Pictured above: (left to right) Corne de Jongh (Trainee), Chriszelda Paulse (Meeting and Events Manager), Robyn Hendrickse (Assistant Front Office Manager) Florencia Louw (Rooms Division Manager), Kelly Alcock (WESSA, Head of Education & Sustainability), Conrad Jonck (Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers, General Manager), Tshidi Notisi (Chief Engineer), Tansneem Jacobs (Senior Sous Chef), Kashief Williams (Head Chef)

The Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers has earned its first Green Key certification, officially joining an international network of more than 8 000 hotels across 90+ countries recognised for environmental responsibility, community upliftment, and sustainable tourism.

“Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers has demonstrated that sustainability and service excellence can go hand in hand,” says Cindy-Lee Cloete, CEO of WESSA. “Their certification reflects an integrated approach, one that connects operational efficiency with social upliftment and environmental care.”

Led by General Manager Conrad Jonck and Environmental Manager Retshidisitswe Notisi, the certification recognises the hotel’s continuous investment in sustainable operations, from water and energy management to staff engagement and impactful community partnerships.

“This certification reflects our team’s deep commitment to creating a more sustainable future for people and the planet,” says Conrad Jonck. “From innovative waste management and water monitoring systems to partnerships that uplift local communities, sustainability has become part of our hotel’s DNA.”

A holistic approach to sustainability

Located in a water-sensitive region, Crystal Towers continues to build on key lessons from Cape Town’s “Day Zero” drought. Its ongoing water-saving interventions and real-time monitoring through the MESH platform allow the team to track consumption, identify anomalies, and manage usage responsibly without compromising guest comfort.

Energy efficiency remains a strategic focus area. By integrating MESH with the hotel’s Building Management System (BMS), the engineering team can analyse energy trends, address irregularities quickly, and drive long-term reductions. Preventative maintenance, including weekly grease filter cleaning and bi-monthly ventilation servicing, supports operational efficiency and improves air quality.

Waste reduction and eco-innovation

The hotel has achieved an impressive 80% reduction in waste to landfill, supported by a strong recycling system and a circular approach that transforms 95% of kitchen food waste into animal feed. Innovations like turning potato peels into snacks for guests show how sustainability can spark creativity in hospitality.

A notable initiative is the adoption of Superthene, a recyclable and photodegradable alternative to cling wrap. This shift significantly reduces single-use plastics, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to environmentally conscious operations.

Enabling people and communities

For Crystal Towers, sustainability extends well beyond environmental practices. Partnerships with organisations such as Khayelitsha Cookies and The Amy Foundation fuel local employment, education, and empowerment.

The hotel has also embedded sustainability into its organisational culture. Regular townhalls and the DLZ learning platform enable staff to co-create solutions, deepening ownership and accountability across all teams.

“Through continuous training, community partnerships, and innovation, the team at Crystal Towers shows that every choice in hospitality can make a difference,” says Kelly Alcock, WESSA Head of Education and Sustainability. “Their leadership inspires others across the sector to follow suit.”

• Read more about Green Key here https://www.wessa.org.za/green-key/.
• Contact Tevya Visser, Senior Sustainable Programme Manager on greenkey@wessa.co.za to get your establishment certified.

WESSA is proud to welcome Bongani Chisale to the team as our new Wildlife Protection Unit Ranger, based at uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve.

Bongani’s journey with WESSA began in 2016 as a student volunteer, and now, nearly a decade later, he joins the organisation as a skilled conservationist with extensive experience in fieldwork, community engagement, and biodiversity protection.

Holding an Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation, Bongani has served in guiding roles at uMhlanga Lagoon and Hawaan Forest, managed invasive species clearing in Cape Town, and led marine education initiatives at the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR). His qualifications include certifications in First Aid, Snake Handling, Veld Fire Management, and Invasive Plant Control.

“Nature is my medication to any illness,” says Bongani. “I’ve always believed in the healing power of the wild and in its ability to re-energise and inspire.”

His first-year goal is to help restore and protect the uMngeni Valley ecosystem while educating communities about the critical role of conservation.

“It’s not just about the work on the ground, it’s about helping people understand what we’re protecting, and why. Education is key to lasting impact.”

Bongani also brings valuable experience from his time patrolling coastal zones with Ezemvelo rangers, monitoring invasive threats, and mentoring youth as part of community-based anti-poaching initiatives.

For aspiring green professionals, Bongani offers simple but powerful advice:

“Get your boots dirty every day, volunteer, log every patrol, every snare, every talk. Data becomes your CV. Stay curious, stay humble, and remember: the rhino you save today might inspire the child who saves the planet tomorrow.”

We’re honoured to have Bongani on board and excited to see the impact he’ll make in protecting South Africa’s biodiversity and connecting people with nature.

Pictured above (left to right WESSA staff) Mike Denison, Cindy-Lee Clote, Kelly Alcock, Lindokuhle Mkhize, Sabelo Sithole

WESSA proudly participated in the Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) Lekgotla, hosted in East London from 24–26 November 2025. The event brought together government, civil society, and technical experts to advance South Africa’s coastal resilience agenda.

Representing WESSA, Kelly Alcock, Head of Education & Sustainability, presented under the theme “Working with Nature: Blue & Green Pathways to Resilience”. She highlighted how Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) can deliver far-reaching economic, social, and environmental benefits.

Kelly also emphasised the role of WESSA’s programmes, from Ecosystem Stewardship and the Circular Economy (Green Hustle) to Coastal Ecosystem Protection and Green Coast, in supporting municipalities to implement sustainable, community-focused coastal projects.

In a session titled “Coastal Concepts to Fundable Projects”, Mike Denison, Coastal Programme Senior Manager, explored how civil society organisations can help translate coastal concepts into fundable and implementable resilience projects.

His presentation focused on partnership models between municipalities, NGOs, and CSOs, and how these collaborations can unlock funding and technical expertise for long-term coastal adaptation.

WESSA extends its gratitude to DFFE, the Eastern Cape Provincial Government, SALGA, the World Bank, PROBLUE and GIZ for hosting a meaningful dialogue and for the opportunity to showcase our work.

 

Pictured above: Shekinah Childcare Facility Principal, WESSA membership and staff (in the red Green Rising t-shirts), and community members

On Saturday, 22 November, the WESSA Durban office, WESSA Membership, and dedicated community members came together at Shekinah Childcare Facility to celebrate World Children’s Day in a meaningful and hands-on way. The church grounds in Chesterville quickly became a hive of activity as volunteers prepared to make a tangible impact.

The day began with a cleanup, where volunteers worked to refresh and restore the surrounding area. The transformation created a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming environment for the children to play, learn, and thrive.

Pictured above: (top) Food Garden with 600 seedlings planted, (bottom) Waste collection and garden

Growing a sustainable future at Shekinah Childcare Facility

At the same time, another group focused on establishing a food garden, an initiative aimed at promoting long-term nourishment, sustainability, and environmental awareness among the children. A total of 600 seedlings were donated and planted, instantly bringing life and colour to the garden beds.

Throughout the day, the atmosphere remained warm and uplifting. The principal of the facility, along with a church representative, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the commitment and hard work poured into the event. Their words emphasised the power of collective action and the enduring difference it can make.

What began as a celebration became a joyful demonstration of community spirit, collaboration, and the shared belief that every child deserves a nurturing environment in which to grow and flourish.

Pictured above: (top) WESSA Staff and Mzuvele learners and teacher rolling up sleeves to clear alien vegetation; (bottom left) WESSA Schools staff hard at work alongside learners; (bottom right) WESSA National Membership Coordinator Clearing helping with the clearing.

On 17 November 2025, the WESSA team joined Mzuvele High School for a hands-on environmental restoration initiative focused on clearing invasive alien plants that had overtaken the school’s food garden. What began as an educational engagement soon grew into a meaningful day of teamwork, leadership, and renewed environmental stewardship.

Understanding the impact of invasive species

The day opened with an informative session highlighting the importance of controlling invasive alien plants and the serious threats they pose to local ecosystems. Learners explored how these species compete with indigenous vegetation, reduce biodiversity, and undermine water and soil health, key concerns for a school that is working hard to maintain a productive food garden.

This learning laid the foundation for the practical work ahead, helping students recognise that caring for the land begins with understanding the challenges it faces.

A collaborative clearing effort with lasting benefits

After the briefing, learners and the WESSA team worked together to clear the affected area. Through shared effort and determination, a total of two hectares were successfully restored, reclaiming vital agricultural space and ensuring the sustainability of the school’s food production efforts.

The clearing session offered more than just environmental benefits. It strengthened learners’ understanding of conservation, nurtured teamwork, and helped them build confidence in their role as young environmental leaders.

Pictured above: Learners doing some heavy lifting

Celebrating environmental leadership

Following the clearing work, Mzuvele High School hosted a special award ceremony honouring Grade 12 Eco Club members for their leadership throughout the year. Their recognition highlighted the ongoing commitment of learners who continue to drive environmental awareness and positive change at the school.

In a meaningful gesture of partnership, WESSA was also awarded a certificate of appreciation for supporting the school’s efforts to promote sustainability and environmental awareness.

Pictured above: WESSA team receives a certification of appreciation by Mzuvele High School staff.

Growing stewardship and climate resilience

This initiative not only restored land and strengthened the school’s food garden, it reinforced learners’ identity as ecological stewards. Their active participation demonstrated how young people can make meaningful contributions to the sustainability and climate resilience of their school and community.

The day stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when environmental education and action come together.

Pictured above: Makgwadiba Primary School Principal, Mrs Linah Malatji shaking hands with WESSA representative, Sabelo Sithole, during the resource hand over.

Through the WESSA & Capricorn District Municipality (CDM) Eco-Schools programme, educators and learners worked together to champion water-wise behaviour and long-term environmental stewardship.

Building Educator capacity for long-term climate resilience (Eco Schools Teachers workshop)

On 10 November 2025, the WESSA team hosted a dynamic teachers’ workshop at Makgwadiba Primary School to conclude this year’s project focused on building climate change resilience through water conservation. The session brought together all the knowledge gained throughout the year, with a strong emphasis on how schools can sustain the momentum moving forward.

Teachers engaged in meaningful discussions on the importance of critically assessing the trade-offs and consequences of resource allocation to maximise objectives, especially when working with limited resources. A key takeaway was the need for transparency, accountability, and the involvement of all stakeholders in decision-making processes ensuring everyone plays a part in achieving shared environmental goals.

One of the highlights of the workshop was welcoming newly joined Eco-Club teachers who were inspired by the ongoing Eco-Schools activities at their respective schools. Participants also took part in an interactive resource allocation simulation, applying their new knowledge to real school scenarios. Their enthusiasm and commitment showcased the growing strength of environmental leadership within the community.

Pictured above: (top) Teachers participating in a resource allocation simulation activity during the Teacher’s workshop session (bottom) Maribe Primary School Eco Club enjoyed our last engagement.

Hands-on water conservation, enabling learners to turn knowledge into daily action

Pictured Above: (left) A learner at Dikolobe Primary School presenting on the importance of rainwater harvesting; (right) Learners at Pulamadibogo Primary School, prepared posters on water conservation and here a learner is seen presenting her poster.

Education sessions were conducted on the 11th and 12th of November across six schools in Turfloop as part of the final engagements with learners for this year’s Eco-Schools project.

These sessions focused on:

• Strengthening learners’ understanding of practical water conservation techniques that can be applied both at school and at home.
• Learners exploring simple yet effective practices such as fixing leaks, using water wisely during daily routines, and adopting methods that reduce unnecessary wastage.

By revisiting the concepts learned throughout the year, the sessions helped consolidate knowledge and highlight the importance of responsible water use.

The overall aim was to reinforce practical approaches to saving water and empower learners to take an active role in safeguarding this vital resource. Through discussions and interactive demonstrations, learners were encouraged to see themselves as key contributors to water conservation efforts within their communities. The sessions emphasised that small, consistent actions such as reporting leaks, reusing greywater safely, or practising mindful consumption can collectively make a significant impact.

As a result, learners left with a renewed sense of responsibility and a stronger commitment to protecting water resources for the future.

A water tank that changes everything

Pictured above: The Makgwadiba Primary School Eco Committee with the newly received water tank.

Makgwadiba Primary School received a much-needed water tank donation after the lack of proper water storage was identified as a key challenge.

The principal and staff expressed their heartfelt gratitude, noting that the tank would make a meaningful difference in the school’s efforts to use water responsibly and sustainably. They highlighted how the donation came at the perfect time, as the school had recently established a food garden to improve nutrition and support feeding programmes.

With the new tank, the school can store rainwater and ensure a steady supply for irrigation, especially during dry periods. This reliable water source is expected to greatly enhance food production, allowing the garden to flourish and ultimately benefit learners through fresh produce and improved food security.