Incoming giant Makro has joined the Quigney renaissance and worked with the community in picking up trash, most of it from revelers.
Quigney’s growing momentum, spearheaded by in daily clean-ups, took on a bright splash of yellow on Saturday, September 27, when the Makro team met up with the Quigney Ratepayers and Residents Association (QRPRA) and everyone enjoyed a spirited beachfront walk, everyone sweeping up the party debris with determination.
Makro went beyond providing extra hands; the wholesaler raised a powerful message about corporate responsibility and support for community pride.
By bringing Makro staff and their families to the heart of Quigney’s beachfront, the company demonstrated a genuine commitment to improving the shared spaces where residents live, work, and relax.
Makro’s Lindokuhle Mtanzi told the GO! their team was on the lookout for meaningful ways to contribute to the communities they serve.
“One of our managers knew about the clean-up drive, and it aligned perfectly with our values around culture and community involvement.
“We see this as more than just volunteering, it’s about collective effort.
“That’s why this initiative resonated with us,” he said.
The effort was intrinsic to Makro’s core identity: “We believe community growth and business growth go hand in hand. When the community thrives, so do we. There’s definite potential for Makro to support clean-up efforts regularly,” he said
For QRPRA leader Satish Nair, Makro’s participation marks a milestone in the suburb’s ongoing revival.
“This collaboration is a rallying call to all Quigney residents and businesses to take ownership of their environment,” Nair said. “Makro’s staff and families volunteering show that caring for the community extends beyond daily life, it becomes a culture.
“Such partnerships inspire others in and beyond Quigney to join in uplifting East London’s Golden Mile [Esplanade].
“The clean, safe spaces we enjoy at the beachfront thanks to these efforts enhance the quality of life for everyone and encourage more residents and businesses outside Quigney to get involved,” Nair said.
Since QRPRA launched its daily clean-up programme in July 2024, local volunteers have been the frontline warriors against litter and neglect.
The arrival of Makro is sign that the efforts of the neighbourhood are gaining strength and credibility.
“This isn’t just about picking up trash,” Nair said.
“It’s about reclaiming our environment, making it welcoming for families, workers and visitors.
“We want everyone to feel ownership over Quigney’s future.”
“Being part of this clean-up effort shows that when businesses engage meaningfully with their communities, great things happen. It encourages ongoing partnerships and initiatives that benefit all,” Mtanzi said.
QRPRA and Makro’s joint efforts lighten a simple truth: when communities and powerful entities in society unite with purpose and care, they can light up their surroundings and improve lives.
