[HWPL]

[HWPL] HWPL's Environmental Clean-Up in South Africa

Chairman ManHee Lee is the head representative of the global peace organization HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), which is striving for the enactment and implementation of the international peace law 'Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)'. The  DPCW is a legal instrument comprised of 10 articles and 38 clauses that can end wars and hostilities throughout the world. HWPL is also spreading a culture of peace and implementing peace education.

Chairman ManHee Lee experienced the cruelty and tragedy of war as a veteran of the Korean War. This is one of the reasons why he founded a global peace campaign as the head of HWPL. He has traveled the globe more than 35 times to meet and persuade politicians, legal experts, journalists, professors, peace activists, civil organization leaders, heads of tribes and others to unite them for the work of peace. The significant fruits borne out of his hard work are the World Alliance of Religions' Peace (WARP) Summit and HWPL Peace Committee. The DPCW was drafted and finalised by the HWPL Peace Committee.

How, you may wonder, do I know this? About 10 years ago, when I had just been discharged from military service, I came to know HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee while researching the topic of civil conflicts to satisfy my curiosity in ongoing global issues. At that time, the island of Mindanao in the Philippines was suffering from a major civil conflict that lasted more than 40 years, and Chairman ManHee Lee and HWPL resolved this conflict through non-violent means.

Chairman Lee brought an end to the conflict in Mindanao by holding a peace talk between the warring Catholic and Islamic groups. Before the talk, HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee held a Peace Walk to spread the culture of peace in Mindanao with the many locals who had gathered out of a desire for peace.

Chairman ManHee Lee's pressing appeal today is that humanity unites for sustainable peace in order to pass on the legacy of peace to future generations worldwide. He doesn't just talk peace, but has worked tirelessly for it through practical peace campaigns for over a decade.

I decided to become a supporter of HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee's peace initiatives because I also desire a world of peace for all posterity.

Today I'd like to introduce an article regarding HWPL's Environmental Clean-Up in South Africa

‘Peace My City,’ Environmental Clean-Up Held in Bonteheuwel, Cape Town

South Africa has been facing a severe gun violence crisis, with more than 7,500 people killed by firearms in just one year, from 2022 to 2023. One of the hardest-hit areas is Bonteheuwel, a community created through forced relocations during apartheid, which still suffers from illegal gun trafficking and high crime rates.

To address these challenges, HWPL and IPYG launched the ‘Peace My City – Creating Gun-Free Communities’ program, implementing citizen engagement initiatives to build a safer, peaceful Bonteheuwel in Cape Town. Local youth organizations, in collaboration with IPYG, have actively contributed ideas and participated from planning to implementation, continuing to engage in meaningful grassroots action.

On May 24th, HWPL, IPYG, and IWPG conducted an environmental clean-up volunteer activity in Bonteheuwel, Cape Town, as part of the ‘Peace My City’ program. The event was especially meaningful as it also commemorated the 12th anniversary of HWPL’s Declaration of World Peace.

▲ Environmental Clean-up Volunteer Activity

The clean-up took place at the former Bonteheuwel High School sports ground, where approximately 90 local residents and youth volunteers transformed neglected areas near the walking routes of two primary schools and a high school. Participants collected about 200 trash bags, contributing significantly to improving the local environment. The event began with prayers from Muslim and Christian representatives, while Cape Town’s mascot ‘Bingo Bin’ visited to cheer on the volunteers. Equipment and refreshments used during the activity were generously provided by the city council, district office, and local organizations, demonstrating powerful community solidarity.

▲ ‘Bingo Bin’, the mascot of Cape Town

“Though this area still bears the scars of apartheid, courageous people must lead the way for change. It is crucial to teach children why a clean environment matters,” said Aziz Hartley, former editor of Cape Argus, who shared the meaning behind participating in the ‘Peace My City’ initiative.

“This event was much needed. While the community may contribute to the problem, taking action ourselves is peace in practice. A clean environment is a peaceful environment,” said Soraya Salie, founder of the Bonteheuwel Walking Ladies Foundation.

▲ Promotional Booth for ‘Peace My City – Creating Gun-Free Communities’

A significant milestone was marked during the event as HWPL South Africa, the Cape Town City Council, and the district office signed an official partnership to implement the ‘Peace My City’ program at the local level.

The dedication and actions of local youth to care for their community and practice peace went beyond a simple clean-up—it became meaningful change co-created by young people and residents, marking a valuable first step toward lasting peace. IPYG will continue to expand its efforts to establish the ‘Peace My City – Creating Gun-Free Communities’ program as a sustainable and community-rooted peace movement.

HWPL Official Homepage

https://www.hwpl.kr/language/en/home-hwpl-_en/