Young superhero of anti-dumping

Video

GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - She wants to be a hairdresser someday, but for now, 12-year-old Andivile Magamle is an activist spreading awareness about illegal dumping.

This Grade 6 learner of Conville Primary jumped at the opportunity to write an essay about illegal dumping in her neighbourhood, Zone 3, Thembalethu.

George Herald announced her achievement last week (30 September, p. 16), as the winner of an essay competition held by Thembalethu Library during National Book Week, 9 to 13 September.

Andivile wrote a short essay about the consequences of illegal dumping and littering, including the effect it has on a community's health. Her essay was accompanied by photos she took of herself close to an illegal rubbish dump near her house.

A visit to her home on Tuesday for a personal interview provided much insight. Andivile has always been bugged by this dumpsite in Dingiswayo Street. "I never knew I was going to be that someone to report on the illegal dumping site," she said. "It makes people ill and their houses smell. This dumpsite has been here forever."

Asked about the writing of the essay, Andivile said she had a lot of energy for the project. "The writing came easy. I liked taking the photos most of all." For her effort she received a book prize and a mask.

The parents of this delightful girl, Thembakazi Magamle and Abongile Malukazi, are very proud of their daughter. "My mom and dad said they love my photo in the newspaper," said Andivile. "It is my first time in the George Herald."