Here's what happened when two women set out to clean Johannesburg's dirtiest river

Feb 24, 2021

Shacks are seen along Jukskei river in Alexandra township, Johannesburg, South Africa

The Jukskei river in Johannesburg, South Africa is heavily polluted. Image: REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

Kim Harrisberg

Water Rights Correspondent, Thomson Reuters Foundation

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Three alien plant removers smile for a photo with their tools used to take out invasive plants alongside the Jukskei in Johannesburg, South Africa. February 8, 2021

Invasive plants are being removed to help the natural wildlife. Image: Thomson Reuters Foundation/Kim Harrisberg

Romy Stander, co-founder of Water for the Future, points at a map of the Jukskei River and surrounding neighbourhoods in Johannesburg, South Africa. February 8, 2021.

The Jukskei River is one of the biggest in Johannesburg. Image: Thomson Reuters Foundation/Kim Harrisberg

A man walks past the eco-tree outside Victoria Yards that captures and funnels rain water to the based of a tree around which people can sit in Johannesburg,

This eco-tree t captures and funnels rain water to the based of a tree and provides a perch for people to sit. Image: Thomson Reuters Foundation/Kim Harrisberg

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