is another idea to reactivate my vision for Plumtree’s recreational development and to help curb drug and substance abuse. Swimming lessons will be offered, and swimming galas will be hosted here with support from the
Plumtree community,” said Mpofu.
The idea received a major boost from hip-hop artist Eric “Ric ko” Letha and Melusi Nyoni, Mpofu’s son, who mobilised fellow artists to take part. They linked the project to the National Clean-Up Day programme, helping to attract support and raise awareness about the initiative.
For the young artists involved, the project is about taking responsibility for creating opportunities rather than constantly lamenting the lack of them.
“We decided we cannot just complain about not having places to perform. We must be part of the solution. That starts with cleaning our environment and making it welcoming,” Ric ko said during an interview.
The shortage of suitable venues has long been a challenge for artists in Plumtree. Many local performers struggle to find affordable spaces where they can organise family-friendly events and connect with audiences.
The artists believe the swimming pool site has the potential to fill that gap.
Once the clean-up has been completed, the group plans to work closely with the owner to ensure events are organised properly and run smoothly. As appreciation for their efforts, they have already been granted permission to host a show at the venue free of charge.
“After the place is sorted out, the necessary measures to host a show will be put in place, and we will communicate with the owner whenever we want to host one. Following this campaign, we have been given the opportunity to host our own show free of charge,” he said.
Ric ko said the facility could help revive the local arts scene by providing a safe and welcoming space for both performers and audiences.
“I feel artists in Plumtree have not had their own shows for a long time because there are no family-friendly venues. Most venues are either expensive or not family-friendly at all. This one is family-friendly. More opportunities to host shows will be available, and we will host the first show free of charge,” he said.
Beyond providing a stage for performers, the clean-up campaign is also intended to highlight the importance of environmental responsibility. Littering continues to affect many public spaces, and the artists want to demonstrate that everyone has a role to play in keeping their surroundings clean.
By clearing rubbish, cutting back overgrown areas and restoring the grounds, they hope to show that artists can contribute to community development just as effectively as they entertain audiences.
Their efforts have already attracted the attention of local leadership.
Ward 6 Councillor and Mayor Alderman Similo Ndlovu confirmed he had met with some of the young people behind the initiative.
“Yes, some of the guys approached me. They said they had been directed to me by Precious,” said Ndlovu.
The mayor welcomed the project and commended the youths for taking the initiative.
“I am particularly interested in having that property renovated, spruced up, and put to good use. Our young people need places like that for entertainment and recreation. I believe Ms Mpofu should return to resuscitate her lease agreement so she can operate smoothly without unnecessary hurdles,” he said.
Ndlovu said facilities such as the swimming pool are important because they provide safe spaces where young people can spend their free time, interact with others and develop their talents. He expressed hope that the site would once again become a valuable community asset.
The clean-up campaign has also united artists from various musical genres, reflecting both the diversity and strength of
Plumtree’s creative community. Those participating represent hip-hop, Afro-pop, rap, Amapiano, 3-Step, Tshibilika, jazz, Maskandi and R&B.
Among the artists supporting the initiative are Teddie Musiq, Man Q, Ric ko, Dee-el-en, Ic3Bxby, Babongile Sibanda, Jay_Ixies, 27shotz, 1044RICKY, Noflexx, Mario, Fuki Twins, Lethu.SZN, Ceeko Mfana Sykes, MTXMUZQ, Smxsh, Mingo Slit, Uncle
Ndazz, Yung Mire, T Mash, Deon Russpanda, Elite Blossom and DK Lee.
For many of them, this is about more than cleaning up a neglected facility. It is about creating opportunities, building a stronger arts community and giving local talent a place to shine.
If the project succeeds, Plumtree will gain far more than a cleaned-up swimming pool. It will gain a community space where families can gather, young people can showcase their talents and residents can enjoy recreation in a safe environment. Most importantly, it will stand as an example of what can be achieved when young people stop waiting for change and decide to make it happen themselves.
