Environmental responsibility took practical shape in Boitekong, Northwest, as Green Rising events brought together local partners and community members on 20 and 21 April 2026 to tackle illegal dumping, restore degraded spaces and encourage collective action for cleaner, healthier communities.

Hosted in Boitekong Extension 8 and Extension 6 outside Rustenburg, the initiatives formed part of ongoing efforts to address waste challenges while promoting environmental awareness and community responsibility. The events were held in partnership with WESSA, Rustenburg Local Municipality, Letlotlo Recyclers and Phepafatso Group, with participation from community members and local non-profit organisations, Rescue Nature and Legae La Rona.

From dialogue to action

The programme began with dialogue around the causes of waste, its impact on communities and the environment, and the important role that all stakeholders can play in creating lasting solutions.

Letlotlo Recyclers also presented on their work, highlighting how communities can reduce the amount of waste sent to dumping sites through recycling, while also creating opportunities to generate income.

This conversation helped set the tone for the clean-up activities that followed, shifting the focus from awareness to practical, visible action.

Cleaning and restoring Boitekong Extension 8

On 20 April, the clean-up in Boitekong Extension 8 focused on illegal dumping sites outside Letsibogo Primary School, as well as the wetland and green belt area surrounding the school.

Attendees were divided into groups to target the affected areas, while Rustenburg Local Municipality’s waste unit supported the clean-up with heavy machinery, including a tractor loader-backhoe and tipper truck. This support was especially important in areas where waste was mixed with mud and difficult to access or remove.

After the clean-up, the area was rehabilitated through the planting of indigenous vegetation. River bush willow, karee, white stinkwood and wild olive trees were planted for their suitability to the region, as well as their ability to provide shade and act as windbreakers. Spekboom was also planted around the trees, offering a low-maintenance option that requires less water.

The Extension 8 event brought together 36 attendees, with 42 tons of waste collected, 20 trees planted, 15 spekboom planted and four hectares addressed.

Reclaiming public spaces in Extension 6

On 21 April, the focus moved to Boitekong Extension 6, where two heavily dumped sites were identified: one near the sports ground and another approximately a kilometre away, next to Boitekong High School.

The dumping had contributed to degradation in the area, with livestock such as goats and pigs seen feeding on the waste. The waste piles also blocked access to the sports field, while broken glass raised safety concerns for young people using the area for recreation. Around Boitekong High School, the dumping site had also become a breeding area for rodents, affecting the neighbouring community and school environment.

A clean-up campaign was conducted at both sites, followed by rehabilitation through tree and spekboom planting. Spekboom was included for its important environmental role, including its ability to sequester large amounts of carbon dioxide.

The Extension 6 event saw 120 attendees take part, with 66 tons of waste collected, 16 trees planted, 10 spekboom planted and 2.6 hectares addressed.

Communities caring for the Earth

Across the two days, the Green Rising Earth Day activities in Boitekong mobilised 156 attendees, removed 108 tons of waste, planted 36 trees and 25 spekboom, and contributed to the rehabilitation of 6.6 hectares.

More than a once-off clean-up, the events demonstrated what is possible when municipalities, local organisations, recyclers and communities work together to restore shared spaces and build a stronger culture of environmental responsibility.

Through Green Rising, WESSA continues to support practical community action that helps young people and local stakeholders respond to environmental challenges where they live, learn and gather.

On 22 April 2026, the University of the Western Cape (UWC) celebrated Earth Day by showcasing the power of collective environmental stewardship. Staff and students from across all faculties dedicated time to care for the university’s treasured campus nature reserve, demonstrating a shared commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and community action.

The event, organised by WESSA in partnership with the UWC Nature Reserve Unit, was conducted over two sessions: the first welcomed 28 participants, while the second engaged 76 participants.

Throughout the day, participants cleared firebreaks, removed litter, and took part in a guided walk that highlighted the ecological significance of the Cape Flats Nature Reserve. Their efforts not only improved the reserve’s condition and preparedness for a planned controlled burn but also provided an opportunity for the UWC community to connect with nature and deepen their understanding of campus biodiversity.

The two-hour initiative achieved impressive results:

• 7.1 kg of litter removed from the reserve
• 210 metres of vegetation cleared to establish a vital firebreak
• 5 bakkie loads of cut vegetation removed from the site

Students described their experiences as meaningful, rewarding, and empowering:

• “I really enjoyed it. It’s really fun knowing that I’m part of a cause for a big change.”
• “I joined because I wanted to make a positive impact on this day. We should make everyday Earth Day!”
• “You won’t experience things like this often unless you actively say yes to them. It was a great opportunity to clear my head.”
• “It’s important for us as students to participate in everything that makes UWC what it is. It’s great life experience to broaden what we engage in.”

This Earth Day initiative underscored that environmental conservation starts at home — in this case, right on campus. Through collaboration, awareness, and hands-on action, UWC staff and students demonstrated that small efforts can lead to lasting impact.

WESSA’s Schools and Youth Project Manager for the Western Cape, Sharnay Wagner, remarked, “Earth Day moments like these remind us that meaningful environmental change begins with people showing up and taking action. Seeing over 100 members of the UWC community actively care for their natural space is a powerful example of how collective effort can restore and protect biodiversity where it matters most – right on our doorstep.”

As UWC continues to champion sustainability, this successful Earth Day event stands as an inspiring example of what can be achieved when a community comes together for nature.