By Nangamso Mabindla

"Take pride, take action" will be the theme for this year's annual clean-up campaign in Buffalo City.

The week-long campaign will kick off on 11 September with the City looking to reach residents in disadvantaged communities, particularly the schoolchildren.

In recent years the focus was on urban high schools, but this year's campaign will involve rural and township schools.

The City's senior communications officer, Mamnkeli Ngam, said the municipality chose this year's theme because communities needed to feel proud of being Buffalo City citizens.

"We would like our people to be proud of our city; and that pride should move them to take action and become part of this campaign," said Ngam.

Another reason the City planned to focus on children was because they were the future leaders. "We want them to grow up knowing the importance of living in a clean city, as they will be responsible for its cleanliness when they are grown-ups," he said.

Taxi ranks were also areas of concern and the municipality would meet with representatives of the taxi industry to involve them in the campaign.

"We also want to involve the councilors, as they form an integral part in our interaction with our communities. And for our closing ceremony on Friday September 16, our mayor Zintle Peter will deliver a speech of encouragement to our people."

The areas to be visited during the clean-up included schools in Mzamowethu in Gonubie, Mdantsane, Duncan Village, Kidd's Beach (all in East London) and Balasi, Masingatha, Tshatshu, Zwelitsha (all in King William's Town).

Source: Buffalo City