Lufuno Khabane, joined the WESSA team on 11 August 2025, as our new National Membership Coordinator, where he will play a key role in strengthening and growing our member community across South Africa.

With a BSc in Biodiversity and Conservation from the University of Venda and certification as a Nature Guide (NQF 2) from the Field Guide Association of Southern Africa, Lufuno brings both academic grounding and practical expertise. His career has spanned environmental education, wildlife research, and community engagement, including roles as a Research Technician (Rhino Monitor), Environmental Officer, and Field Guide. These experiences have sharpened his skills in data collection and analysis, public speaking, stakeholder collaboration, and sustainable development.

Lufuno shares that his commitment to environmental stewardship was inspired by firsthand encounters with South Africa’s unique ecosystems and his desire to enable youth and communities to protect their natural heritage. He sees WESSA’s mission — to educate, advocate, and act for environmental and social justice, climate action, biodiversity protection, and pollution reduction in Southern Africa — as perfectly aligned with his own values of conservation, education, and inclusivity.

Beyond his professional experience, Lufuno has been actively involved in leadership roles within UNESCO’s South African MaB Youth Network and various Biosphere Reserves. Through these platforms, he has honed his ability to engage diverse audiences, coordinate youth programmes, and drive impactful environmental initiatives—skills he is eager to apply in expanding WESSA’s membership and community outreach.

Looking ahead, Lufuno’s goal for his first year is to expand youth participation and membership in conservation programmes by developing innovative educational initiatives that connect young people with nature. “I believe empowering the next generation is vital to securing our environmental future and amplifying WESSA’s impact nationally,” he explains.

To young professionals aspiring to build a green career, Lufuno offers this advice:

“Stay curious, patient and resilient. Environmental work is challenging but incredibly rewarding. Remember the words of Baba Dioum: ‘In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.’ Never stop learning and inspiring others.”

We are excited to have Lufuno join the WESSA team and look forward to the passion and fresh perspective he will bring to our work.

August was a month of collaboration, coastal stewardship, and community action for the WESSA Coastal Programme. From national biodiversity planning forums to on-the-ground youth awareness campaigns, our work continues to link people and nature in meaningful ways.  Shore to shore, our work is powered by The Ford Wildlife Foundation.

Amplifying coastal conservation voices

This month, our Coastal programme has contributed to the Addo-Amathole Biodiversity Node Forum and the Marine and Coastal National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. These platforms are critical for ensuring that community perspectives are included in wider biodiversity conservation planning. By amplifying local voices, we aim to build stronger stewardship at community level while enhancing collaboration at national level for resilient coastal ecosystems.

Green Coast communities taking the lead

Across South Africa, Green Coast communities are stepping up as custodians of their local environments. Guided by the programme’s three pillars—awareness raising, active participation, and monitoring—sites have hosted beach clean-ups, coastal health checks, and awareness events.

Communities are also rallying behind the national Stop the Strangle campaign, taking action against ghost gear and marine pollution from the fishing sector. These efforts highlight the essential role of coastal communities in protecting South Africa’s biodiversity and natural heritage.

Meanwhile, the WESSA team has been supporting new Green Coast sites with their 2025/2026 applications and working closely with already awarded sites as they prepare for re-application.

Blue Flag safe and sustainable beaches

Even in winter, the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is alive with activity. Following the spectacular Sardine Run, beachgoers have continued to flock to South Africa’s world-class Blue Flag beaches, a reminder that our coastline is a year-round treasure.

During site visits, the WESSA team experienced the beauty of these beaches and met the lifeguards who keep them safe. Far more than watchful eyes, lifeguards are highly trained professionals who prevent accidents, respond to emergencies, and ensure that families and ocean lovers alike can enjoy the coast with confidence. Their dedication is central to what makes a Blue Flag beach both environmentally exceptional and welcoming.

So, next time you enjoy a Blue Flag beach, take a moment to thank the lifeguards, the quiet guardians of our coastline.

Youth awareness and protection

In August, the Coastal Programmes team partnered with WESSA’s Schools and Youth team, ChildSafe, and other stakeholders to host a youth awareness and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention event.

The initiative responded to the worrying rise in abuse cases linked to institutions of trust, such as churches, where many young people are left without knowledge of where or how to report abuse. The event raised critical awareness around protection, prevention, and support services, while also reminding participants of the deep connection between caring for one another and caring for our environment. Just as nature provides healing and solace, it requires our protection in return.

Intern reflections, building skills for the future

Our interns also had the opportunity to deepen their skills this month through work readiness training, and their reflections highlight the value of pairing technical knowledge with professional growth:

Nokwazi Zulu, Coastal Environmental Management Intern:

 “The work readiness training improved my professionalism, punctuality, accountability, and attitude—skills I apply daily as a Coastal Environmental Management Intern when engaging with colleagues, municipalities, and communities during Blue Flag inspections and awareness initiatives.

It also equipped me with practical tools for conflict management, problem-solving, and adapting to challenges, helping me stay calm and solution-focused in complex situations. In addition, the training strengthened my communication and teamwork abilities, allowing me to adjust my style for different audiences. Overall, it gave me valuable workplace skills that complement my technical knowledge in coastal management.”

Sisikelelwe Zamajama Ngceza, Coastal Environmental Management Intern:

 “The SAWEA Work Readiness Training Programme has helped me a great deal with my professional growth as well as my personal. It has equipped me with much-needed skills in the workplace including proper communication, teamwork, time management and problem solving, all skills that I believe every intern should begin with. I also came to learn a great deal about the workplace culture, professional etiquette, and expectations of the employers. Not only is the programme going to help me boost my confidence when interacting with colleagues and supervisors as a Coastal Environmental Management intern, but it will also help me become more flexible to work in various working conditions. 

Overall, the training gave me more confidence in my role, which will help me work more efficiently and effectively.”

Their experiences remind us that investing in the next generation of environmental leaders is as important as the conservation work itself.

Together, these efforts—by communities, lifeguards, partners, and interns—showcase the heart of WESSA’s Coastal Programme: enabling people to protect and celebrate our coasts for generations to come.

[Images left: Trashion Show First Place Winner at Diepsloot West Secondary School; (top right) Students learning about the importance of biodiversity at Interwaste; (bottom right) Itirele Zenzele Comprehensive School participating in the waste excursions at the Interwaste facilities in Germiston, Gauteng]

August was a month of creativity, learning, and impact as learners took centre stage in celebrating both Women’s Day and National Water Week through the eWASA & WESSA SA Schools Waste Management and Recycling Project.

Turning waste into wearable art

Two Trashion Shows brought classrooms to life at Diepsloot West Secondary School (8 August, themed around Women’s Month) and Masisebenze High School (22 August, themed for World Water Week). These unique events gave learners the chance to transform waste into bold, wearable art while sparking important conversations about consumer culture, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.

The creativity and confidence on display were inspiring, young people proudly showcased their designs while leading their peers and communities in rethinking waste and its potential.

Pictured: Runner Up, Trashion Show at Diepsloot West Secondary. (middle and right) Innovative designs created by learners at Dieplsoot West Secondary School)

Learning beyond the classroom

Education extended beyond the runway with excursions to the Interwaste facilities on 19–20 August, where learners experienced the full journey of waste. From sorting and recycling to exploring waste-to-energy processes, these excursions offered a first-hand look at how everyday waste can be repurposed into new materials or even transformed into energy. For many learners, seeing waste in this new light was a true eye-opener.

Pictured: Students from eWASA Eco-Schools learning about the waste management and recycling process at Interwaste (bottom left) Students learning about waste to energy processes at Interwaste (bottom right) Diepsloot Secondary at the Interwaste Facilities]

Collaboration and support

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the eWASA team for their ongoing support of the Trashion Shows, and to Interwaste for opening their doors to learners and creating such engaging, educational experiences.

Together, these initiatives are not only empowering the next generation of environmental stewards but also showing how creative education can drive meaningful change in our communities.

Pictured: The eWASA team celebrating a successful Trashion show with the winners at Diepsloot West Secondary School]

[Images from left, top to bottom: Learner from Crawford International North Coast planting spekboom with Restore Africa; Elephant Day Eco Art Murals at The Bridge School Morningside; Learners at Crawford International La Lucia with Binny, the recycling mascot; Young learners at Crawford International Bryanston participating in science week experiments; Owl Day arts and crafts activities at South Downs College]

August was a month of learning, creativity, and community action across ADvTECH schools, as learners embraced the spirit of National Science Week and linked it with meaningful environmental and outreach activities. From experiments that sparked curiosity, to projects that built food gardens and celebrated our natural heritage, the initiatives reflected how education can be both fun and impactful.

Science sparks curiosity

At Crawford International Bryanston, Science Week came alive with hands-on experiments designed to ignite curiosity and demonstrate real-world connections. Learners discovered how science shapes everyday life, making the subject practical, exciting, and accessible.

Young learners at Crawford Interantional Bryanston participating in Science Week activities

Creative recycling with Buddy the PET Fish

At Crawford La Lucia, learners welcomed Buddy the PET Fish, a superhero mascot leading a recycling awareness drive. With the support of Alpla, Re Purpose, and Polyco, the initiative turned waste separation into a fun experience. Learners “fed” Buddy with plastic bottles and enjoyed dancing alongside Binny the Recycling Mascot, embedding memorable lessons on recycling and responsibility.

Crawford International La Lucia recycled plastic bottles with Buddy, the superhero PET Fish

Planting seeds of change

Meanwhile, at Crawford North Coast, learners embarked on a heartwarming outreach project at uMusa Crèche in Mandeni. Partnering with the Santa Shoebox Project and Restore Africa Foundation, they planted vegetable gardens, painted the crèche, and created a spekboom garden – cultivating sustainability, food security, and a brighter learning environment for young children.

Celebrating our natural world

In a spirit of environmental celebration, Southdowns College Pre-Primary hosted Owl Day, filled with themed dress-up, creative cookie decorating, and fascinating owl facts that captured learners’ imaginations. At The Bridge Morningside, Elephant Day was celebrated with songs, art, storytelling, and eco-art crafted from bottle caps, sparking conversations about conservation and the importance of our natural heritage.

Together, these activities highlight how ADvTECH schools continue to nurture learners who are curious, creative, and committed to building a better world.

On August 20, 2025, Cape Recife High School in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, hosted its highly anticipated Upcycling Competition, bringing together students, faculty, and community members to celebrate creativity and sustainability. This event aimed to inspire participants to transform discarded plastic items into innovative creations, showcasing the importance of environmental consciousness in our daily lives.

UNEP Tide Turners Plastic Design Challenge Project

Grade 8 and 9 learners have been taking part in the UNEP Tide Turners Plastic Design Challenge Project since the start of 2025. The students then displayed their remarkable projects that not only highlighted the endless possibilities of upcycling single-use plastics but also showcased their incredible creativity. Participants were encouraged to use materials that would typically be thrown away, such as plastic bottles, straws, old clothing, and other discarded items, to turn ‘trash into treasure.’

Participants showcased their entries, which the WESSA judges evaluated and assessed across various categories, including:

1. Creativity & Innovation
2. Sustainability & Impact
3. Feasibility & Functionality
4. Presentation & Communication
5. Collaboration & Teamwork

The creativity on display was truly inspiring, with students thinking outside the box and pushing the boundaries of traditional crafting.

Community Spirit

Students rallied for support from family, friends, and on the day teachers and parents visited the exhibition to view the creations, fostering a strong sense of community spirit. Attendees enjoyed viewing the creations and learning more about the importance of sustainable practices in an engaging and fun atmosphere, gaining insights into the school’s initiatives.

The UNEP Tide Turners Plastic Design Challenge not only provided a platform for students to showcase their talents but also served as an educational opportunity. Learners completed their creation as part of their Arts & Culture subject. Throughout the event, participants and attendees learned about the impact of waste on the environment and how upcycling can contribute to a more sustainable future.

The success of this year’s Design Challenge Showcase has motivated Cape Recife High School to consider making it an annual event. With growing interest in sustainability and creative expression among students, future competitions promise to be even more ambitious and innovative.

The event was a resounding success, highlighting the creativity and resourcefulness of Cape Recife High School students. Congratulations to all participants for their hard work and ingenuity! Together, we can continue to inspire a culture of sustainability and responsibility within our community.

Let’s keep the momentum going and turn our waste into wonderful creations!