Alexandra community turns trash into art

JOHANNESBURG - The community of Alexandra, in the north of Johannesburg, is turning trash into art through recycling waste found at the Jukskei River.

They use what is known as litter traps made of recycled plastics to prevent waste materials from flowing down the river and polluting it.

The waste is later turned into art.

A group called Alexandra Water Warriors are the custodian of this project aimed at reducing flooding and improving biodiversity.

Inside the Juskei River, men and women in watertight green gear submerge their thick boots, handpicking litter from the water.

This litter is placed in refuse bags, not to be thrown, but for the recyclers to sift through them to find materials to reuse.

The CEO of Alex Water Warriors, Semadi Manganye, says that through the project, they also hope to revive tourism in the area.

“We want to clean these spaces, we need to make sure that we preserve them for future generations and make sure that our embankments don’t erode."

He says they are working with local artists who created art using the waste collected, with some colourful pieces placed along the river.

Other artworks are showcased at the Alex Heritage Centre.