The Soulbent Project NPO is committed to keeping Gauteng communities beautiful, one cleanup at a time. Where others saw a wasteland at the Saulsville Cemetery, this dedicated team saw a sacred space worth fighting for!
Pretoria, South Africa (23 March 2026) – The Saulsville Cemetery in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, had gone far too long under the radar. What should have been a place of solemn rest had devolved into an unofficial dumping ground, choked by everyday litter and scarred by heaps of industrial waste.
But where the system saw a lost cause, the Soulbent Project NPO saw a call to action. Seeking to restore the sacredness of the public space that had become an eyesore, determined members of the environmental organisation rolled up their sleeves to physically reclaim the site last week.
This initiative formed part of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to keeping local neighbourhoods clean, safe, and respectful for everyone.
“Graveyards are sacred spaces where families come to remember and honour their loved ones. Unfortunately, many cemeteries are affected by littering, illegal dumping, and overgrown areas. As Soulbent Project, we believe it is our responsibility to restore dignity to these important spaces,” said Mashudu Makhado, Soulbent Project NPO CEO.
Volunteers worked hard on the day, clearing litter, removing waste, and improving the environment around the cemetery.
“Through these actions, we aim to promote environmental responsibility, community pride, and respect for those who came before us,” Mashudu explained.
Soulbent Project is a community-focused environmental non-profit dedicated to cleaning, greening, and restoring dignity to neighbourhoods. They conduct regular clean-ups of illegal dumping sites and rivers, recycling, vegetable gardening, and food relief initiatives.

Mashudu calls on community members, local stakeholders, and organisations to join hands with his team in protecting public spaces and maintaining cleanliness in neighbourhoods.
“Together, we can build a healthier and more respectful environment for present and future generations.”
Though the day ended with a heap of filled trash bags, there is still a lot of work to be done across Atteridgeville, and the organisation will continue its clean-up campaigns in and around the area as part of its mission to fight pollution, illegal dumping, and environmental degradation.
We applaud and thank all volunteers and partners who showed up to support this important work.
Sources: Mashudu Makhado
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