Operation Clean Spot
Stop waste from entering the ocean!
Litter, pollution, and illegal dumping are all issues that plague South Africa, and Nelson Mandela Bay. Mismanaged waste has far-reaching, devastating impacts, with many unseen impacts on human and ecosystem health as well as on the economy.
Operation Clean Spot (OCS) aims to rid Nelson Mandela Bay of 90% of the mismanaged waste which currently litters the city. OCS hopes to do this by engaging all stakeholders (government, businesses, industry, schools, individuals and more) and encouraging them to take ownership of their “spot”.
By working together, OCS believes Nelson Mandela Bay can be transformed into a clean city and be the first African city to achieve Zero Plastics to the Seas of Africa.
Adopt your spot
You could help make Nelson Mandela Bay a city to be proud of: one that acts together to uplift communities, attract tourism, and encourage economic investment! Take ownership of your spot and be part of the next big movement to look after our environment.
- Do you know of a spot in Nelson Mandela Bay that is covered with litter and pollution?
- Are you already cleaning up a local spot?
- Why not adopt a spot, name it, and clean it?
Follow our five simple steps to start your OCS journey today!
Adopt a spot
Plan your clean-up
Conduct your clean-up
Collect your data
Share your clean-up
Adopt your spot / submit clean-up
Datasheets for your clean-up
Data collection during your clean-up is an optional step.
If you would like to record what you have collected, feel free to select any of the four datasheet levels (increasing level of detail), fill it in and add it when you submit your clean-up to us.
Efforts to date
With over 100 clean-ups done, and over 8 000 kilograms of waste removed from the environment since April 2021, the map is rapidly filling up with clean spots! The OCS team is looking to partner with even more individuals, organisations, schools, and community groups to keep filling up the map.
Clean-ups
Kg of waste
All that is needed to conduct a clean-up is some gloves and refuse bags. Partner with the OCS team today to arrange, conduct, and upload your clean-up.
Monitor
your progress
Here is a look at what OCS has achieved so far!
- Can you spot your spot?
- Does your organisation feature?
- Would you like to feature more prominently?
Or would you like to help others clean their spots?
BADGES
Did you know that you can now earn exciting badges for your efforts? Interact with your spot on our map to see which badges you’ve earned!
Hover over the badges below to see what the different badges mean and which other badges you could add to your collection!
Earn this badge when you adopt your spot!
Earn this badge once you have collected 10 bags of waste!
Earn this badge once you have collected 50 bags of waste!
Earn this badge once you have collected 100 bags of waste!
Earn this badge once you have collected 200 bags of waste!
Earn this badge when you conduct your first clean-up.
Earn this badge once you have conducted five clean-ups.
Earn this badge once you have conducted 20 clean-ups.
Earn this badge once you have conducted 50 clean-ups.
Earn this badge once you have conducted 100 clean-ups.
Earn this badge once you have collected 10kgs of waste.
Earn this badge once you have collected 25kgs of waste.
Earn this badge once you have collected 50kgs of waste.
Earn this badge once you have collected 100kgs of waste.
Earn this badge once you have collected 500kgs of waste.
Earn this badge once you have collected 1000kgs of waste.
Earn this badge for keeping your spot green for 6 consecutive months.
Earn this badge for keeping your spot green for a whole year.
Earn this badge for hosting a clean-up where there were 50 or more participants.
Earn this badge for submitting data on the number of items, bags and kgs.
Make your business stand out
If your business or organisation’s corporate social responsibilities align with the aims and objectives of OCS, take action and play a more prominent role in this project.
Consider taking a stand against waste in NMB by signing up for one of the OCS packages, or donate now and support a disadvantaged school or community group clean their area.
Front Runner
Champion
Ambassador
Supporter
For any further information on the packages, please contact the team at info@sstafrica.org.za.
Front runner
Prominent exposure in all OCS newsletters
Large logo
Feature of business address
Feature of business website link
Prominent exposure on OCS map
Large logo
Special contributor “badge”
Marketing material
15 professional photographs to use for marketing per clean-up
1-minute marketing video per annum
Additional support at clean-ups within NMB
3 SST staff members
Provision of bags and gloves
Provision of clean-up waste removal service
To qualify
Undertake quarterly clean-ups
Donation of R 50 000 per annum
Champion
Prominent exposure in all OCS newsletters
Feature of logo
Feature of business website link
Prominent exposure on OCS map
Feature of logo
Special contributor “badge”
Marketing material
10 professional photographs to use for marketing per clean-up
30-second marketing video per annum
Additional support at clean-ups within NMB
3 SST staff members
Provision of bags and gloves
Provision of clean-up waste removal service
To qualify
Undertake biannual clean-ups
Donation of R 35 000 per annum
AMBASSADOR
Exposure in all OCS newsletters
Feature of logo
Exposure on OCS map
Special contributor “badge”
Marketing material
5 professional photographs to use for marketing per clean-up
Additional support at clean-ups within NMB
2 SST staff members
Provision of bags and gloves
Provision of clean-up waste removal service
To qualify
Undertake annual clean-ups
Donation of R 20 000 per annum
SUPPORTER
Exposure on OCS map
Listed details of your spot
Marketing material
Listed supporter on OCS newsletters
Listed supporter on OCS map
To qualify
Adopt your spot
Undertake clean-ups
Free to all
Share the knowledge
Raising awareness about the impacts of plastic pollution is key to the long-term success of OCS.
SST hosts OCS educational workshops in communities and schools to share knowledge on the importance and value of a clean environment.
The OCS team is able to assist with the arranging of educational workshops at your school, organisation, or community group.
Contact the OCS team here.
Take a look at what we’ve done
Blog posts & newsletters
OCS Newsletter October 2021
In their October Newsletter, the OCS team celebrate another major milestone, recognise the efforts of those who joined ICC Clean-ups in NMB, and more.
Adopt A Spot In Your Local ‘Hood for International Coastal Clean-Up Day
We know that litter, pollution, and illegal dumping are all issues that plague our beautiful Nelson Mandela Bay in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Unfortunately, mismanaged waste has far-reaching, devastating, and often unseen impact on human and ecosystem health, as well...
OCS Newsletter September 2021
In their September newsletter, the Operation Clean Spot team celebrates another milestone reached, invites all to join a clean-up for the upcoming International Coastal Clean-Up Day and World Clean-Up Day on 18 September, and places the spotlight on the inspiring commitment of the Harcourts Beachfront team.
OCS Newsletter August 2021
In their August newsletter, the OCS team pay tribute to the women of South Africa ahead of the celebration of Women’s Day, shine the spotlight on some Mandela Day clean-ups, and share some exciting news about the OCS webpage.
OCS Newsletter July 2021
In their third newsletter, the Operation Clean Spot team shares some litter-related statistics, shines the spotlight on another valued partner, calls on South African citizens to do their part this Mandela Day, and more.
Keep up to date with the progress of Operation Clean Spot by receiving our regular newsletters, directly to your inbox.
Get involved
Adopt your spot
Become a volunteer
Do you love the environment? Do you enjoy walking your dog along clean streets? Or picnicking in scenic, litter-free parks? Then join the OCS cause by becoming a volunteer and help SST work Towards Zero Plastics to the Seas of Africa. Voluntary work may range from helping at clean-ups, to helping at events. Every bit of help counts, and SST appreciates all the support that is offered. Contact us.
Donate today
If you, or your organisation is not quite ready to become a committed member, you can still make a difference! Any donation, no matter how big, makes a significant difference in supporting SST’s activities to work Towards Zero Plastics to the Seas of Africa. Donate now.