Meet Given Makgopa, an ambassador educating his community on illegal dumping and the effects it has on their health, welfare, and the environment.

The 29-year-old from Atteridgeville with the help of his friend Khutso Hlabela, they managed to clean a dumping site next to Mahlahle Primary School.

One would think because Makgopa deals with dumping sites he may not have education but instead he is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Microbiology at the University of South Africa.

Makgopa said “With the way we handle the Earth, we cannot avoid or enhance lifespan. The more emissions we make as a result of the amount of rubbish we produce, the more long-term consequences we face. Asthma, birth defects, cancer, cardiovascular disease, pediatric cancer, COPD, infectious diseases, low birth weight, and preterm delivery are just a few of the ailments that can be contracted.”

He started this initiative to educate the people of his community about illegal dumping and the negative impacts they have in communities. “Human health is at risk through our inaction. We keep producing large amounts of rubbish, we do not dispose of it correctly, and at the end that will be our downfall as it is for the environment and wildlife in the ecosystems we all share.” He said.

Illegal waste dumping in and around city streets has numerous negativity consequences on health, economic, and environmental. Social disorganization, inequitable waste service, and lack of understanding of free city programs, could all be contributing factors to unlawful dumping in Atteridgeville.

Illegal dumping is a problem that many countries face all over the world. Even though many writers have studied the apparent causes and effects of unlawful dumping, experts have failed to completely understand the source of the problem from a systemic standpoint.

The 29-year-old is starting his project called Green City Environmental Affairs, its goal is to educate the public on how garbage disposal affects their health, the environment, and the atmosphere, among other things, as well as assisting in the removal and cleaning of the city.

He added on to says, “Waste disposal hurts not just the environment but also people’s health, so I’d want to encourage everyone to avoid improper waste disposal.”

To contact Mr. Makgopa check him out @Given Makgopa on all his social media platforms.

Or contact 0764048654.