WESSA is pleased to announce the appointment of Morgan Griffiths as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective 1 October 2025.

In his new role, Morgan will take full ownership and accountability for WESSA’s day-to-day operations, ensuring that the organisation continues to deliver on its core objectives – Educate, Advocate, Act. He will work across all WESSA units, including shared internal services, to strengthen alignment, improve operational efficiency, and support the CEO in advancing WESSA’s mission and vision.

This appointment marks an important step in WESSA’s continued evolution as a leading environmental organisation dedicated to advancing sustainability, environmental education, and community empowerment. Morgan’s deep institutional knowledge, strong leadership, and passion for environmental stewardship uniquely position him to guide the operational heartbeat of the organisation.

WESSA’s CEO, Cindy-Lee Cloete, expressed her confidence in the appointment, saying: “I have no doubt that with his history with WESSA and organisational knowledge, Morgan will help all units, and me, drive WESSA forward.”

In addition to overseeing operations, Morgan will represent the CEO at selected external engagements and play a key role in ensuring that all WESSA initiatives remain strategically aligned and impactful, from national programmes such as Eco-Schools, Blue Flag, and Green Key, to internal initiatives that support WESSA’s staff and partners.

Please join us in congratulating Morgan on his new role as COO. We look forward to his leadership as WESSA continues to grow its impact for people and the planet.

September was a month full of action, advocacy, and community engagement for our WESSA members and volunteers. From plant fairs to coastal clean-ups and tree planting, our members have been living out WESSA’s mission to educate, advocate, and act for the environment. Here’s a look at what they achieved:

Arbor Day at Umbogavango Nature Reserve

At Umbogavango Nature Reserve, 50 participants gathered to celebrate Arbor Day —now expanded to National Arbor Week, which takes place annually from 1 to 7 September annually— through a day of education, action, and community spirit. The programme included interactive climate exhibits, engaging talks, and the planting of 15 new trees. Partners were honoured with certificates, and the event closed with a shared meal and a refreshing nature walk, strengthening connections between people and planet.

Plant Fair at Durban Botanical Garden

On 6–7 September 2025, volunteers Lufuno Khabane and Lungelo Mbili represented WESSA at the annual Plant Fair hosted by the Botanical Society (KZN Coastal Branch) at the Durban Botanical Garden. The two-day event featured plant sales, educational booths, and expert talks. Our volunteers played a vital role in networking with attendees and promoting WESSA membership, helping to grow our community of environmental stewards.

International Coastal Clean-Up Day at Beachwood Mangroves

Marking International Coastal Clean-Up Day on 20 September 2025, WESSA members joined forces with local organisations and the North Durban Honorary Officers to tackle litter at Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve. Despite challenging weather, more than 500 participants, including schools and community groups, came together to collect over 1.5 tonnes of trash. The team gathered and analysed over 200 bags of waste, contributing valuable data on the types of litter polluting our coastline. This event continues a proud tradition, with the Honorary Officers leading clean-ups at this site for the past 25 years.

Thank you to all our members and volunteers who gave their time and energy in September. Your efforts continue to inspire positive change and build a more sustainable future for all.

In celebration of Arbor Week 2025, Firgrove Primary School and Kwa-Faku Primary School in the Western Cape proudly participated in the One Million Trees Project — a national greening initiative led by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).

The project set an ambitious goal: to plant one million trees in a single day on 24 September 2025, as part of the broader National Greening Programme, which aims to plant ten million trees over the next five years. Beyond increasing green cover, the initiative is designed to enhance urban spaces, mitigate the effects of climate change, improve food security through fruit and indigenous trees, and inspire community participation in environmental care.

At both schools, groups of enthusiastic learners worked side by side to plant a variety of trees on their grounds. Their efforts contribute directly to the national target while also nurturing a sense of responsibility and awareness about the role trees play in creating a healthier, more resilient environment.

Through this initiative, learners not only planted trees but also planted the seeds of collective responsibility — a reminder that caring for our planet begins with small actions that grow into lasting impact.

Maragon Mooikloof: Tree planting Initiatives and chalk art.

Every year, Arbor Week (1–7 September) provides an opportunity for South Africans to celebrate the vital role that trees play in sustaining life, restoring ecosystems, and building climate resilience. This September, ADvTECH schools once again demonstrated their commitment to environmental education and action by hosting creative, hands-on activities that brought learners closer to nature.

At Maragon Mooikloof, learners combined fun with learning through Arbor Day Bingo, a Chalk Art Competition, and engaging sessions for Grades 8 and 9 on the history and importance of Arbor Week. Each class also planted either a Common Karee or River Bushwillow tree, adding 20 new trees to the school grounds and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

Maragon Olympus: Learners engaged in the significance of Arbor week, tree education and planting.

Maragon Olympus took learning outdoors, with Foundation Phase learners enjoying a school-wide tree hunt, while preschoolers inaugurated a new outdoor classroom, supporting their chosen Eco-Schools theme for the year, ‘School Grounds’. The school planted 15 trees, including five fruit trees, and established two sensory gardens that encourage exploration and reflection. The celebrations concluded with the popular Green Heart Fashion Show, where Grade 7 learners showcased sustainable designs, highlighting the link between creativity and conservation.

Trinityhouse Centurion: Primary school learners showcasing their Arbor week hats and the high school learners launched an ‘Adopt-a-Tree’ programme.

At Trinityhouse Centurion, the week included a recycled-materials Arbor Day hat competition amongst the primary school learners, a tree-planting ceremony, and a guest talk from the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). High school learners also launched an inspiring “Adopt-a-Tree” programme to nurture responsibility for the environment throughout the year.

Through these initiatives, ADvTECH schools are not only cultivating greener campuses but also equipping learners with knowledge and skills to become custodians of our natural heritage. Arbor Week serves as a reminder that every tree planted, every story shared, and every action taken contributes to a more resilient and sustainable future.

Caption: [Right] Mr Ganye in action, [left] and conducting a lesson to his class on the importance of rainwater harvesting.

Mr Ganye, an ECD Practitioner has shown remarkable dedication to his work, consistently going above and beyond to support his learners and the school community. This profile serves as a recognition and appreciation of his commitment, highlighting the valuable role he plays in shaping young minds. In a field often described as female-dominated, his presence and contributions stand out as a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the efforts of individual educators who make a lasting difference.

Q1: How did you first get involved in Early Childhood Development?

Mr Ganye: I began my Educare course in 2022 at Flavius Mareka TVET College. After completing a year and six months of study, I started my practical training at Ntataise Educare Centre, where I gained hands-on experience and began actively engaging with children.

Q2: What are your roles and responsibilities as an ECD Practitioner, and what do you enjoy about it?

Mr Ganye: My role as a practitioner is to teach, observe, and support children, ensuring their holistic development across all areas of growth. Working with children every day brings joy and purpose to the education system. I continue to learn from them, and this reminds me that Early Childhood Development is a powerful force for positive change in education.

Q3: How has being part of the Eco-Schools programme and the N3TC Project developed you personally and professionally?

Mr Ganye: Being part of the Eco-Schools Programme through the N3TC Project has made my work more meaningful and enjoyable. It has strengthened my personal commitment to protecting our world while also giving me practical, simple methods to teach and guide young children about caring for the environment. Professionally, it has deepened my interest in environmental education and equipped me with creative ways to integrate sustainability into my daily teaching practice.

Top: ECD Practitioners at Qalabotjha Creche in action conducting the lesson with the children. Bottom right: Construction of the new tank at Thuto Ke Lesedi Educare Centre; bottom left: Beneficiaries posed for a photo during a recent visit, celebrating Heritage Day.

On the 25^th and 26^th of September 2025, the WESSA team successfully implemented another phase of the project at four ECD schools in Villiers, Free State, with a strong focus on building resilience through water conservation. The programme introduced young learners to the importance of adopting sustainable practices, particularly the use of low-flow plumbing fixtures and good daily water-saving habits. By tailoring the content to an ECD level, the sessions created an engaging learning environment where children could understand the value of protecting water resources in simple, practical ways.

A key highlight of the implementation was the emphasis on rainwater harvesting, especially as the schools prepare for the upcoming summer season. Learners and educators were encouraged to view rainwater as a valuable resource that can supplement daily needs while easing pressure on municipal supply. This practical approach not only equipped the schools with knowledge and skills but also instilled habits of conservation and responsibility, laying a foundation for lifelong stewardship of water resources.

A notable achievement was the installation of a new water tank at Thuto Ke Lesedi Educare Centre, a milestone that has brought much-needed relief to the school community. For a long time, the centre had been struggling with persistent water challenges, which affected daily operations and the well-being of the learners. The new tank now ensures reliable water storage, providing a sustainable solution that supports both teaching and learning while promoting better hygiene and overall school resilience.