WESSA (The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 WESSA Annual Awards, celebrating individuals, organisations, educators, youth and community groups whose work is advancing environmental conservation and education across South Africa.
“These prestigious annual awards recognise exceptional and sustained contributions that go beyond expectation. WESSA aims to recognise those who are not only protecting the environment but actively shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future,” says WESSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Cindy-Lee Cloete.
The awards also serve as a platform to elevate environmental action, inspire broader public awareness, and reinforce the critical role of collective responsibility in caring for the Earth.
A lifetime dedicated to ocean conservation and environmental education
Leading this year’s honours, the WESSA Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 has been awarded to Dr Judy Mann-Lang of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.
Dr Mann-Lang is recognised for her outstanding lifetime contribution to marine research, conservation and environmental education at both national and international levels. Her decades of work – spanning the South African Association for Marine Biological Research and the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation – have played a pivotal role in advancing marine conservation awareness and education.
She has also co-founded influential platforms such as the South African Marine and Coastal Educators Network and Marine Protected Areas Day, helping to shape both public understanding and policy engagement around ocean conservation. Her leadership across multiple scientific and conservation bodies has contributed to transforming the relationship between people and the sea, inspiring long-term behavioural change in favour of protecting marine ecosystems.
WESSA also commends Mr Katot Meyer for his decades-long dedication to clearing invasive alien plants and restoring water flows within the Pietersrivier Nature Reserve, a powerful example of sustained, hands-on environmental stewardship.
Honouring individuals driving national environmental impact
WESSA’s premier individual award for 2025 has been awarded to Dr Crispin Hemson, founder of the Friends of Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve and a long-standing WESSA member.
Dr Hemson is recognised for decades of leadership in environmental stewardship, particularly in mobilising community participation in the rehabilitation and conservation of the Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve. His influence extends into policy, having played a key role in initiating biodiversity conservation commitments within the Durban City Council, contributing to the development of the Durban Metropolitan Open Space System Plan. He is also recognised for his leadership in creating the nexus of environmentalism and non-violent conflict resolution.
WESSA also commends:
- Mr Tshepang Motaung, co-founder of Clean Environment NPO, for advancing waste reduction initiatives in Thembisa.
- Ms Michèle Merrifield, for her dedication to wildlife rehabilitation through the DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage.
Youth leadership inspiring a new generation of eco-guardians
The 2025 Youth Award has been awarded to Ethan Fourie, a 9-year-old learner from Kabega Primary School in Gqeberha, widely known as “The Recycling Kid”.
Ethan has demonstrated extraordinary ability to mobilise both corporates and communities around recycling initiatives, inspiring behavioural change and environmental awareness across the Eastern Cape. His work exemplifies the growing power of youth leadership in driving national environmental action.
WESSA further recognises:
- Mr Lumko Mboyi, for community conservation efforts along the Wild Coast
- Ms Selomina Phekelela for impactful environmental journalism that translates complex issues into public understanding.
Championing environmental education through teaching excellence
The WESSA Teacher of the Year Award 2025 has been awarded to Mr Simangaliso Dhlamini of Shea O’Conner Combined School.
An Eco-Schools leader, Mr Dhlamini is recognised for transforming environmental education into practical, learner-led initiatives that integrate sustainability, entrepreneurship, and food security. His approach demonstrates how education can move beyond theory to real-world application, equipping learners with critical thinking skills and environmental action competence.
WESSA commends Ms Sascha van der Merwe of Waterberg Academy for her outstanding contributions to environmental education and community initiatives.
Corporate leadership advancing sustainable practices
The WESSA Corporate Award 2025 has been awarded to Tenthouse Structures, recognised for embedding sustainability and social responsibility into its operations.
The company’s holistic approach includes reducing carbon emissions, recycling production waste for community benefit, and fostering environmental stewardship through its Made Better Together Foundation and employee volunteer initiatives.
WESSA also commends:
Fatyela Enviro Works, for environmental education and socio-ecological initiatives.
- Love Africa Marketing, for storytelling that amplifies conservation and community impact.
Community groups restoring ecosystems and livelihoods
The WESSA Group Award 2025 has been awarded to Thumela Makhado Adopt a River NPO, based in the Thohoyandou villages in Venda.
Over 15 years, this grassroots organisation has led 45 projects focused on restoring rivers, wetlands and springs – tackling pollution, erosion, invasive species and unsustainable practices. Their work has restored critical water systems while strengthening community participation and demonstrating the power of combining indigenous knowledge with modern conservation methods.
WESSA also recognises the Mosselbank River Conservation Team for their community-driven environmental restoration efforts in Fisantekraal, integrating environmental care with socio-economic upliftment.
Celebrating a collective movement for environmental action
“The 2025 WESSA Annual Awards highlight the breadth and depth of environmental action taking place across South Africa – from grassroots community initiatives to national policy influence, from youth activism to corporate leadership,” adds Cloete.
Together, these awardees represent a powerful collective of people caring for the Earth, demonstrating that meaningful environmental change is driven not by one sector alone, but through collaboration, commitment, and sustained action.
As WESSA continues its mission to Educate, Advocate, Act, the Annual Awards remain a vital platform for recognising those who are leading the way and inspiring others to follow.