MORE THAN CLEAN-UPS: ACTION THAT CHANGES RUSTENBURG
The dedicated Our Ward Matters team continues to prove that consistent action can create visible change across Rustenburg.
Platinum Weekly newspaper | Rustenburg – Our Ward Matters (OWM) continued its work across Rustenburg this past week, addressing overgrown vegetation, litter, illegal dumping and public-safety concerns while encouraging residents to take pride in their surroundings.
Founded by Ward 15 councillor André van Dyk and led by Cllr Van Dyk and Cllr Tanya Rothman, the initiative remains active in Wards 15, 16 and 17.
Residents’ concerns investigated
On Wednesday 2 September 2026, Cllr Van Dyk visited Boven Street after residents asked him to investigate several longstanding concerns.
These include allegations of businesses trading without the required permits, further businesses opening in the area, illegal dumping and a growing informal settlement in the bushes near the Helen Joseph Drive bridge. Residents also raised safety concerns and questioned what permission had been granted for commercial activities at the site.
The concerns will be reported and escalated to the relevant authorities. According to Van Dyk, the visit demonstrated that Our Ward Matters does far more than clean-ups – it listens to residents, investigates complaints and works to ensure that problems receive attention.
Signs of positive change
On Tuesday 1 September, the Ward 15 team worked in Protea Park, concentrating on Mispel Avenue, surrounding streets and the area near Laerskool Protea Park towards Wildevy Centre. The team removed rust, prepared and repainted 42 road and street signs – with one group completing 26 signs and another restoring 16.
Damaged, faded or missing signs are more than an eyesore. They can create safety risks for motorists, emergency services and visitors who depend on clear street identification. While working, the team also identified and reported other matters requiring municipal attention.
Cleaning where it counts
On Wednesday and Thursday, 2 and 3 September, the team continued its work in Azaleapark, Selly Park and along Helen Joseph Drive towards Robin Avenue. Overgrown grass was cut along Langeberg Avenue and towards Kougaberg, improving visibility and reducing the risk of veld fires.
Near Laerskool Selly Park, the team cleaned a stormwater drain, removed grass growing into the road and collected more than 40 bags of rubbish.
Potholes and mud along Drakensberg Avenue following the rain were also identified for reporting. The initiative thanked the RLM Waste Department for working alongside its volunteers.
Consistency creates change
For almost five years, Our Ward Matters has continued showing up week after week. What began with one clean street has grown into a community movement operating across three wards. The team cuts grass, clears overgrown areas, removes litter and illegal dumping, cleans stormwater drains and helps improve safety and visibility. Its vision is now to reach even more areas of Rustenburg – but community support is essential.
Residents, businesses, churches, organisations, petrol stations and garages are invited to assist with petrol, equipment, refuse bags, brushcutter line, maintenance or financial contributions.
“Don’t stand on the sidelines waiting for someone else to make Rustenburg better. Get involved, take ownership and become part of the solution.”
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.
