233 bags of rubbish were collected in Hoedspruit recently, thanks to the uniting of the community and charity. The best part is these bags equate to R23,300 in donations!
Hoedspruit, South Africa (22 July 2025) – The community of Hoedspruit went above and beyond at this year’s community clean-up, seeing volunteers collect an astounding 233 bags of litter, far surpassing the previous year’s tally of 86.
The reward? A cleaner town, a stronger community, and a R23,300 donation to Koru Camp, a place where healing, learning, and nature come together for children from all walks of life.
At the heart of this beautifully messy mission was My Africa, a local Hoedspruit business with a big heart and an even bigger vision. For every bag of rubbish filled, My Africa pledged R100 to Koru Camp. Thanks to the town’s collective elbow grease, that pledge turned into powerful support for a place that’s changing lives, one wildlife experience at a time.
Each year, My Africa hosts the Hoedspruit community clean-up, committing to support charity in the process.
Koru Camp, nestled in the Lowveld and recently reopened after an inspiring community-led renovation, offers nature-based experiences for children facing social or emotional challenges. It’s more than a camp, it’s a place of safety, connection, and resilience-building. Every rand raised helps keep its programmes running, its doors open, and its magic alive.
The clean-up wasn’t just about litter. It was a joyful, hope-filled expression of community care and conservation, a real-life reminder that small acts can have a massive impact. Children, parents, local businesses, NGOs, and nature lovers all pitched in, driven by a shared love for their town and a belief in better futures.
And what a difference it made. Streets were cleared, hearts were full, and that unmistakable Lowveld spirit shone through. From plastic wrappers to meaningful change, Hoedspruit turned trash into treasure, proving that when a community rallies around something it believes in, the results are phenomenal.
“We are deeply grateful to My Africa and every person who showed up with heart and purpose for the Hoedspruit Mandela Day clean-up – it was wonderful to see everyone come together in a show of community spirit! Their efforts, and My Africa’s generous donation, will help us continue creating much-needed opportunities for local youth and communities to connect with nature and grow into the future guardians of our wildlife. Thank you!” – Corné Havenga, CEO, Koru Camp
The clean up was in honour of Mandela Day but took place a little earlier this year. Support came through from local lodges, the Lowveld Airspace Control Sector from Air Force Base Hoedspruit, the Koru team, the My Africa team and greater community.
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