Many Hands, One Mission
RESIDENTS ROLL UP THEIR SLEEVES FOR A BETTER WARD
Platinum Weekly newspaper | Rustenburg – From overgrown sidewalks and illegal dumping hotspots to unsafe open spaces, Our Ward Matters (OWM) continues making a visible impact across Wards 15, 16 and 17. Led by founder André van Dyk, together with Ward 17 councillor Tanya Rothman and supported by volunteers, residents and local businesses, OWM focuses on cleaner, safer and more welcoming neighbourhoods.
10-11 June: Clearing the Way for Safer Communities
The OWM team spent 10 and 11 June 2026 hard at work throughout Ward 17, focusing on some of the area’s most pressing challenges.
Under the supervision of councillor Tanya Rothman and Michael Rothman, volunteers collected litter from various locations across the ward while also tackling dense vegetation in the Nylapies area. The clean-up improved visibility, enhanced safety and helped maintain the river surroundings.
A helping hand from TotalEnergies Garage, which sponsored petrol for the operation, enabled the team to clear and maintain the water canal behind the garage and clean areas where individuals often shelter or hide. Work also began along Helen Joseph Drive, where overgrown grass was cut back to improve visibility for motorists and pedestrians while reducing potential fire hazards ahead of the approaching veld fire season.
14 June: A Gift That Warmed Hearts
While much of OWM’s work focuses on physical transformation, 14 June brought a reminder of the power of kindness.
An anonymous donor generously supplied overalls and safety boots for every member of the OWM team. Although the donor wished to remain unnamed, the impact of the gesture was evident.
The protective clothing was handed out to team members the following day, bringing smiles and boosting morale.
15 June: Taking Back Overgrown Spaces
The momentum continued on Monday, 15 June, when the team returned to Helen Joseph Drive for another intensive clean-up operation. Starting at the corner of Flamboyant Street and Helen Joseph, volunteers used brushcutters, pangas and spades to clear thick vegetation and open up neglected spaces. The work continued towards the car wash, Blikkies vol Liefde, and behind properties in Kwartel Crescent.
As vegetation was removed, the team uncovered large amounts of litter and evidence of people living in bushes near Arend Road and Helen Joseph Drive, highlighting concerns raised by nearby residents. By opening up these areas, OWM hopes to discourage illegal dumping, reduce opportunities for criminal activity and create a safer environment for the hundreds of motorists, schoolchildren and residents who use the route daily.
The visible difference is already becoming apparent, but OWM says there is still much work to be done.
The organisation continues to appeal for donations of petrol, brushcutter line, heavy-duty refuse bags and equipment maintenance support to help sustain its efforts.
WANT TO HELP?
Contact André (076?057?1669) or Ilse (083 393 0316)
Banking details: Our Ward Matters | FNB | Acc: 63038972641 | Branch: 258055 | Ref: OWM
Together, we clean. Together, we care. Together, Our Ward Matters
Main photo: OWM volunteers spent 10 and 11 June clearing litter and overgrown areas across Ward 17, helping improve safety, visibility and cleanliness throughout the community.
