Across South Africa, community spaces are more than just patches of land or playgrounds they are symbols of shared hope, belonging, and care. But when these spaces fall into neglect, they often mirror a fading sense of unity. That is where Retsa Tsela steps in, not only to clean, but to rebuild pride, building tomorrow and creating an impact that matters.

Recently, the NWU Student Campus Council (SCC) and our beloved Eagi joined hands with Retsa Tsela to help them grow their reach and continue their work of hope, contributing R30 000 toward the organisation’s mission. This act of generosity reflects the heart of NWU, leadership through service and collaboration.

It all started with one spade, one shovel, and one wheelbarrow. That is how project manager and founder Peterson Sebati describes his journey to starting Retsa Tsela, a non-profit organisation founded in Potchefstroom and dedicated to restoring public spaces and fostering community responsibility.

The name, meaning “Save the Road” or “Keep the Path,” perfectly captures its mission to guide communities back toward collective stewardship and sustainable living. What began as a small local clean-up has grown into a grassroots movement that inspires people to stand up and be the change they wish to see, a living example of unity in action.

For Retsa Tsela, cleanliness is not just about appearances, it is about dignity, safety, and pride. The project focuses on reclaiming abandoned public areas that have become dumping grounds, transforming them into safe, eco-friendly spaces once again. Volunteers have renovated schools, repainted bathrooms, and supported elderly residents by maintaining their surroundings. Each restored space tells a story of transformation and is proof that small acts of service can create ripples of lasting change.

At the heart of Retsa Tsela are its people. Peterson and his dedicated team believe that real transformation begins when communities take ownership of their environment.

“Hope that is lost can be hope rekindled,” Sebati often says, a reminder that every clean-up is more than physical work; it’s a step toward rebuilding identity and hope.

Through training, mentorship, and collaboration, they equip young people with practical skills and a renewed sense of civic responsibility, shaping citizens who are literally building tomorrow through their everyday actions. Currently, over thirty volunteers are recruited each month to assist in schools, public areas, and elderly homes. This consistent participation has transformed Retsa Tsela into a model of sustainable community engagement.

Inclusivity remains central to the project. Volunteers come from diverse racial, cultural, and denominational backgrounds, a reflection of South Africa’s unity in action. The project welcomes people with disabilities and creates opportunities for all to contribute meaningfully.

When NWU joined the Retsa Tsela family at Tshupane Primary School in Potchefstroom, it became clear that this partnership was more than symbolic. It brought together two groups of young changemakers, the youth driving Retsa Tsela’s vision and NWU’s own student leaders who embody the spirit of service that defines our university.

In an age where environmental awareness and community cohesion are vital, Retsa Tsela reminds us that change does not need to start big, it just needs to start somewhere.

Eagi and the Retsa Tsela team

Peterson Sebati: Founder of Retsa Tshela and Eagi share a special moment

Michael Wade: SCC Community and Stakeholder Engagement (CSE) officer and Eagi along with the Retsa Tsela team

Ethan Terblanche: Marketing and Student Recruitment, Peterson Sebati: Founder of Retsa Tshela, Eagi and Michael Wade: SCC Community and Stakeholder Engagement (CSE) officer.