A Zimbabwean national living in South Africa has spoken out after being criticised online for taking part in a clean‑up campaign in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, where he currently resides.
Joyful Ncube joined South Africans during a community‑led cleaning drive supported by municipal officials.
Joyful Ncube participates in Hillbrow clean up campaign
Posting on his Facebook page, Ncube said that Hillbrow, where he now lives, struggles with cleanliness and that community members should work together to address it.
“With the assistance and protection of municipal officials, JMPD and Pikitup, we will clean the streets whenever we get a chance,” he said.
He also stressed that he is legally in South Africa and believes he has a responsibility to contribute positively to the community.
“As a legal citizen in South Africa, I will contribute in any way I see fit,” he added.
Facing backlash from Zimbabweans for cleaning up Hillbrow
Ncube said he was surprised by the backlash, particularly from fellow Zimbabweans, but insisted he would not stop contributing to the area he lives in.
“Some people have a problem that I was part of a cleaning campaign in Hillbrow. I do not blame them,” he posted on Facebook.
He explained that some critics went as far as telling him to return to Zimbabwe and clean cities like Bulawayo instead, questioning why he would help in South Africa.
Ncube clarified that he is not from Bulawayo, saying he was born and raised in Mbizingwe, Esigodini.
“Sokumele ngihlale eHillbrow ingcolile (I should live in a dirty Hillbrow) because I am from Zimbabwe?” he asked, pushing back against the idea that his nationality should prevent him from improving his surroundings.
Ncube defends his efforts back home
Responding to accusations that he does nothing back home in Zimbabwe, he said the claims made him laugh, noting that he is involved in several community development projects there.
“I do not want to list these things, but this is for those who think we are just sitting around and only cleaning the streets of Hillbrow,” he said.
Despite criticism and online attacks, he made it clear that he will not be deterred from his purpose.
“If this is aimed at stopping me, think again,” he said.
