Thanks to the passionate efforts of the Keep PMB Clean Action Group, once-overlooked corners and neglected streets are blossoming into revitalised green spaces and gardens, injecting a breath of fresh air into the city.
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (15 April 2025) – If you’re a resident or common visitor of Pietermaritzburg (PMB), you surely would have spotted the difference in certain parts of the vibrant city.
Thanks to dedicated teams of the Keep PMB Clean Action (KPCA) Group, once-neglected areas and street corners, which proved to be a real eyesore in the community, are now blossoming into healthier, greener spaces and gardens.
An example of significant improvement can be seen on Hoosen Haffejee Street, where a dedicated team has been actively working to restore the area. The neglected Sheena’s Gold and Dietes plants had become completely overgrown, and the location was quickly turning into a dumping site.
But through “green intervention”, the area is returning to its former glory.
“The new island gardens are transforming our streets, they stand as a beacon of hope in the area,” says KPCA Group’s Executive Director Lara Edmonds.
Another garden project at Victoria Road’s “Sunshine Sub-station” has also grown tremendously in just one year, boasting lush and diverse plants where there was little to none.
“Thank you to every single person who invested in this project. It was christened the “Sunshine Sub-station” as it brought so much hope to the area. We still have to weed and maintain it, and are grateful for Victory Team’s contributions to our efforts,” Lara thanks.
Teams are also on a mission to make Greyling Street great again, with a difference already taking shape from cleaning efforts and three tree islands planted opposite the Parklane Shopping Centre.
While there have been commendable efforts that have brought significant change in Pietermaritzburg, lasting change requires ongoing commitment. This is why Lara is rallying all residents and businesses to take ownership of the different areas that make up the community and further contribute towards the Street Teams initiative.
“We are building Street Teams where a small monthly contribution of R100-R500/month empowers our A-Team to maintain and continue the work that we start on our streets.
“Will you join our team and sow love into PMB? We work where people RISE to sponsor us.”
To learn more or be a part of Pietermaritzburg’s green revolution, email info@kpca.co.za.
Sources: Keep PMB Clean Action Group
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