Sometimes being an Actionist isn’t born out of one single brilliant idea. Sometimes it comes from a passion to see change and the dedication to finding a space for yourself in a world that feels like it is determined to work against you. 

Zwelihle and Metsi Magwaza are open about the bumpy road that they have ridden in their mission to clean up Joburg, whilst also finding a cost-effective and sustainable output for the waste that is collected. 

It all started when they were living in Marshaltown. They would walk to the Johannesburg Art Gallery and pass by Joubert Park which, at the time, was full of litter. Instead of looking the other way, they decided to do something about it, so they invited their artist friends to help them clean up the park. 

Over time they had to formalise their cleanup project in order to work with the City and other organisations - they called it Love Our City Klean (LOCK).

Since 2016 they have been trying out different ideas to see what works, fully embracing failure as a way of learning and moving forward, never losing sight of the big picture, to clean up the city that they love.

Much of the struggle has been in dealing with big corporations that do not benefit financially from the recycling of their products. Several initiatives that LOCK have trialled had to be abandoned as they were seen as not being economically viable, despite providing a more responsible and sustainable environmental footprint. 

But the ideas keep on coming, and the enthusiasm never wanes.  

Zwelihle and Metsi have helped to create a community swap shop at Victoria Yards where local residents of Bertrams and Bez Valley are encouraged to collect, sort and clean recyclable items and drop them off in exchange for points which can be used to buy food, clothing and books. 

In 2021 PIKITUP offered them a space in their Bez Valley garden site. Already established as a recycling drop-off centre, it provides an undercover space to sort and sell items that have more value than standard bulk recycling items such as paper and plastic. 

From this venue, they want to create a space where artists can come to be inspired, and they are passionate about building a bespoke service for artists who require specific items for collage, sculpture and other disciplines. 

This is a labour of love for Zwelihle and Metsi, but they cannot do it without help and they understand the power of finding the right partners; responsible business owners who are also passionate about the environment, and the city of Johannesburg. 

You can find them on Instagram: @weloveourcityklean and Facebook: @loveourcityklean.