In the spirit of Ubuntu, a collaborative effort between Shincheonji Volunteers and Missionvale community members, supported by generous partners and sponsors, resulted in a successful clean-up initiative. This event, held on Saturday morning, 20 July, brought together individuals of all ages with the shared goal of cleaning the streets of Missionvale.

Inspired by the late Nelson Mandela, Shincheonji Volunteers, who have a history of involvement in other cleaning initiatives in Gqeberha, spearheaded this campaign for Mandela Day. Partnering with the Missionvale Care Centre, they aimed to educate and unite the community, encouraging residents to take ownership of their environment by creating a cleaner and safer area for everyone. Other partners included AVBOB, Healing Hands, the Missionvale Ward Councillor’s Office, and the South African Police Service.
“Seeing people from different backgrounds: the Municipality, the church and SAPS, it was beautiful to look at. What stood out for me was so many people showing interest and so many people wanting to support what we are doing today,” said Operations Manager from Missionvale Care Centre, Sindiswa Jacobs.

Shincheonji Volunteers has a strong presence in the Nelson Mandela Bay Area and has previously collaborated with the Missionvale Care Centre on various outreach activities such as hosting a series of Youth Development Educations as well as hosting a Gender-Based Violence education session for community members.
Shincheonji Volunteers is the outreach arm of Shincheonji Church of Jesus Christ which has a membership of over 600 congregants in Gqeberha. This clean-up campaign saw more than 200 participants come together to make a positive impact on their community.
“The drive is inspired by keeping the environment healthy and clean. We have seen this as a challenge across the city in various locations where storm drains are blocked and people getting sick because of pollution. We saw this as a place where we can contribute to the betterment of the community,” said Shincheonji Volunteers Mrs Phumza Nozewu.