THE Northern KwaZulu-Natal town of KwaHlabisa was this weekend abuzz with activity, with communities planting trees as part of the build-up to the Soccer World Cup.

The main activities also involved the removal of waste in line with the Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development's plan, which seeks to promote, environmental awareness.

Government officials and local leaders donned overalls and joined residents who were removing rubbish from the streets and planting trees around the local soccer field and Intuthuko School for the disabled.

During the event local leaders appealed to the community to be cautious of waste lying around as it contributed to bacterial infections.

"Our people must learn to live in clean places in order to prevent infections," Chief Nonhlanhla Hlabisa said.

"It is important to keep our area clean so that our visitors will be happy and will come back after the World Cup."

Hlabisa also urged community members to support Bafana Bafana since they "will take this country to new height".

Provincial MEC for agriculture, environmental affairs and rural development Lydia Johnson also emphasised the importance of living in a clean environment.

She said this "would help improve the health of people".