A hill in the heart of Soweto that used to be a dumping ground and a hub of criminal activity has been transformed into an art, culture and environmental centre called the Soweto Mountain of Hope – Somoho.
Somoho was created by Mandla Mentoor, winner of the individual award in the Green Trust Awards last year, and his Amandla Waste Creations, a group of artists who recycle waste material to create art.
The Somoho project has extended beyond the landmark in the past year as Amandla, in partnership with other groups around Soweto, undertakes to clean up and restore the wetland system that runs through the township. In the process, they are creating open spaces for community recreation.
On June 8 the Somoho project launched the Soweto Earth Summit to showcase the artistic talent of community members and drive home the message of environmentally responsible behaviour. This event will include exhibitions and entertainment and will coincide with the World Summit on Sustainable Development, which takes place in Johannesburg in August and September.
Mentoor says the Somoho group focuses on the fact that children are the future. Youngsters are included through two programmes, both of which feature environmental education. A dance and drama group spreads the message and a programme called Children Loving Nature introduces youngsters to the importance of caring for the township’s wetland system. ‘They learn about everything, from pollution to soil erosion,” he says.
The Somoho project raises revenue by selling art and traditional foods at events held on the hill. A catering group has been set up to do this.
‘There is a constant effort to buy locally in order to support community members, but also to reduce the toll that transport takes on the environment,” Mentoor explains.
Somoho events include a ‘sports against crime” weekend in December. After the group landscaped part of the hill using about 700 tyres, a series of soccer matches between Soweto teams was staged.