By: Zinhle Mngadi and Mxolisi Ntanzi

eThekwini Mayor James Nxumalo condemned filthy behaviour from societies and sent a warning to owners of slum buildings in the city when he launched the ‘Clean my City Campaign’ on Friday.

As stakeholders and community members assembled at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre in Durban, Nxumalo urged everyone to be an ambassador of the city by making sure it’s clean. He sent a warning to owners of dirty slum buildings in the city to clean up or face the wrath of the municipality.

“Owners of buildings who fail to maintain them must not expect mercy from the Municipality,” said Mayor Nxumalo.

He further said that all sectors of society, including the taxi industry, street vendors, business, commuters and the general public must care for their city by keeping it clean.

The business, taxi industry, traders, government and municipality signed a pledge to commit themselves to working together in keeping the city clean.

Mayor eThekwini James Nxamalo in action during a clean-up campaign in Umalzi. Pictures from: pic.twitter.com/r9oENrvbHV

The Mayor then left the Convention Centre to practise what he preached at the Mafumbuka High School in Umlazi where he led the clean-up campaign. This school had become a dumping ground for the residence and a hiding place for criminals. The day was concluded by Nxumalo handing over the plot of land to the Khanana Community Centre to begin a vegetable garden for senior citizens with the courtesy of full seeds of vegetables by the Mayor.

Khethi Sithole is a community member who express much excitement about the campaign.

“This is such a great campaign. We are seeing a difference in the City but it’s great that the Mayor has visited us. It means a great deal to us that our area was chosen as we experience the challenges of dumping and litter,” said Sithole.

She further said that she will be an ambassador for her community.