[Top left to right] Dr JL Dube learners, Buhlebemfundo High Learners and Teacher; [bottom left to right] Shea O’connor learners & Teacher; Dr JL Dube learners

In celebration of Arbor Month, WESSA’s Youth Team joined hands with learners and educators across KwaZulu-Natal to make a lasting impact through tree planting sessions. The initiative formed part of South Africa’s national “One Million Trees” Campaign, with trees generously donated by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).

We kicked off on 18 September 2025 at Makhawula Primary School in Ndwedwe and JE Ndlovu Secondary School in KwaMashu. With sleeves rolled up and spades in hand, learners and teachers embraced the opportunity to create greener school spaces. Guided by WESSA staff, the plantings highlighted how small actions—like planting a single tree—can contribute to a healthier environment and a sustainable future.

Momentum carried forward on 23 September 2025 at Shea O’Connor Combined School in Nottingham Road, where the atmosphere was filled with excitement and unity. Each tree planted stood as a symbol of resilience, growth, and hope, reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship for generations to come.

The final sessions, held on 25 September at Dr JL Dube High School and Buhlebemfundo High School, brought the campaign to a powerful close. With every tree placed in the ground, learners were reminded of the wider benefits of greening initiatives—from enhancing biodiversity to driving climate action and improving community well-being.

Through this Arbor Month programme, WESSA encouraged learners to take pride in being custodians of the environment. Together, these schools and young people demonstrated how collective action can grow into a legacy of sustainability for South Africa.

From 15–19 September 2025, Glencore-funded schools joined the national Clean-up and Recycle SA Campaign Week, a highlight on the environmental calendar that inspires communities to tackle waste and embrace sustainable living.

Four schools proudly took part in this year’s programme: Mabande Secondary School and Thuthukani Primary School in Phola, Ogies, as well as Lehlaka Combined School and Amandla Primary School in the Kriel area. The initiative focused on raising awareness about the impact of waste while encouraging learners to work together on innovative ways to recycle and upcycle.

The week began with eco-committee learners addressing their peers at the assembly, explaining the importance of the campaign and sharing why waste management matters. This was followed by a hands-on clean-up campaign, where learners collected and sorted different types of waste, identifying which items could be recycled or reused.

In a creative twist, learners showcased their innovation by designing clothing, art pieces, and bags from waste materials. These items were proudly displayed around the schools, linking environmental responsibility with creativity and problem-solving. Recyclable materials collected during the week were also added to each school’s recycling project, ensuring the effort continues beyond the campaign.

By combining education, action, and innovation, the campaign empowered learners to see waste differently — not just as a problem, but as an opportunity to make a positive impact in their schools and communities.

This Heritage Month, on 22 and 24 September, WESSA brought the magic of cinema and conservation together, hosting two special screenings of The Last Ranger for 300 children from communities neighbouring Addo Elephant National Park.

“This is an incredible moment for inclusive conservation strategies in South Africa. It links South African youth to the real-life experiences of the conservation of our natural heritage – in this case, our rhinos. I would like to thank the team at Kindred Films who supported us to have these important conversations, using The Last Ranger film as the tool to Educate, Advocate and Act for a collective conservation. To our SANParks colleagues at Addo Elephant National Park, this would not have been possible without your partnership – what a way to kick off SANParks Week,” says Cindy-Lee Cloete, WESSA CEO.

Co-Founder of Kindred Films, Will Hawkes, adds “The most effective way to inspire a mind is by telling a story. The Kindred Films team is honoured to partner with WESSA and SANParks to share The Last Ranger film with students in the Eastern Cape. We hope it will inspire them to believe in the majesty of South African rhinos and to take responsibility for their survival.”

Each event was more than a film screening; it was an immersive experience in conservation. Learners entered the park, enjoyed a meal, and engaged in a dynamic Q&A session with conservation leaders who shared their personal journeys and insights into protecting South Africa’s natural heritage.

SANParks Rhino awareness session – Addo Primary and AV Bukani Primary school learners engaged

The film’s message of courage, community, and hope resonated deeply with the children, sparking conversations about the role of young people in safeguarding our environment. Their feedback reflected the courage and resilience shown in the film. As one learner put it: “My favourite part of the movie was when the woman sacrificed her life for the rhino.” Another added: “When the ranger told the young girl, ‘You are very strong,’ it inspired me not to give up on my dreams.”

Generous support made it all possible

Thanks to the generous support of WESSA’s donors, and strategic partners including South African National Parks (SANParks), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Kindred Films, Nedbank and the NOA Group – 300 learners could take part in this unforgettable experience.

“Our staff volunteerism programme is purpose-driven, and this partnership with WESSA offered us an opportunity to authentically live that purpose. It aligns directly with our strategic focus on the Green Economy, while also reflecting our deep commitment to youth by unlocking opportunities for the next generation of leaders. As The Last Ranger reminds us, conservation is a deeply human act — a reflection on legacy, responsibility, and the emotional bonds between people and the wild. This experience captured that sentiment perfectly. For these young learners, it wasn’t just about teaching facts; it was about igniting a sense of responsibility, an understanding of legacy, and a love for the natural world that will stay with them for a lifetime,” shares Jehaan Anthony, Head of Staff Volunteerism and Advocacy at Nedbank’s Social Impact Unit.

“NOA, on behalf of our Wind Garden wind farm project, is proud to support The Last Ranger initiative, as part of our commitment to conservation and biodiversity. By sharing this powerful story with local youth, we hope to inspire the next generation to appreciate the importance of protecting our wildlife and to recognise the remarkable dedication of the rangers and veterinarians working on the frontlines of conservation in South Africa,” says Angela Harrison, Socio-Economic Development Manager of NOA Group.

La Trobe Primary school learners completing the National Park Activity booklet

Career pathways in the green economy for young people

“Through these screenings we can introduce young people to potential career pathways in the green economy, including biodiversity conservation, environmental management, waste innovation, as well as sustainable agriculture. WESSA does this by building early awareness of environmental challenges and the role youth can play as well as introducing future-focused skills and knowledge,” adds Kelly Alcock, WESSA’s Head of Education and Sustainability.

Here’s a heartfelt message that WESSA received from Peter Hendricks, the Principal at La Trobe Primary School: “I would like to pour out our gratitude for the opportunity you gave our kids, to see and experience what overseas visitors come and do on our shores. You might not know it, but for many kids that was the best meal they had in many a moon. You might not know it, but for many, that was the closest they’ll get to a Christmas atmosphere. The visit to the field was memorable and exquisite. The lessons were practical and self-exploratory. Thank you for creating lasting, educational memories in our kids, with an authentic appreciation for our unique heritage. WESSA, Eco-Schools and SANParks, take a bow! ” 

WESSA remains committed to creating these life-changing opportunities, opening doors for young people to imagine themselves as future conservation leaders.

If you’d like to support more initiatives like this, click here: https://www.wessa.org.za/donate/

From left to right: Reitberg Primary School painting Rhino artboard; Vusumzi Primary Schoo educators and learners with Rhino artboard; [bottom] AV Bukani Primary School Group photo

[Image top: Kahobotjha-Sakhubusha Secondary School & (bottom) Nkgopoleng Secondary School]

In August 2025, learners from two Free State schools took bold steps toward tackling the global plastic crisis through clean-up campaigns and an innovative design challenge. Nkgopoleng Secondary School and Kahobotjha-Sakhubusha Secondary School partnered with WESSA and UNEP’s Tide Turners Plastic Challenge to explore practical, curriculum-linked solutions for waste management.

From awareness to action

On 20–21 August, clean-up campaigns were hosted at both schools with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of a clean environment while introducing learners to the circular economy concept.

The programmes began with ice-breaker activities and a presentation on plastic waste, followed by hands-on clean-up sessions around the schoolyards. Learners analysed the types of waste collected, discussed sorting at source, and explored how recycling and reuse can be integrated into classroom learning.

These activities not only offered practical applications of waste management but also helped the schools prepare for the UNEP Tide Turners Plastic Challenge design competition. Learners completed their summative assessments and badge activities as part of the campaign wrap-up.

The design challenge showcase

On 28 August 2025, the excitement culminated at the Boitjhorisong Resource Centre in Sasolburg, where both schools showcased their recycling and upcycling projects. Adjudicators assessed entries based on innovation in reducing single-use plastics, sustainability of the approach, product durability, and how well learners connected their projects to classroom contexts.

The Indaloyami Buyback Centre partnered in the initiative, capturing accurate tonnage data of recycled waste to ensure fairness during adjudication.

A fair finish, shared victories

The competition results reflected the strengths of both schools. While one excelled in upcycling and the other in recycling, their overall points balanced out. The final outcome was a tie, with prizes shared equally and outstanding learners recognised for their exceptional contributions.

This fair result underscored the collaborative spirit of the challenge and left both schools motivated to continue innovating in waste management and environmental stewardship.

Enabling young changemakers

The UNEP Tide Turners Plastic Challenge has once again shown how young people can lead by example, combining knowledge with action to address pressing environmental issues. Through hands-on activities, curriculum integration, and creative problem-solving, learners are shaping a future where waste is seen not as an end, but as a resource.

Lufuno Khabane, joined the WESSA team on 11 August 2025, as our new National Membership Coordinator, where he will play a key role in strengthening and growing our member community across South Africa.

With a BSc in Biodiversity and Conservation from the University of Venda and certification as a Nature Guide (NQF 2) from the Field Guide Association of Southern Africa, Lufuno brings both academic grounding and practical expertise. His career has spanned environmental education, wildlife research, and community engagement, including roles as a Research Technician (Rhino Monitor), Environmental Officer, and Field Guide. These experiences have sharpened his skills in data collection and analysis, public speaking, stakeholder collaboration, and sustainable development.

Lufuno shares that his commitment to environmental stewardship was inspired by firsthand encounters with South Africa’s unique ecosystems and his desire to enable youth and communities to protect their natural heritage. He sees WESSA’s mission — to educate, advocate, and act for environmental and social justice, climate action, biodiversity protection, and pollution reduction in Southern Africa — as perfectly aligned with his own values of conservation, education, and inclusivity.

Beyond his professional experience, Lufuno has been actively involved in leadership roles within UNESCO’s South African MaB Youth Network and various Biosphere Reserves. Through these platforms, he has honed his ability to engage diverse audiences, coordinate youth programmes, and drive impactful environmental initiatives—skills he is eager to apply in expanding WESSA’s membership and community outreach.

Looking ahead, Lufuno’s goal for his first year is to expand youth participation and membership in conservation programmes by developing innovative educational initiatives that connect young people with nature. “I believe empowering the next generation is vital to securing our environmental future and amplifying WESSA’s impact nationally,” he explains.

To young professionals aspiring to build a green career, Lufuno offers this advice:

“Stay curious, patient and resilient. Environmental work is challenging but incredibly rewarding. Remember the words of Baba Dioum: ‘In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.’ Never stop learning and inspiring others.”

We are excited to have Lufuno join the WESSA team and look forward to the passion and fresh perspective he will bring to our work.