On Friday, 18 July 2025, sleeves were rolled up and people that care for the earth gathered in true Madiba spirit to honour the legacy of one of the world’s greatest leaders. Mandela Day continues to be a global call to action and an annual reminder to spend (at least) 67 minutes paying it forward or being or service to those in need, symbolising the 67 years Nelson Mandela dedicated to fighting for justice and equality.

In Durban, this call was met with warmth, purpose, and a powerful show of unity. The WESSA team based in Durban, alongside committed partners from the eThekwini Municipality and the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, rolled up sleeves for a coastal cleanup at Dakota Beach.

As part of #PlasticFreeJuly and WESSA’s #StopTheStrangle campaign, our teams are involved in regular coastal site cleanups, a key action critical in protecting South Africa’s marine life from harmful pollution.

Pictured above: Dakota Beach Cleanup, from left to right: Malixole Buthelezi (Environmental Education Intern); Zamajama Ngceza (Marine and Coastal Intern); Nokwazi Zulu (Marine and Coastal Intern); Lindokuhle Mkhize (Coastal Programmes and Sustainable Tourism Project Manager)

The power of community, compassion, and collective action

In a beautiful extension of service, the team then moved to Sparks Estate Cheshire Home, bringing with them not just donations, but the right tools to create a food garden on-site. WESSA donated vegetable seedlings (cabbage, green peppers, spinach, chillies, onions) and gardening tools to enable recipients to grow and sustain their own vegetable produce for the long term. The Zero Waste Africa team took the lead in educating participants and providing them with practical demonstrations on sustainable gardening practices, including how to create compost using both raw and cooked food waste, and introduced the concept of companion planting to enhance garden productivity. Although WESSA typically provides a similar food garden training component during such initiatives, we are grateful to work with partners to extend the reach and impact. The garden now stands as a living tribute to Mandela’s belief in dignity through self-reliance.

The spirit of giving was felt deeply as various stakeholders also donated essential food items and household goods, bringing hope and joy to the children of Sparks Cheshire Home.

Pictured above: Food and essential donations from stakeholders. Seedlings and gardening tools donated by WESSA.

Pictured above: The WESSA team establishing a food garden at Sparks Estate Cheshire Home

Pictured above: Planting session in progress

WESSA welcomes new Education Centres manager Kristi Garland

WESSA welcomes Kristi Garland back to the team as the new Education Centres Manager, overseeing WESSA’s three environmental education centres in KwaZulu-Natal.

Kristi’s appointment marks a powerful return; she first began her career at WESSA back in 1999 at the Treasure Beach Education Centre. Over the past 25 years, she has built a career rooted in environmental education, managing a centre for 15 years and fostering spaces where young people can connect with the natural world.

“I’ve always been an outdoors person who enjoys sharing and learning about the space around us and the people who inhabit it. Each one of us needs to create a space where learning, exploration, and enjoyment can take place and to nurture that going forward.”

With a strong belief in resilience, collaboration and learner-focused impact, Kristi brings energy and depth to her new role. She sees her return as both a homecoming and a fresh challenge.

“Having been involved in the environmental education sphere for the last 25 years and managed a centre for 15, I believe my experience, tenacity and never-give-up take on life and challenges will stand me in good stead for this amazing challenge ahead with the three education centres in KZN.”

Her top priority is to revitalise the visibility and reach of WESSA’s education centres, expanding access and impact for learners across South Africa.

“I would really want to work with our Education Centre teams and get our WESSA education programmes back on the map, providing good experiences and learning platforms for as many of our young South African learners as possible.”

Kristi’s powerful message for the next generation of green leaders, “Find your passion, what makes you tick and then put your head down and make it a reality.”

We’re excited to welcome Kristi back to the WESSA team as she takes on this pivotal role in shaping environmental education for the future.

WESSA is pleased to welcome Jaco van der Merwe to the team as the new Junior Reserve Manager at uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve.

With more than eight years of experience guiding across South Africa’s game reserves and a background in running conservation and research camps, Jaco brings both deep field knowledge and a passion for meaningful environmental stewardship.

“After viewing the WESSA website, I just knew this is where I should be, amongst others caring for the Earth,” says Jaco. “It’s great to join an organisation where I can help care for conservation in a meaningful way.”

In his new role, Jaco will contribute to the ongoing protection and management of the reserve’s diverse ecosystems while helping enhance the overall visitor experience. With experience in both conservation and construction, he sees unique opportunities to align biodiversity protection with improved infrastructure and accessibility.

“I firmly believe that my love for nature and conservation, combined with my experience in maintenance and construction, will allow me to create an environment that not only protects biodiversity but also enhances the experience for everyone who visits uMngeni Valley,” he says.

Jaco’s top priority for the year ahead is to restore and revitalise the reserve’s chalets, bush camps, and visitor facilities.

“My goal is to create a well-run reserve that leaves every visitor inspired, whether they’re here to learn, explore or simply unwind.”

As someone deeply committed to nurturing future conservationists, Jaco has advice for anyone considering a career in the green sector:

“Follow that dream through to the end. The opportunities to live a more peaceful life and to work with nature are out there waiting for you to make it happen. You just have to show up, work hard, and follow your passion – nature will do the rest.”

We’re thrilled to have Jaco on board and look forward to the energy and expertise he brings to the uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve.