Quick Navigation : Why the Cleanest Town Competition?| Benefits of taking part in the competition| Who should be involved in this initiative?| How is the cleanest town competition chosen?| Which criteria will be used?| Who will select the winner?| When will the winners be announced?| Who to contact

Why the Cleanest Town Competition?

More than 50% of the South African Communities, (from Action Plan for general waste collection version C) especially those in townships, rural areas and informal settlements do not have access to proper waste collection system. This is unquestionably worrying; more so since it's been proven worldwide that there is a clear link between clean and healthy environment and the building of a better life for all people. Our environment is the most important habitat for all human beings and there is a need to take care of it and to preserve our natural resources.

In its efforts to transform the ideals of SA policies and legislation into visible and participatory integrated waste management programme, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) is in the process of implementing a National Waste Management Strategy (NWMS). The Cleanest Town Competition is one of the implementation processes of the NWMS.

This competition aims to change attitudes by raising awareness and educating our nation on good waste management practices. It is a vehicle to encourage the South African population to play an active role in the moral regeneration of their communities by bringing back pride and commitment in cleaning up our environment. It also acknowledges ongoing improvements in waste management initiatives undertaken by municipalities and encourages municipalities to improve their waste management services.

Bottles, paper and tins collected for recycling

Benefits of taking part in the competition

These strategies are best captured in “the three R’s”. The first step should be to avoid the production of waste as far as possible, and after that:

Reduce: Use the exact amount of materials in order to minimise waste products.
Reuse: Produced materials can be used again to save production costs.
Recycle: Waste materials from plastics, paper, glassc can converted into useful items like bags, toys and other items.

• The maintenance of a cleaner and healthier environment by recognising municipalities that are exceptionally clean.
• Job creation and income generation for unemployed people by recycling waste products.
• The enhancement of South Africa’s image to foreigners and will contribute towards tourism growth.
• Creating awareness and educating the public on concepts of waste management.
• Reducing expenditure on waste and litter collection by municipalities.

Join government in its effort to reduce waste generation and disposal by 50% and 25% respectively by 2012 and develop a plan for Zero Waste by 2022. Be a proud ambassador for your municipality and remembering "My Environment, My Life".

Pretoria West community of Refentse preparing to establich a park

Who should be involved in this initiative?

Everyone can take part by helping to keep his/her municipality clean. This competition is a shared responsibility between government (national/provincial/local), community-based organisations, non-governmental organisations, and the business sector. Together we have to make sure that our environments are safe, clean, and healthy and that resources are not depleted, but utilised in a sustainable way so as to benefit present and future generations.

How is the cleanest town competition chosen?

All the municipalities enter   Provincial winners are chosen Country winner is chosen

All municipalities are encouraged to take part in this competition. A carefully selected panel consisting of persons who collectively reflect an insight into environmental, economic and social interests will be responsible for deciding on the winner of the competition.

Which criteria will be used?

Criteria will focus on two aspects:

• Physical condition (70%) This will take into account:
  • General Cleanliness General Cleanliness will (residential and commercial areas) for the following:
    • Public markets
    • Waste disposal sites
    • Stations, taxi and bus ranks
    • Institutions, e.g. academic
    • Recreational or comfort public facilities
    • Special social services facilities e.g. abattoirs, hospitals, shopping facilities

• Open green space
  Availability, access and condition of:
  • Clean and Green Initiatives
  • Waste management system
  • Budgetary support
  • Monitoring and enforcements mechanisms
  • Awareness and education
  • Equipment
  • Community mobilization and public participation in environmental quality and protection

The completed park created by the Refentse Community

Who will select the winner?

A panel constituted on a multi stakeholder basis will assess the competition entries and select the winners. The panel will include representatives from governments departments, the private sector, civic organisations and non-governmental organisations. Critically the panel will have an insight into environmental, social and economic issues.

When will the winners be announced?

The winners will be announced during September 2003, which is Tourism Month.

Who do you contact for more information (e.g. closing date)?

Entries are open to ALL municipalities.

Click here for a downloadable brochure (in PDF)

Click here for a poster of the Cleanest Town Competition (in PDF)