Meet Likhona Nqunqa: supporting WESSA’s resource mobilisation efforts through research and purpose-driven partnerships

Meet Likhona Nqunqa: supporting WESSA’s resource mobilisation efforts through research and purpose-driven partnerships

Jun 12, 2026 | News

WESSA is delighted to welcome Likhona Nqunqa as our new Grants Officer within the Philanthropy and Resource Mobilisation Business Unit.

Likhona brings a strong foundation in research, grant development, stakeholder engagement and project coordination. Her experience and commitment to sustainable development will support WESSA’s efforts to mobilise resources for environmental education, conservation and sustainability initiatives across South Africa.

A commitment to community-centred solutions

“I was drawn to WESSA’s commitment to environmental education, conservation and community-centred solutions, which are values that align closely with my own professional journey and long-term aspirations,” she says.

Her career has been shaped by a desire to contribute to evidence-based solutions that create meaningful and lasting impact. She is particularly passionate about sustainable development and youth empowerment.
Bringing a strong research background to WESSA

Likhona holds a Master’s Degree in Development Studies, an Honours Degree in Development Studies and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Nelson Mandela University. She is also currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Cape Town.

Before joining WESSA, Likhona worked as a Research Associate at the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI), where her focus included research, innovation, development and knowledge management.
Her work has included developing funding proposals and financial narratives, conducting high-level research, preparing strategic reports and coordinating conferences and seminars. These skills will be valuable in her new role as she supports WESSA’s resource mobilisation efforts and helps strengthen the organisation’s capacity to deliver impactful programmes.

Likhona has also gained experience through research and internship roles at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), Alberta University and Nelson Mandela University.

Supporting impact through effective resource mobilisation

As Grants Officer, Likhona will play an important role in supporting WESSA’s work by identifying funding opportunities, developing strong grant proposals and helping to build the partnerships that enable environmental programmes to grow. Her combination of research expertise, stakeholder engagement experience and commitment to sustainable development makes her a valuable addition to the team.

Welcome to WESSA, Likhona. We look forward to the contribution she will make as we continue working together as People Caring for the Earth.

Join our Team: Corporate Partnerships Administrator

Join our Team: Corporate Partnerships Administrator

Jun 5, 2026 | Vacancy

Are you passionate about building partnerships that create meaningful environmental impact?

WESSA is seeking a results-driven and relationship-focused Corporate Partnerships Administrator to support the development and management of strategic relationships with corporate partners and sponsors.

This role plays an important part in helping WESSA diversify its income streams while connecting businesses with environmental impact, sustainability goals, and Corporate Social Investment (CSI) priorities.

The successful candidate will support the full corporate partnership lifecycle, from research and prospecting through to proposal support, partner engagement and reporting. Working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders, they will help strengthen and grow WESSA’s network of corporate supporters.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong research, administration and communication skills who enjoys working across business development, fundraising, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement.

The position will be based at one of WESSA’s offices in Cape Town or Johannesburg, with occasional travel required.

Read the full role requirements and apply.

Apply by

Friday, 19 June 2026 (16h00 SAST)

Send your application to

applications@wessa.co.za

Subject line: Corporate Partnerships Administrator

Important to note: Please submit your covering letter, CV and any supporting documentation as a combined, single PDF file.

Strengthening sustainable coastal destinations through action, partnerships and learning

Strengthening sustainable coastal destinations through action, partnerships and learning

May 30, 2026 | News, Uncategorized

Pictured above: WESSA Senior Coastal Programme Manager meeting partners during Control Site visits

From site visits and programme assessments to environmental education and the continued growth of community-based initiatives, WESSA’s Coastal Programme team had a busy month of May supporting safer, cleaner and more sustainable coastal destinations.

Across the country, the team has been conducting control visits at Green Coast sites, Blue Flag marinas and tourism boats. These visits are an important part of maintaining programme standards and ensuring that environmental criteria are being implemented effectively on the ground.

They also provide an opportunity to engage directly with partners, recognise good practices, identify areas for improvement and offer practical support to teams working to strengthen coastal destinations for communities, visitors and future generations.

Supporting coastal sites through practical engagement

Control visits play a key role in helping sites maintain the standards linked to WESSA’s coastal programmes.

By assessing how criteria are being applied in practice, the Coastal Programme team can support partners in building more sustainable, well-managed and environmentally responsible coastal spaces.

The month of May also saw continued growth in the Stop the Strangle initiative, with new sites joining the programme. The initiative is steadily moving towards its target of 100 Stop the Strangle bins by October, thanks to the Ford Wildlife Foundation, helping to expand efforts to reduce fishing-line pollution and protect coastal and marine environments.

 

Pictured above: Ford 100-Bin Relay Project – a Stop the Strangle initiative, powered by Ford Wildlife Foundation

Preparing for the 2026/27 Blue Flag season

Applications for the next Blue Flag season closed in mid-May and are currently being assessed by the Coastal Programme team ahead of the National Jury sitting in June.

Despite severe storms experienced along the coast, municipalities are working hard to repair affected areas and prepare sites for the 2026/27 season.

Their ongoing commitment reflects the value of collaboration in maintaining high standards and ensuring that coastal destinations remain safe, accessible and environmentally sustainable.

Building the next generation of coastal leaders

Pictured above: Online training session with students from the University of Zululand, in collaboration with the WESSA Education Unit from Twinstreams

In addition to the team’s on-the-ground work, WESSA hosted an engaging online training session with students from the University of Zululand, in collaboration with our Education Unit team from Twinstreams.

The session, titled “Charting a Sustainable Course for Coastal and Marine Tourism,” explored how certification can be used as a strategic tool for destination management.

Students were introduced to a range of internationally recognised eco-labels and certification initiatives, including:

  • Blue Flag beaches
  • Pilot Blue Flag sites
  • Tourism boats and marinas
  • The Green Coast eco-label for emerging and less-developed coastal sites
  • Green Key awards

The session was well received by students and lecturers, sparking meaningful discussions and new ideas around coastal sustainability and marine tourism.

WESSA is continuing conversations with the students to explore how some of these concepts and opportunities can be developed further.

Working together for healthier coastlines

From supporting municipalities and coastal partners to expanding pollution-reduction initiatives and engaging future environmental leaders, the Coastal Programme continues to demonstrate the value of practical action and collaboration.

These efforts help strengthen destinations, protect coastal environments and build a shared commitment to more sustainable coastlines.

Join our Team: Project Manager Socio-Economic Development (Western Cape & Northern Cape)

Join our Team: Project Manager Socio-Economic Development (Western Cape & Northern Cape)

May 29, 2026 | Vacancy

Are you passionate about community development, sustainability, and creating meaningful environmental and social impact? WESSA is seeking a skilled and results-driven Project Manager: Socio-Economic Development (SED) to support the implementation and management of community-based socio-economic and environmental programmes in the Western Cape and Northern Cape.

This role focuses on supporting the development of community Eco Hubs, sustainable agriculture initiatives, food security programmes, and livelihood projects that empower communities while contributing to long-term environmental sustainability.

The successful candidate will coordinate and oversee project implementation across multiple sites, manage stakeholder engagement, and support monitoring, reporting, and donor compliance processes. Working closely with municipalities, communities, NGOs, funders and strategic partners, the role will help strengthen WESSA’s impact through practical, community-driven initiatives.

This is a hands-on role suited to someone with strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills, who is comfortable managing multiple projects, building partnerships, and working closely with communities.

The position is ideal for someone who is passionate about sustainable development and enjoys working in dynamic, impact-driven environments that combine environmental and socio-economic outcomes.

The individual will be based at WESSA’s Cape Town office in Bellville, with frequent travel to other areas including the Central Karoo.

Read the full role requirements here and apply.

Apply by

Wednesday, 10 June 2026 (16h00 SAST)

Send your CV and motivation letter to

applications@wessa.co.za

Subject line: Project Manager – Western Cape & Northern Cape

Important to note: Please submit all documents (cover letter, CV and supporting materials) in a single PDF document.

Join our Team: Project Coordinator – Socio-Economic Development (SED) Western Cape

Join our Team: Project Coordinator – Socio-Economic Development (SED) Western Cape

May 29, 2026 | Vacancy

Are you organised, community-driven, and passionate about supporting projects that create meaningful social and environmental impact? WESSA is seeking a reliable and proactive Project Coordinator: Socio-Economic Development (SED) to support the coordination and implementation of community-based socio-economic and environmental programmes across the Western Cape and Northern Cape.

This role focuses on providing essential coordination, administrative, and logistical support to projects linked to community Eco Hubs, sustainable agriculture initiatives, and livelihood programmes operating across multiple sites.

The successful candidate will support project implementation, stakeholder engagement, logistics coordination, reporting, and day-to-day operational activities. Working closely with communities, municipalities, NGOs and project partners, the role will help ensure projects are effectively coordinated and supported on the ground.

This position is well suited to someone with strong organisational and administrative skills, who enjoys working in dynamic, community-focused environments and is passionate about sustainable agriculture and environmental impact.

The role also requires strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including professional proficiency in both Afrikaans and English, due to regular engagement with Afrikaans-speaking communities and stakeholders.

This is a remote role, with the successful candidate based in Laingsburg, Central Karoo, with travel to other project areas as required.

Read the full role requirements here and apply

Apply by

Wednesday, 10 June 2026 (16h00 SAST)

Send your CV and motivation letter to

applications@wessa.co.za

Subject line: Project Coordinator: SED – WC

Important to note: Please submit all documents (cover letter, CV and supporting materials) in a single PDF document.

 

eWASA Partnership: Nelson Mandela Bay Schools launch recycling programmes

eWASA Partnership: Nelson Mandela Bay Schools launch recycling programmes

May 25, 2026 | eco-schools, News, Uncategorized

Pictured above: Top left – Launching the recycling programme at GJ Louw Primary School; (top right) Kuyga Primary School learners presenting Trashion creations; (bottom right) Hillside Technical School receiving their recycling bins and bulk bags; (bottom left) Abraham Levy Primary School Eco-committee with their recycling bins & bulk bags

What happens when learners are encouraged to see waste differently?

Across 10 schools in Nelson Mandela Bay, learners and teachers are beginning to explore the answer: waste can be separated, recycled and even transformed into something new.

From 18–21 May 2026, WESSA and eWASA launched school recycling programmes at these Eastern Cape schools:

  1. Kuyga Primary School
  2. David Livingstone High School
  3. Westview Special School
  4. Hillside Technical School
  5. GJ Louw Primary School
  6. Abraham Levy Primary School
  7. Chapman High School
  8. Happydale Special School
  9. St Thomas Senior Secondary School
  10. Paterson High School

Learning how recycling begins

 

Pictured above: (top left & right) St Thomas Senior Secondary School with their recycling bins & engaging in a recycling presentation during assembly; (bottom left & right) David Livingstone learners with The Waste Trade Company team & launching their schools recycling programme

The sessions introduced learners and teachers to the recycling process through practical separation-at-source activities. Participants learnt how to correctly separate and sort waste, building the knowledge needed to support more responsible waste management practices at their schools.

Each school received four recycling bins and three bulk bags to help establish its recycling programme.

The Waste Trade Company joined the sessions to explain which materials can and cannot be recycled and how the collection process will work at each school.

Reimagining the value of waste

The Eastern Cape launch also encouraged learners to think creatively about materials that might otherwise be discarded.

During the sessions, The Waste Trade Company showcased upcycled items, including clothing, fashion accessories and toys made from waste materials. These examples helped learners see that waste is not only an environmental challenge; it can also be an opportunity for creativity and innovation.

This message was reinforced through the launch of the Trashion Design Challenge, which invites learners to create fashion pieces using recycled waste.

Growing practical environmental action

The school recycling programmes are designed to improve awareness of responsible waste management while giving schools the infrastructure needed to put this knowledge into practice.

By combining education, recycling systems and creative upcycling, the project is helping learners understand that their everyday choices matter. A plastic item, container or piece of discarded material does not always need to become waste. With the right knowledge and systems in place, it can become part of a more sustainable future.