GOOD Statement by Marius van Stade,
GOOD Stellenbosch Municipality Councillor and Mayoral Candidate
20 October 2026
GOOD Stellenbosch launched its environmental cleanup awareness campaign in Klapmuts on 17 October 2026. Councillors, aspirant candidates, residents, activists and local leaders came together to clean a polluted area, marking the start of a sustained effort to build cleaner, healthier communities.
Led by GOOD Stellenbosch councillors and Klapmuts candidate Jeanetta Silberbauer, the initiative reflects a commitment to sustained action over the next five years. It aims to encourage community participation while holding Stellenbosch Municipality accountable for reliable service delivery.
Residents worked alongside GOOD representatives to collect litter, clear waste and transport wheelbarrow loads of rubbish into a skip.
GOOD Stellenbosch mayoral candidate, Cllr Marius van Stade, joined the cleanup, demonstrating that leadership requires both words and practical action.
“Leading by example means being present, rolling up our sleeves and working alongside residents to improve our communities,” said Van Stade.
“Our children deserve safe parks, our families deserve clean neighbourhoods, and our communities deserve to live without sewage overflows, pollution and overflowing rubbish.”
Silberbauer emphasised that the cleanup marks the beginning of an ongoing partnership with the Klapmuts community.
“Keeping Klapmuts clean requires all of us to play our part. Through regular cleanups and awareness activities, we want to encourage responsible waste disposal, restore community pride and prevent cleared areas from becoming dumping grounds again,” said Silberbauer.
Community participation does not, however, replace the Municipality’s responsibility to provide regular refuse collection, maintain public spaces, address sewage spills and act against illegal dumping.
The campaign reflects GOOD’s commitment to environmental justice and the principle that every resident deserves a clean, safe and healthy environment, regardless of where they live.
“This is about more than cleaning up. It is about dignity, health and action that lasts,” said Van Stade.
GOOD Stellenbosch intends to extend the campaign to other communities needing assistance, working with residents to identify neglected areas and support lasting improvements.
“A cleaner Stellenbosch starts with each of us taking responsibility, supported by a municipality that fulfils its duties. Through practical action and continued oversight, we will keep working towards communities where children can play safely and families can live with dignity,” Van Stade added.
GOOD Stellenbosch is taking action. Together, we can build a cleaner, healthier Stellenbosch and make Stellenbosch GOOD again!
Media Enquiries: media@forgood.org.za