When environmental activist Cetric Mphofela spotted an overflowing bin on Midstream Ridge Drive, he didn’t just drive past. He pulled over to empty it, showing us all how simple acts can keep our communities clean.
Pretoria, South Africa (19 October 2026) – Cetric Mphofela is no stranger to Good Things Guy. He’s the environmental activist originally from Glen Cowie in Limpopo who currently makes it his daily mission to promote cleaner communities and raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment in the Pretoria area.
Through his dedication to environmental conservation, Mphofela has conducted 262 clean-up campaigns across Gauteng and Limpopo. In 2026, he also undertook an environmental awareness walk from Laezonia, Pretoria, to the Kruger National Park as part of a bold campaign against littering, illegal dumping, polluted rivers, and the importance of protecting wildlife and nature.
His commitment to making a difference was once again demonstrated on Friday, 16 October 2026, when he was driving along Midstream Ridge Drive and noticed a bin filled to the brim with rubbish. Instead of simply passing by, Mphofela decided to stop and empty the bin so that other people could continue using it.
Although this may seem like a small action, it reflects his ongoing belief that everyone has a responsibility to keep their surroundings clean.
“We do not always have to wait for someone else to take action. If you see something that needs to be done, take the initiative and make a positive change,” is the message behind his actions.
A Lesson for Us All
Mphofela believes that keeping South Africa clean requires collective responsibility from residents, businesses, communities, and municipalities. While waste management services play an important role, individuals can also contribute by disposing of their rubbish correctly, avoiding illegal dumping, and taking action when they see opportunities to improve their surroundings.
His message to the public is simple:
“Our streets are not rubbish bins, and protecting the environment starts with individual choices.”
Through his clean-up campaigns, awareness activities, and everyday acts of kindness, Mphofela hopes to inspire more people to become active participants in protecting Mother Earth.
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For Mphofela, environmental activism is not only about organising large clean-up campaigns. It is also about recognising that even the smallest actions can contribute to meaningful change.
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