Protea Hotel by Marriott Breakwater Lodge joins the Green Key hospitality network

Protea Hotel by Marriott Breakwater Lodge joins the Green Key hospitality network

Jun 17, 2025 | Green Key, News

Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge has officially joined the ranks of Green Key certified hotels and it’s easy to see why.

This popular V&A Waterfront destination has embraced sustainability in ways that are both guest-facing and operationally impactful.

Key highlights include:

  • A bokashi composting system that saved 30.3 tonnes of CO₂e in 2024 – the equivalent of planting 1,375 trees.
  • Introduction of a 100% plant-based menu, reducing the hotel’s culinary carbon footprint.
  • A beautiful indigenous water-wise garden, supporting biodiversity and eliminating invasive species.
  • Coffee grounds upcycled into free natural fertiliser for guests.
  • In-house herb garden, fed by compost and used in daily cooking.

According to General Manager Colin Naiker, “From composting to plant-based menus and water-wise gardens, it’s rewarding to see our daily efforts recognised. Sustainability isn’t an add-on, it’s a shared goal that’s part of how we work, host, and serve every day.”

This Green Key certification journey has proven that with the right people, every hotel can go green and grow stronger in the process. It signals a deep commitment to sustainability without compromise.

Reach out to learn more about how your establishment can get certified by WESSA.

Tevya Visser
Senior Sustainable Programme Manager
E-mail: greenkey@wessa.co.za

OR Tambo Protea Hotel Sets Sustainability Benchmark with Green Key Certification

OR Tambo Protea Hotel Sets Sustainability Benchmark with Green Key Certification

Jun 12, 2025 | Green Key, News

We’re proud to announce that Protea Hotel by Marriott OR Tambo Airport is officially Green Key certified, becoming the first Protea Hotel in Sub-Saharan Africa to receive this globally recognised eco-label.

Green Key is more than a symbol. It’s a rigorous standard for environmental excellence in the hospitality industry, and OR Tambo Protea Hotel passed with flying colours.

Behind every Green Key certification is a dedicated team and at Protea Hotel by Marriott OR Tambo Airport, sustainability is not just policy, it’s a culture. From the front desk to the kitchen, sustainability is woven into daily staff meetings and decision-making. The hotel’s team didn’t just meet the standard they shaped it, with a holistic approach. Among its most notable achievements:

  • 91% LED lighting coverage – nearly double the Green Key requirement.
  • Over 15,700 kg of food waste diverted from landfill.
  • Installation of an on-site bokashi composting system, advancing circular food waste solutions.
  • Daily staff eco-briefings and integrated sustainability across all operations.
  • Deep-rooted community outreach – including soup kitchens, mattress donations, and blood drives.

As CEO of WESSA, Cindy-Lee Cloete, put it, “This isn’t just about ticking boxes. This is responsible tourism in action, led by teams that live sustainability every day.”

Learn more about Green Key.

Join our team: National Membership Coordinator vacancy at WESSA

Join our team: National Membership Coordinator vacancy at WESSA

May 26, 2025 | Vacancy

Are you an enthusiastic, highly organised individual that wants to support and grow WESSA’s national volunteer and membership activities across South Africa?

This full-time, three-year role is based in Glenwood, Durban, and will work closely with WESSA’s Membership and Volunteers Committee to coordinate impactful member-led projects, build relationships, and grow our national network of volunteers. This is a people-focused, purpose-driven opportunity ideal for someone who thrives on collaboration, communication, and environmental action.

You will be involved in coordinating volunteer programmes, supporting WESSA member-led Friends Groups and Conservancies, arranging national meetings and webinars, and helping to drive membership growth, youth involvement, and citizen science initiatives.

If you’re a confident communicator with a background in environmental or social development work, strong project management skills, and a passion for supporting community-based action, this opportunity is for you!

Read the full role requirements and apply.

Apply by: 16H00 SAST; 10 JUNE 2025

Send your CV and motivation letter to:applications@wessa.co.za

Subject line: National Membership Coordinator [2025].

Important to note: Please submit all documents in a single PDF document.

Join our team: Education Centres Manager vacancy (KZN) at WESSA

Join our team: Education Centres Manager vacancy (KZN) at WESSA

May 21, 2025 | Vacancy

WESSA is looking for a dynamic and experienced leader to manage and grow our environmental education centres in KwaZulu-Natal.

Based at uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve in Howick, this leadership role oversees operations and programme delivery at three iconic centres: uMngeni Valley, Twinstreams (Mtunzini), and Treasure Beach (Durban Bluff).

As Education Centres Manager, you’ll be responsible for leading a high-performance team, developing, and growing outdoor learning programmes, managing budgets and centre operations, and building strong relationships with clients, partners, funders, and communities.

This is a rare opportunity to combine education leadership with environmental impact, helping us inspire the next generation of environmental champions while supporting WESSA’s mission to educate, advocate, and act for people and the planet.

If you have a BSc, PGCE or BEd qualification, 8+ years of experience in environmental or outdoor education, and a passion for team leadership and programme development, we’d love to hear from you.

Read the full role requirements here.

Apply by: 12h00/ midday SAST, 8 June 2025

Send your CV and letter of motivation to: applications@wessa.co.za.

Subject line: Education Centres Manager KZN – 2025. Important to note: Please submit all documents in a single PDF document.

WESSA Times Issue 4, is out! Discover the stories rooted in action.

WESSA Times Issue 4, is out! Discover the stories rooted in action.

May 16, 2025 | News

South Africa’s environmental changemakers are leading the way and you’re invited to read their stories.

Our 4th edition of the WESSA Times is packed with inspiring stories of local action making a lasting impact. From learners restoring wetlands and planting indigenous gardens to communities turning schools into citizen science hubs, this is environmental leadership in Action!

Our CEO, Cindy-Lee Cloete shares deep insights into WESSA’s new strategic focus called the ‘Leopard Strategy’, sharpening our commitment to climate action, biodiversity protection, and citizen-led advocacy.

In this edition, you’ll meet Lindelani Maraganedzha, whose tree-planting work is transforming schools and communities; and Louisa Stroebel, a teacher turning environmental learning into lifelong leadership.

Learn more about our WESSA members walking the Hawaan Forest. A gathering to celebrate decades of conservation and this story is proof that volunteer action creates lasting impact.

We also share updates on our project with UNICEF, and the results showcasing 35,000 youth across four provinces are stepping up to protect our water across South Africa.  As part of our Green Key Programme, we spotlight The Westin Cape Town, the first Marriott hotel in South Africa to achieve Green Key certification, and our awards season highlights over 350 Eco-Schools that WESSA recognised for driving sustainability in education.

Thanks to the Ford Wildlife Foundation, our coastal programmes team has been going from shore to shore supporting beach cleanups and connecting ocean conservation with communities. And gain insights from our interns on their green career pathways.

Every story shows how local action is growing ripples of change across South Africa.

Get Inspired. Get Involved.

Read the full edition of WESSA Times today and celebrate South Africa’s environmental changemakers.

#PeopleCaringForOurEarth

Click here to read now.

Join our team: Junior Reserve Manager vacancy at WESSA

Join our team: Junior Reserve Manager vacancy at WESSA

May 16, 2025 | Vacancy

WESSA is looking for a hands-on, conservation-minded professional to take on the exciting role of Junior Reserve Manager at our uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal. 
 
This role offers the unique opportunity to live and work on a 900-hectare reserve featuring grasslands, riverine forests, and a network of hospitality and education facilities. You’ll be responsible for overseeing all aspects of reserve management—from biodiversity and wildlife conservation to guest experiences and infrastructure maintenance. 
 
The ideal candidate will bring a blend of operational know-how, strong leadership, and a passion for environmental sustainability. Experience in reserve or farm management, a valid rifle competency certificate, and a hands-on approach to people and property management are essential. 
 
This is more than just a job, it’s a chance to be part of a team dedicated to People Caring for the Earth. 
 
Apply by: 12H00 SAST; 6 JUNE 2025
Send your CV and motivation letter to: applications@wessa.co.za 
Subject line: UNVR Junior Reserve Manager 
 
Read the full role requirements and apply.