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 | Special

Wessa Times newsletter

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

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Winners of the latest YRE competition announced

Winners of the latest YRE competition announced

May 7, 2025 | News

Meet the incredible young winners of our latest YRE competition!
 
Article Winner
“Stop, it’s not a bin – Illegal Dumping in Danston”
by Gaorekwe Molusi, Dr EP Lehela Secondary School, Northern Cape
 
 
Photo Winner
“The regrowth after a fire on Rondebosch Common”
by Alexandra de Roo, Pinelands High School, Western Cape
 
Photo Winner
 
Video Winner
“Water Scarcity”
by Sphamandla Ngcobo, Mzuvele High School, KwaZulu-Natal
 
Video Winner
(Click the video to watch)
 
Each of these powerful entries has been entered into the national YRE competition, a celebration of youth voices speaking up for the environment.
The Westin Cape Town officially achieves Green Key certification

The Westin Cape Town officially achieves Green Key certification

May 7, 2025 | News

We’re thrilled to announce that The Westin Cape Town has officially achieved Green Key certification, becoming the first Marriott International hotel in South Africa to receive this leading sustainability recognition.
 
This achievement reflects the hotel’s outstanding commitment to energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable sourcing, and community engagement. Their efforts have already saved over 1.4 million litres of water and 170,000 kg of CO₂ emissions -setting a powerful example for the tourism industry.
 
Congratulations to The Westin Cape Town team and welcome to the Green Key family!
OUR CEO, Cindy-Lee Cloete graduates from Wits with distinction

OUR CEO, Cindy-Lee Cloete graduates from Wits with distinction

Mar 28, 2025 | News

It is with much pride that we congratulate our CEO, Ms Cindy-Lee Cloete, on her graduation today from University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. Cindy graduated top of her class with distinction as she successfully completed the Postgraduate diploma in Philanthropy and Resource Mobilisation.

Cindy is an exceptional leader who exercises the importance of continuous learning and knowledge sharing.

Well done Cindy, WESSA is proud of you!

WESSA Policy on Mining & Mineral Resources

WESSA Policy on Mining & Mineral Resources

Dec 9, 2024 | Advocacy, Position papers

Mining is a cornerstone of South Africa’s economy – a major employer, tax contributor, and key driver of energy production.

But it can also bring long-term and often destructive environmental impact. WESSA’s Mining Policy sets a framework for WESSA to engage with current and future mining issues. This includes ensuring that mining and related activities are adequately assessed and mitigated across their lifecycles.

Our aim is not to oppose mining in principle, but to understand its role in climate change and biodiversity loss, to ensure that mining and related activities are fully identified and adequately assessed across their lifecycles, and that the mitigation of detrimental immediate and long-term impacts takes place within reasonable timeframes and by those responsible.

We also call for adequate compliance monitoring by the authorities, and that strong enforcement action is taken when non-compliance is found. This is the only way to ensure responsible environmental practices in mining, in the interest of workers, communities and the sustaining environment.

We also recognise that South Africa has constitutional and moral obligations to protect the environment for current and future generations, that takes into cognisance South Africa’s global responsibilities and commitments, especially with regards to the voluntary commitments made as part of the Paris Convention to reduce GHG emissions, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a commitment to a Just Energy Transition (JET).

Read the full WESSA Policy on Mining & Mineral Resources.

WESSA Policy on Mining & Mineral Resources

WESSA releases mining and energy policies

Dec 7, 2024 | News

The Board has approved two policies, developed by the Environmental Governance Committee and its contributing volunteer experts, to guide WESSA’s engagement and activism concerning current and future mining energy issues.

These policies recognise that the socio-economic and environmental landscapes are complex and so must make space for continuous change and emergence. We recognise that there needs to be some major “transitions”, particularly in how we think about mineral wealth and energy, and the impacts on jobs and livelihoods built around existing activities and systems.

Read our Position Statements.