Shincheonji Volunteers, the volunteer arm of the international Shincheonji Church of Jesus, has continued its community outreach efforts through humanitarian initiatives such as clean-up campaigns, blood donation drives, educational programmes, and community development projects. On May 17, volunteers from the organisation hosted a large-scale community clean-up campaign at the Lusaka informal settlement in Mamelodi, aiming to restore dignity, improve sanitation, and encourage residents to take responsibility for their environment.
The initiative focused on tackling long-standing challenges in the area, including illegal dumping, waste accumulation, and strong, unpleasant odours that worsen during rainy seasons when rubbish spreads across pathways and homes. Volunteers worked throughout the settlement removing large volumes of waste from a major dumping site that residents say has contributed to unhealthy living conditions for years. Despite the difficult conditions, volunteers said they remained motivated by the opportunity to make a positive impact in the community.
Some participants noted that, while they had taken part in similar campaigns before, the Lusaka informal settlement presented one of the biggest challenges due to the extent of the dumping and sanitation problems. The campaign also received support from community members, including about 20 ANC members and local Ward Councillor Isaac Sekele, who joined volunteers during the clean-up operation. Their participation highlighted growing cooperation among residents, volunteers, and local leadership to address environmental concerns.
Residents welcomed the initiative, saying waste and littering continue to affect their daily lives through bad smells, pests, and unsafe surroundings. They added that heavy rains often worsen the situation by spreading waste through homes and walkways, making movement difficult. Speaking during the campaign, Shincheonji Volunteers spokesperson Mr Xihluke Mabasa said the initiative represented the organisation’s commitment to practical community service.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to serving communities in a practical way. Seeing volunteers and residents work together to restore dignity in Mamelodi is truly encouraging. This is not just a one-time clean-up, but the beginning of sustained care and responsibility for the environment,” said Mr Mabasa.
The clean-up campaign highlighted the urgent environmental challenges facing the Lusaka informal settlement and encouraged long-term community involvement in maintaining a cleaner, healthier environment.