Pictured above: WESSA CEO Cindy-Lee Cloete

(Press release – 8 May 2026)

The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) concluded all provincial awards ceremonies for its 2025 Eco Schools programme end of March this year.

More than 430 schools across South Africa have been recognised for their environmental leadership and measurable sustainability action at the WESSA Eco-Schools Awards 2025, marking a powerful national movement driven by education, youth leadership and community impact.

Across eight provinces – including Gauteng (120+ schools), Free State (134 schools), KwaZulu-Natal (46), Western Cape (31), Eastern Cape (31), Northern Cape (29), Limpopo (24) and Mpumalanga (17) – the awards celebrate schools that are transforming environmental awareness into meaningful, on-the-ground action.

(Pictured above: (clockwise from top) Kwa-Zulu Natal, Mpumalanga, Western Cape, Northern Cape recipients)

Implemented by WESSA (The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa), the Eco-Schools programme continues to demonstrate how education can drive real-world solutions – from water conservation and waste reduction to biodiversity protection and circular economy initiatives.

WESSA CEO Cindy-Lee Cloete positions the Eco-Schools programme within the organisation’s centenary milestone and reinforces its national significance: “In 2026 WESSA celebrates 100 years of citizen action, 100 years of environmental leadership, and 100 years of believing that education is the lever that will make a change in our communities and in our schools. Eco-Schools in South Africa is one of the most impactful environmental education programmes in this country – a teacher movement and a learner-led action campaign.”

Across provinces, a consistent theme emerged: schools are no longer simply learning about sustainability, they are actively shaping it.

(Pictured above: (clockwise from top) Gauteng, Free State, Eastern Cape and Limpopo recipients)

WESSA Head of Education and Sustainability Kelly Alcock highlights the programme’s outcomes-driven impact: “What makes it powerful is not its scale, it is its measurable change. This is education that moves beyond awareness into action.”

Similarly, WESSA Schools and Youth Senior Programme Manager Nomfundo Ndlovu emphasises the shift from participation to leadership: “When learners are given the tools, space and support to engage with real-world challenges, they don’t just participate, they lead.”

Across the regional award ceremonies, provincial partners and keynote speakers reinforced the broader societal value of environmental education:

• In Limpopo, keynote speaker Farina Lindeque from the University of Limpopo highlighted the importance of experiential learning, sharing that, “Environmental education becomes powerful when we design experiences that move learners from noticing to caring to acting.”
• In the Eastern Cape, education leader Pumla Gxuluwe reflected on the programme’s long-term impact, reminding us that, “When we invest in young people and the environment together, we are planting the strongest roots for the future.”
• In Gauteng, Ms Dululu Hlatshaneni, Deputy Director: Social Cohesion and Equity in Education at the Department of Basic Education, emphasised that, “These achievements reflect leadership, innovation and a shared vision for sustainable development.”
• Across provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal and the Northern Cape, schools demonstrated how local action translates into measurable impact, from recycling thousands of kilograms of waste to restoring ecosystems and driving community-based environmental initiatives.

Several notable award winners across provinces further highlighted schools that have demonstrated exceptional, long-term commitment, innovation and leadership in environmental education:

• KwaZulu-Natal
  • Emerald Award (20 years): Pitlochry Primary School; Shea O’Connor Combined School
  • Arum Lily Award (22 years): Epworth School; The Birches Pre-Primary School
• Gauteng
  • Platinum 2 Decade (Year 17): Pecanwood College
• Free State:
  • Diamond Award (10 Years Participation): Batjha Primary School (Botshabelo, Mangaung Metro) and Nthuthuzelo Primary School (Bultfontein, Lejweleputswa District)
• Western Cape:
  • Silver Decade Award: Newberry House Montessori School
  • Platinum 1 Decade Award: Sir Lowry’s Pass Primary School
  • Platinum 2 Decade Award: Beaumont Primary School

As WESSA marks its centenary year in 2026, the Eco-Schools Awards highlight more than achievement, they reflect a growing national movement where classrooms are becoming hubs of environmental leadership.

As Cloete concludes: “We are not just teaching learners about environmental challenges, we are equipping them to respond with confidence, creativity, and purpose.”

From urban centres to rural communities, these schools collectively demonstrate that the future of environmental sustainability in South Africa is already being shaped – one classroom at a time.

Gallery – links to full Facebook albums for 2025 Eco Schools Awards event

• Western Cape
• Gauteng
• Limpopo
• Northern Cape
• Free State
• Mpumalanga
• Kwa-Zulu Natal
• Eastern Cape

Pictured above: More than 140 committed participants in eMbali, Pietermaritzburg focused on alien invasive plant clearing, the establishment of a sustainable vegetable garden, and a community-wide cleanup

Across KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, April was a powerful reminder that environmental change is not only measured in cleared waste, planted seedlings or restored spaces. It is also measured in the people who show up, take ownership, and work together to build healthier, more resilient communities.

Through WESSA’s work with partners, schools, local residents and young changemakers, communities in Pietermaritzburg and Durban demonstrated what it means to care for the Earth through practical, hands-on action.

Restoring ecosystems and strengthening community pride in eMbali

On 13 April 2026, the community of eMbali in Pietermaritzburg came together for a high-impact environmental action under UNICEF’s Green Rising project, led by WESSA in collaboration with DUCT, Clean My Country, uMngeni-uThukela Water and local residents.

With the support of more than 140 committed participants, the day focused on alien invasive plant clearing, the establishment of a sustainable vegetable garden, and a community-wide cleanup.

The result was more than a cleaner space. The initiative helped restore local ecosystems, strengthen food security, and encourage environmental stewardship. It also highlighted the power of coordinated community action, where local partnerships become the foundation for long-term care of shared spaces.

Growing opportunity through urban agriculture

Pictured above: WESSA Membership and Tri-Eco teams planting vegetable seedlings into repurposed, nutrient rich soil filled sacks)

In the lead-up to Earth Day 2026, WESSA joined forces with WESSA Membership and Tri-Eco on 20 April to support a dedicated local changemaker in Durban’s Albert Park community.

Together, they helped establish a city vegetable garden using a simple but innovative approach: vegetable seedlings planted into repurposed sacks filled with nutrient-rich soil.

Row by row, the sack gardens began to transform the space into a hub of sustainability, creativity and opportunity. Once harvested, the vegetables will be sold within the community, supporting a small local economy while improving access to fresh, locally grown produce.

This is environmental action with a social purpose – turning available space and reused materials into a practical model for food security and community empowerment.

From illegal dumping site to biodiversity garden

Pictured above: A coordinated cleanup, waste removal and creation of a biodiversity garden – Lamontville, Durban)

On 29 April 2026, WESSA partnered with eThekwini Municipality’s Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit and Lamontville community volunteers to rehabilitate an illegal dumping site near an old age home.

The site had become a serious health and environmental concern, with odours and rodent infestations affecting the well-being of elderly residents. Through a coordinated cleanup effort, the waste was removed and the space was transformed into a biodiversity garden.

The intervention restored dignity to the area and created a natural deterrent against future dumping. Most importantly, it showed how environmental care can directly improve people’s daily living conditions, especially for vulnerable members of the community.

People caring for the Earth, one action at a time

From clearing alien invasive plants and creating food gardens, and to restoring dumping sites, these April activities reflect WESSA’s mission in action – Educate.Advocate.Act.

Each initiative shows that when communities, partners and young people work together, environmental action becomes more than a once-off event. It becomes a shared commitment to cleaner spaces, stronger communities and a healthier future.

Creativity met sustainability at Palmview Secondary School in Durban on 30 April 2026, as learners took part in a vibrant Trashion Show as part of the Sun International Sibaya project.

The event saw learners transform recycled materials into fashion pieces, crafts and functional creations, showing just how powerful youth-led environmental action can be when creativity is placed at the centre.

With more than 40 entries received, participants impressed the judges with innovative designs that turned waste into wearable art. Three winners were selected in each category, recognising the high level of talent, effort and environmental awareness demonstrated by the learners.

The Trashion Show forms part of the build-up to the main competition, where five Sun International Eco-Schools will come together to compete. Through initiatives like this, learners are encouraged to think differently about waste, sustainability and their role in caring for the environment.

As WESSA continues to support schools in turning environmental learning into practical action, events like this remind us that young people are not only learning about sustainability – they are actively creating it.

Pictured above: (left) Thokozani Maphalala and (right) Khwezi Dlomo

WESSA is pleased to welcome Thokozani Maphalala and Khwezi Dlomo, who have joined the Coastal Programme as interns based at the Durban office.

Their arrival brings fresh energy, practical skills and a shared commitment to environmental learning, responsible tourism and coastal conservation.

Why they joined WESSA

For Thokozani, who holds a Diploma in Tourism Management, joining WESSA is an opportunity to connect his passion for tourism with environmental protection. He sees tourism as “more than just travel”, but as a way for people to connect meaningfully with places, communities and nature.

WESSA’s mission of “People Caring for the Earth” strongly resonates with him, especially through programmes such as Blue Flag and Green Coast, which show how conservation and tourism can work together.

“I bring a visitor-focused perspective from my tourism background,” says Thokozani. “I understand guest experience and how sustainability influences travel choices.”

He hopes to contribute ideas that improve visitor engagement at WESSA tourism sites, including stronger sustainability messaging, better signage and simple feedback systems that help visitors understand how their actions support conservation.

Khwezi joins the team with a strong environmental background and valuable skills in GIS and data capturing. She is inspired by WESSA’s role in protecting the planet while educating and creating awareness in communities.

“As an environmentalist, WESSA aligns with my values of conserving nature while educating and creating awareness to different communities,” she says.

Khwezi is particularly interested in using her GIS and data skills to support coastal programmes such as Blue Flag, while also contributing her knowledge of coastal and environmental legislation. She hopes to grow her project coordination and management skills and deepen her understanding of what it takes to run effective Blue Flag and Green Coast initiatives.

 A clear interest in the future of sustainable tourism and environmental action

 Thokozani believes that green tourism creates opportunities beyond guiding and ranger work, including sustainability audits, eco-certification and environmental education. His advice to young people interested in this space is simple: learn the frameworks, understand the opportunities, and remember that “take only memories, leave only footprints” is not just a slogan, but the future of tourism.

Khwezi echoes this with a powerful reminder that sustainability is active and ongoing: “Green is a process, not a status. We need to think of ‘green’ as a verb, not an adjective.”

“As they begin their internship journey, Thokozani and Khwezi will support WESSA’s Coastal Programme in strengthening environmental awareness, visitor engagement and practical conservation action along South Africa’s coastline,” adds Mike Denison, WESSA Coastal Programme Senior Manager.

WESSA looks forward to seeing their growth, ideas and contributions take shape as part of the Durban team.

Pictured above: Louelle Chelsea Philander

WESSA is excited to welcome Louelle Chelsea Philander as our new Northern Cape Coordinator: Schools & Youth Unit.

Louelle brings a strong science-based foundation to the role, with a BSc Honours in Environmental and Water Science and experience across biodiversity management, project coordination, community-based environmental education and stakeholder engagement. Her work has included invasive species management, ecological restoration, environmental education, community outreach, skills development workshops and programme monitoring and reporting.

Louelle brings a strong science-based foundation to the role, with a BSc Honours in Environmental and Water Science and experience across biodiversity management, project coordination, community-based environmental education and stakeholder engagement. Before joining WESSA, she worked with L Noah Supplies and Projects, the City of Cape Town’s Environmental Management Department, including the Invasive Species Unit (Green Jobs Project) and Environmental Capacity Building Unit, as well as SANParks’ Addo Elephant National Park as the Tourism Monitor – Socio-Economic Transformation Department, where her work included ecological restoration, invasive species management, environmental education, community outreach, skills development workshops and programme reporting.

For Louelle, joining WESSA is an opportunity to deepen the impact of environmental education in schools and communities.

“Through my experience, I have witnessed the powerful role environmental education plays in engaging communities, fostering a sense of stewardship, and driving meaningful conservation outcomes.”

In her first year, Louelle hopes to strengthen engagement with schools and create lasting impact by helping learners and communities turn environmental awareness into meaningful action.

“I see these programmes as an investment in people – because when individuals carry the message forward, apply what they’ve learned, and share it with others, the impact grows far beyond just one interaction.”

Welcome to the team, Louelle. We’re excited to see the impact you will help grow across the Northern Cape.

WESSA is pleased to welcome Katherine Imrie as the newly appointed Coastal Programme: Research and Monitoring Coordinator, based at the Chintsa East office.

Katherine joins WESSA with a strong academic foundation in marine biology, environmental science and sustainable development, as well as hands-on experience in field research, conservation storytelling and community engagement. Her work sits at the intersection of people, nature and conservation – a space she describes as being driven by “curiosity, connection and action”.

A deep connection to the natural world

Katherine’s journey into environmental work has been shaped by a lifelong love for nature and a desire to contribute to its protection in a way that also supports people.

“WESSA’s educate, advocate, act approach resonates with me because it turns awareness into meaningful action,” she adds.

For Katherine, conservation is not only about protecting ecosystems. It is also about strengthening the relationship between people and the natural world and recognising that lasting change is built through connection.

She is particularly drawn to WESSA’s community-driven conservation focus and believes that meaningful environmental action happens when people understand that they are part of the environment, not separate from it.

Bringing research, fieldwork and storytelling together

Katherine holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and Environmental & Geographical Science from the University of Cape Town, completed in 2024. She has also completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Development through Stellenbosch University, where her studies included biodiversity and climate change, water and food systems, just and sustainable urbanism, governance, institutional change and leadership for sustainability transitions.

Her professional experience includes working as a field research assistant with the African Wildlife Economy Institute, supporting in-field data collection for research on sustainable game meat production. This role gave her practical experience in fieldwork logistics, stakeholder engagement and gathering data in varied socio-ecological contexts.

She also interned with Wild Africa, where she gained insight into impact-driven conservation through film, media and partnerships. This experience helped shape her view that conservation can happen in many ways – including through research, communication, collaboration and public engagement.

At WESSA, Katherine hopes to contribute by helping tell clear, relatable stories that connect people to environmental issues and encourage practical action, particularly in areas such as marine conservation and ghost gear awareness.

Supporting behaviour change through connection

In her new role, Katherine says, “I would like to help shift how people see their relationship with the environment, from something external to something they are part of. Even small shifts in awareness can lead to meaningful behaviour change, and I’d love to contribute to that through storytelling and engagement.”

Her approach reflects a strong appreciation for the link between people and ecosystems. She describes herself as curious, adaptable and eager to learn – qualities that will support WESSA’s ongoing work to educate, advocate and act for environmental and social justice, climate action, biodiversity protection and pollution reduction.

A message for future environmental changemakers

When asked what advice she would give to others starting out in environmental work, Katherine’s message is simple:

“Be brave. This work isn’t always recognised, but it is necessary. At its core, it’s all relational; it’s about building meaningful connections with people and the environment.”

As WESSA continues to strengthen coastal conservation, research and community engagement across South Africa, Katherine’s role will help support the organisation’s mission to turn awareness into action – and to inspire more people to care for the Earth.

Pictured above: Nxenjane Primary School, attending the WESSA Twinstreams Education Centure

This April, WESSA’s Education Centres continued to create meaningful learning spaces where learners could explore environmental challenges through curiosity, creativity and practical problem-solving.

From the WESSA Twinstreams Education Centre to the WESSA uMngeni Valley Education Centre, learners were introduced to hands-on activities that connected classroom knowledge with real-world environmental action.

Turning environmental challenges into solutions

At the WESSA Twinstreams Education Centre, Nxenjane Primary School participated in the Old Mutual Insurance project, which empowers educators and learners to identify environmental issues in their schools and communities and develop practical solutions through innovation.

The project integrates environmental learning into e-STEAM subjects: Environment, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. Through this approach, learners are encouraged to think critically, explore sustainability-focused solutions, and apply their classroom knowledge in practical ways.

Using the “Solution Flower” framework, learners unpacked environmental issues from the ground up, developing ideas that could be shaped into prototypes and real-world interventions.

First-time learning experience at uMngeni Valley

Pictured above: Asithuthuke Combined School learners exploring previous projects and prototypes at the WESSA uMngeni Valley Education Centre.

Asithuthuke Combined School from Zenzani Village in Howick visited the WESSA uMngeni Valley Education Centre for the first time in April. Learners took part in introductory activities focused on water quality studies and team building, giving them an opportunity to strengthen their connection with both their educators and peers.

During their visit, learners explored the Science Centre, also known as the e-STEAM Room, where they viewed previous projects and prototypes created by other schools. These examples offered inspiration and showed learners how environmental challenges can be turned into practical, creative solutions.

Pictured above: Asithuthuke Combined School learners taking part in the Pickup Points challenge, exploring how sound travels through a bucket radio experiment, and conducting a miniSASS water quality test using a clarity tube to see the water clearance.

The learners also participated in the Pickup Points challenge, where they worked to remove corn from different holes. This activity tested their patience, problem-solving and critical thinking skills in an engaging and practical way.

Another highlight was the bucket radio sound experiment. Using a metal bucket setup, learners compared two different bucket sizes to investigate which produced the loudest sound. The activity helped learners explore how sound travels and how size and material can affect sound intensity through real-time experimentation.

WESSA’s Education Centres offer experiential learning, giving learners the space to ask questions, test ideas, work together and discover how science, creativity and environmental action can shape a more sustainable future.

Contact us to learn more and book your next Education Centre visit. https://www.wessa.org.za/education-centres/

Pictured above: Langa High School learners planting indigenous trees in the school’s biodiversity garden.)

[This blog has been developed from copy shared by Eco-Club coordinator Ms Nyamakazi, the Langa High School Eco Club]

“We’re not just talking green, we’re growing it.” This was the powerful slogan behind Langa High School Eco Club’s Earth Day celebration, held under the theme of climate change and action.

In partnership with Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the Eco Club planted more than 20 indigenous trees, plants and flowers in the school’s biodiversity garden. This builds on the more than 50 trees already planted in 2025, helping to create a greener, healthier and more climate-conscious school environment.

For the learners and educators involved, the garden is more than a once-off Earth Day activity. It is a living classroom, a safe space and a long-term commitment to ecological sustainability. As the plants grow, they will help clean the air, support a more ecosystem-friendly school environment and create a space that future generations of learners can continue to care for and enjoy.

Pictured above: Langa High School learners planting trees)

Learning from nature in the city

The school’s environmental journey has been shaped by meaningful learning experiences, including a visit to Intaka Island, where learners saw how nature can thrive within an urban environment.

As reflected by the Eco Club, the lesson was clear: nature in the city is possible when people choose to protect and restore it. Their Earth Day tree planting showed this in action, turning learning into visible change on the school grounds.

Growing action beyond Earth Day

Led by Eco-Club coordinator Ms Nyamakazi, the Langa High School Eco Club continues to take part in a range of environmental learning activities. These include climate change debates, biodiversity-focused visits and future plans to visit the Aquarium and other environmental institutions.

Through these experiences, learners are deepening their understanding of climate change, biodiversity and the role they can play in caring for the planet.

Langa High School’s Earth Day celebration is a reminder that environmental action does not always begin with big gestures. Sometimes, it begins with a group of learners, a garden, and the decision to grow something that will last.

As the Eco Club says: they are not just talking green – they are growing it.

Pictured above: Crawford International Pretoria leaners helped to complete the garden, created Earth Day drawings and engaged in the Buddy Reading activity as part of the Earth Day Outdoor Spaces Campus Drive

Four ADvTECH schools marked Earth Day 2026 through a range of hands-on environmental activities designed to encourage sustainability, reflection and environmental responsibility among learners of all ages. Across the schools, learners participated in recycling initiatives, gardening activities, environmental discussions, creative projects and energy-saving actions that reinforced the importance of caring for the planet.

Hands-on sustainability in action

At Crawford International Pretoria, the entire campus participated in a collaborative Earth Day initiative focused on environmental responsibility and sustainability. College students cultivated and distributed plant seedlings to classrooms, while learners from Grade 0000 to Grade 7 took part in activities across the campus. A standout moment included a partnership with Pretoria Primary School, where learners helped revitalise the community school garden as an outdoor learning space. The school community also participated in energy-saving efforts by switching off lights, plugs and air conditioners to reduce their environmental impact.

Pictured above: Crawford International Lonehill learners helped create Earth Day bottle cap eco-art

Crawford International Lonehill Pre-Primary celebrated Earth Day through a bottle top recycling initiative led by the school’s WESSA Champions. Learners collected blue, green and white bottle tops from home, contributing approximately 250–300 bottle tops towards the creation of an Earth mosaic symbolising their commitment to protecting the planet. The initiative encouraged teamwork, environmental awareness and responsible citizenship among learners.

Encouraging reflection and environmental stewardship

Pictured above: Miss Earth visited Crawford Bedfordview for Earth Day; learners made their own Earth Day pledge and creative art pieces

At Crawford International Bedfordview, Earth Day celebrations included learners dressing in Earth-themed civvies and participating in assemblies, classroom activities and environmental reflection exercises. Grade 4–7 learners attended a special assembly led by Miss Earth, Jenique Botha, and Ella Bella, who encouraged learners to think critically about environmental challenges and sustainable solutions. Reflective Earth Day speech bubbles placed on mirrors and windows across the campus prompted learners to consider their personal role in creating positive environmental change.

Pictured above: Learners at Crawford Sandton participating in an Earth Day salt painting experiment; creating Earth Day arts & crafts and engaging in planting activities)

Meanwhile, at Crawford Sandton Pre-Primary, Earth Day was celebrated through classroom-based, inquiry-led activities tailored for young learners. Children participated in planting activities, recyclable sorting exercises, storytelling sessions and creative projects using recycled paper. Learners also created seed bombs from recycled materials and explored ways their everyday actions can positively impact the environment.

Across all four schools, Earth Day served as an opportunity to nurture environmental awareness, responsibility and action among learners. Through practical experiences, creative expression and meaningful conversations, learners were encouraged to see themselves as active contributors towards a more sustainable future.

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.