Cleaning Makhanda’s river One skip at a time

River Rescue began almost 6 years ago when its Champion Helen decided she was going to clean the Matyana River running through Makhanda. It had become a putrid eyesore due to municipal neglect. River Rescue aims to restore the Matyana river to a place where children can play freely and community members can relax along the banks. This year, the Environmental Science Honours class decided to work at Scotts Farm completing a total of 3 clean ups in 2025. The focus was on intentionally and continually working at the same section of river and hoping to make a real impact by assisting in restoring the river back to its natural beauty, strengthening social bonds and educating children. 

Honoring a call from the Environmental Science Honours class, more than 50 Rhodes University students braved the cold on Saturday the 19th of July 2025. They were determined to help clean the Matyana river. The accumulation of trash and sewage from houses along riverbank due to municipal neglect has pushed locals away from what was once a serene landscape. 

Ongoing work is required to really bring about change. Once at Scotts Farm, we split into two teams: north and South. Mlibo led team North, while Mawande led team South. Each leader took their respective teams for a briefing where they were informed about the plan of action. Once briefed, personal protective equipment was distributed with boots being prioritised to those cleaning in the river. Others focused on cleaning the banks. Both teams used spades to cut out the alien invasive species along the riverbanks, using rakes to untangle waste in the shrubs, while others collected waste with buckets and plastic bags each team filled a skip to its brim.

People are central to these efforts. This clean-up was more than just another clean up but it was a journey of social connection, learning and transformation. Something shifted in the participants as they stood there with gloves and black bags ready to make an impact. They were part of something bigger showing up for the river. The reflections shared spoke volumes.

 Events like Saturday the 19^th of July, are not ends in themselves but rather landmarks in a larger expedition. Far more than a gathering in the name of uthando lwemilambo, it was a day inundated with displays of community and togetherness. It was also about uthando lwabantu. For the Honours class in the Department of Environmental Science such an occasion represents both the culmination of past efforts and promise of what is yet to come. Beyond an exemplary display of resourcefulness, planning, and execution. That Saturday was both the outcome of nearly six years of dedication, co-ordination and relationship building as well as another pillar on which to build the bridge that restores the link between our rivers and our people.