Westbury cleaning group grows to 100 volunteers without funding
Pick Squad League, a non-profit group that clears illegal dumping sites in Westbury, Johannesburg, now has about 100 volunteers. Founder Elroy Daniels says it runs on small donations and his own earnings.
Daniels said the group grew from 10 to 20 volunteers to 100 people over time. His right-hand man is Roger Seekoei, known as Oupa Myburgh. Ursula Daniels, known as Aunty Urshy, helped attract volunteers.
Daniels said no funding comes to the group, especially from big organisations. He said political parties and some government organisations contact the group but give little financial support. He said parties should recognise people who already work on problems in their communities, instead of approaching them only when it helps the parties.
Daniels also said some residents have become used to dumping waste when Pickitup does not collect their household waste. He said: "We're doing it with a passion, because if we were waiting for money, we would have dropped out a long time ago."
Key facts
- Who
- Elroy Daniels (founder of the non-profit organisation Pick Squad League); Roger Seekoei (known as Oupa Myburgh, Daniels' right-hand man); Ursula Daniels (known as Aunty Urshy, helped attract volunteers); Pick Squad League (non-profit community cleaning organisation)
- What
- A feature profiles Elroy Daniels and the Pick Squad League, a volunteer group that clears illegal dumping sites in Westbury and surrounding areas, and describes its funding struggles and criticism of political parties and government support.
- When
- 23 October 2026
- Where
- Westbury, Johannesburg
- Status
- Reported