Mzansi isn’t just applauding a self-motivated group cleaning up and rebuilding Potchefstroom communities; it has opened its hearts and wallets to fuel their mission!
Potchefstroom, South Africa (17 October 2025) – At the heart of Potchefstroom is an inspiring movement, where a group of enthusiastic young people have united with a shared mission to clean up and transform their city.
Driven by Project 44, an ambitious cleaning initiative spearheaded by the non-profit organisation Retsa Tsela (meaning ‘Paving A Way’), the group is determined to visit 44 communities across Potchefstroom, with the heartfelt goal of restoring each one to its former glory.
Charity founder, Peterson Sebati, started the initiative solely as an “act of obedience” as he was tired of seeing the polluted and dilapidated state of his hometown.
Together with his team of volunteers, they pick up illegally dumped waste, cut grass, clean, paint and ultimately transform public spaces like parks, schools and taxi ranks, all for free!
“Retsa Tshela is a community solution project that prides itself on coming up with creative ways to inspire communities to take action and be the change they seek,” Peterson shares.
Also featured on the Cool Story Bru platform, the group has won the admiration of hundreds with their transformative cleanup efforts, which are evident in before-and-after images of their work.
Requiring resources to expand their impact, Peterson turned to BackaBuddy to launch a funding campaign to help raise R15,000 for the supplies they need in the rebuilding of communities.
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Cape Town Kayakers Rescue Starving African Penguin Far Out to SeaThe campaign, launched two months ago, has been met with overwhelming support from South Africans who have dug deep to support Retsa Tsela’s cause. Still receiving donations to date, funds are at R38,724, far surpassing Peterson’s goal – a testament to the movement’s inspiring and fantastic work!
This financial boost has already seen the team hard at work to maintain a local park where their journey began, and this week, revamp and restore EXT 7 Taxi Rank in Ikageng.
“I can’t express my gratitude enough to God for giving us the strength through this whole project. Grateful for the support we have received. We will continue to serve,” thanked a grateful Peterson.
Sources: BackaBuddy | Peterson Sebati
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