Last Friday , I had an opportunity to partake in a cleanup campaign at eGodini terminus along Batsch Street. The campaign was organized for Chicken Slice by a group of 2nd year Journalism and Media Studies students at NUST.
The students partnered with the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and the Bulawayo City Council (BCC).
This campaign came at a time when the city council is urging residents to be clean and desist from littering.
Partaking in this campaign made me appreciate that cleaning is not a job for the faint hearted. This is because of the different kinds of dirt that you find at the place and some it really is disgusting.
Imagine having to pick up a container filled with urine and feces in a public place? You wonder where the toilets are and what they are used for. I came to the conclusion that these littered containers double up as toilets at night even the day sometimes for the touts.
Imagine someone cleaning after such mess on a daily basis just to put food on the table. It really is saddening.
Looking back at the experience, I really salute the workers who keep the streets of Bulawayo clean. It is one of the most looked upon jobs in our society but trust me, it is just as important.
Also reflecting on Friday's events, I will never forget the experience, let alone the insults, the mistreatment and the nasty, vulgar comments passed at us, especially female students, by some of the Mahwindis touts and the kombi drivers who operate at eGodini terminus.
The comments were nasty, degrading and offensive. I wish i could pen all of them here but doing so will be improper.
They literally treated us like their maids, if not slaves and ordered us around. But we overlooked them and didn't let them down our spirits. I watched with great admiration as the students ignored these comments and just focused on what they had come to do.
However, not all of them were nasty. There were some who treated us with respect. Some helped in the sweeping and picking up of litter. I remember this one guy who helped me sweep and we strike off a conversation like we have been friends for years. Thumbs up to you guys.
To the organisers, thank you very much for awarding us with such an opportunity. It was an eye opener and I learnt a few life lessons. I learnt about tolerance, patience and respect.
Remember, you have a role to play towards keeping Bulawayo clean. Play your part as a responsible citizen and Bin It.
Don't toss it! Keep it where it belongs...
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