This World Volunteer Day, WESSA CEO Cindy-Lee Cloete shares a heartfelt message honouring the incredible individuals who give their time, passion, and energy to protect the environment we all share.

Our volunteers are the lifeblood of WESSA.
They educate.
They advocate.
They act.
And they inspire all of us to do better.

This video launches our new movement: #WeAreAllWESSA, a call to every South African to take action, no matter how small. Volunteer at your local branch, join an event, support a programme, or simply show up for your environment.
Together we educate, we advocate, and we act — because we are all WESSA.

Join the movement:
• Become a WESSA volunteer
• Connect with your local branch
• Follow us on social media
• Share this video to inspire others

WESSA is thrilled to welcome Hendrik Isaks to the team as a Wildlife Protection Unit Ranger at uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve, where he joins forces with fellow ranger Bongani Chisale to protect one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most treasured wilderness spaces.

Hendrik’s journey into conservation began the moment he left school in 1996, and by the following year, he was already working as a field ranger. Over the past 27 years, he has built a career grounded in deep bush knowledge, operational leadership, and frontline anti-poaching work across various reserves in South Africa.

“I read about WESSA, and ever since then, I’ve wanted to get here,” says Hendrik. “Now that I’m finally here, I want to use my skills and knowledge to make an impact. The organisation has been on the map for years, and if I can put my stamp down as an achiever at WESSA, I’ll know I’ve made a difference.”

Hendrik brings a wealth of practical and technical expertise to his role. He is a Level 1 Trails Guide, a qualified dog handler and trainer, an Environmental Inspector, and a veteran anti-poaching ranger. From tracking poachers to training dogs that save rhinos, Hendrik’s work has helped protect South Africa’s most vulnerable wildlife.

His leadership, humility, and commitment to nature will be key in strengthening WESSA’s on-the-ground biodiversity protection efforts at uMngeni Valley and beyond.

“Every park and every reserve is unique. It doesn’t matter where you find yourself, enjoy it, give your absolute best, leave a positive mark wherever you go… and always remember to stay green.”

With decades of conservation experience now supporting WESSA’s mission, we’re honoured to have Hendrik join the team.

Month two of our #WESSA100 campaign, brought another wave of inspiring moments from the WESSA community, each a reminder of how caring for the Earth starts with awareness, empathy, and everyday action.

From alien plant awareness to unexpected garden visitors and acts of compassion for wildlife, these stories show how deeply connected we all are to the natural world.

Beautiful but destructive, lessons from nature

At first glance, the bright blooms of Lantana in the Oribi Gorge seem harmless, even beautiful, but beneath the colour lies a quiet threat.

“Beautiful but destructive, the Lantana in full spring bloom is a reminder that not everything vibrant in nature is harmless,” said Morgan Griffiths, WESSA Chief Operating Officer. “Thankfully, most of the walkers I was with today are farmers who recognised it as an alien invasive plant that needs to be rooted out. Caring for the Earth means understanding balance and acting to protect it.”

This reflection reminds us that protecting biodiversity sometimes means making tough choices, and that stewardship begins with knowledge.

A surprise visitor indoors

For WESSA member Paddy Norman, nature’s magic appeared unexpectedly, right at home.

“Just a few days ago, I looked up and there on the wall by my chair was this strange creature, something I’d never seen before. The size of a large moth but actually related to Antlions and Owlflies, this is Cymothales eccentros. Isn’t it wonderful when nature comes to visit and surprise you!”

Moments like these remind us that nature doesn’t just exist “out there”, it finds ways to weave into our daily lives if we simply pause to notice.

Caring for the vulnerable

In the Western Cape, Jo Eyre shared the story of Goosey-Lou, a young spur-winged goose found abandoned and in danger.

“Goosey-Lou was found worryingly close to some hawks flying overhead. He’s small and vulnerable right now, so we’re keeping him warm in our bathtub brooder,” said Jo. “We’ll help him get fledge-ready and hope he’ll rejoin other wild spur-winged geese before long.”

Jo’s story beautifully captures what People Caring for the Earth truly means, compassion in action, no matter the scale.

Share YOUR reason to care

As we move closer to WESSA’s 100-year milestone in 2026, we invite you to add your voice and your moments to the celebration.

• Capture your favourite nature moment, a walk, a creature encounter, or a view that took your breath away.
• Tell us why it matters to you.
• Tag @wessa_sa and include #WESSA100 and #PeopleCaringForTheEarth in your post.

Your story could be featured in our next monthly highlights, helping inspire 100 (and more!) reasons why people care for the Earth.

Pictured above: (Top left) Fish River Lighthouse captured on our fieldwork travels; (top right) Kei River Pont, a WESSA Green Coast site feat. The Ford Ranger (bottom right) ‘Stop the Strangle’ addressing marine pollution with the roll out of the Ford 100 Relay in which 100 new sites for collection and data analysis will be created (bottom left) Cliffs at Morgan Bay, a Green Coast site.

As summer approached, WESSA’s Coastal Programme stepped into a month filled with action, collaboration, and national visibility. Whether raising awareness about ghost gear through a new documentary, guiding municipal decision-makers, or contributing to national coastal and tourism strategy platforms, the team continued to champion the protection of South Africa’s coastline.

Each initiative reflects our commitment to enabling communities, strengthening governance, and safeguarding the ecosystems that sustain us.

Spotlighting the fight against ghost gear – an upcoming documentary on ‘Stop the Strangle’ thanks to the Ford Wildlife Foundation

WESSA hosted the Ford Wildlife Foundation and their marketing and production team to film a documentary on our ‘Stop the Strangle’ coastal action campaign. This forms part of the national Ford 100 Relay, which will publicly spotlight WESSA’s initiative to roll out 100 fishing-line collection and monitoring bins across South Africa.

This activation highlights the challenges of marine pollution with a spotlight on ghost gear and ghost fishing where 640,000 tonnes of fishing gear are lost annually, contributing to the deaths of 100,000 marine mammals and over one million seabirds each year. The filmed feature will showcase the national placement of our branded collection and analysis bins and explain how coastal communities are tacking the issue of ghost fishing by contributing as citizen scientists in ‘Stop the Strangle.’

Strengthening coastal compliance and management

The WESSA Coastal Programme presented to the City of Cape Town Permit Advisory Forum, where we provided expert input on coastal management considerations linked to beach operations, tourism activities, and environmental compliance. Our contribution emphasised Blue Flag standards, marine pollution risks, and opportunities to strengthen coastal stewardship.

Sharing WESSA’s model for community-led coastal protection at the ICM Lekgotla, East London

The team participated in the ICM Lekgotla held in East London, delivering a presentation that showcased WESSA’s role in strengthening national coastal governance. We highlighted progress across Blue Flag, Green Coast, and community-driven coastal conservation initiatives, while contributing to discussions on integrated coastal planning, improved stakeholder coordination, and alignment with national policies.

Contributing to coastal conservation and tourism strategic drivers

WESSA has continued to play an active role in shaping national coastal and tourism strategies. Over the past month, the Coastal Programme has participated in:

• Coastal committee meetings focused on coastal management, pollution mitigation, and user-conflict resolution.
• The Operation Phakisa Tourism Skills Expert Group, where WESSA contributed insights on coastal tourism workforce development, inclusive coastal access, and skills pathways that support sustainable coastal economies.

These engagements continue to position WESSA as a leading contributor to the national coastal and tourism agenda.

This December, WESSA is opening the door to discovery with a series of exciting, hands-on holiday programmes across our Education Centres in KwaZulu-Natal. Designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and deepen children’s connection with nature, each programme offers a unique learning adventure led by experienced environmental educators.

From the coastline to the forest and the riverbanks, these holiday experiences bring science, exploration, conservation, and creativity together in a fun and meaningful way.

Twinstreams Education Centre: Nature-Themed Daily Adventures

• Dates: 10–12 December & 17–18 December 2025
• Location: WESSA Twinstreams Environmental Education Centre, Mtunzini, Zululand
• Ages: 6–10 years
• Cost: Full-day programme, R230 per child (lunch included)

Twinstreams offers a vibrant nature-based holiday experience with engaging daily themes that bring environmental issues to life through play, learning, and imagination.

Daily Themes:

• Wildlife Warriors: Anti-Poaching
• Waste Warriors: Reducing, Reusing & Recycling
• Water Heroes: Water Conservation
• Tree-mendous: Deforestation & Reforestation

Perfect for younger learners, this programme builds confidence, teamwork, and ecological understanding in a fun, supportive outdoor environment.

Bookings: kevin.lakani@wessa.co.za | 071 681 0441

Treasure Beach Education Centre: Marine Science & Coastal Environments

• Dates: 11–13 December & 17–19 December 2025
• Address: 835 Marine Drive, Brighton Beach, Durban
• Cost: Half-day programme, R630 per child or R530 per child when booking two or more children (packed lunch included)

Set along the scenic Durban coastline, the Treasure Beach holiday programme immerses children in the wonders of marine science and coastal ecosystems.

Learners gain skills in:

• Understanding coastal environments and ecosystems
• Interpretive hiking
• Marine biodiversity threats and solutions
• Problem-solving and adaptability
• Exploring rocky shores
• Group work and social skill development
• Instruction and guided learning

This half-day programme combines education with adventure, offering a powerful introduction to ocean literacy and environmental stewardship.

Bookings: sindisiwe.nzama@wessa.co.za

uMngeni Valley: ‘Dive into Learning’, Water-Inspired STEAM Adventures

• Dates: 11–13 December 2025
• Time: 08:30 AM – 3:30 PM
• Ages: 8–14 years
• Venue: WESSA uMngeni Nature Reserve, Howick, Durban
• Cost: R750 per child or R650 per child when booking for two or more children (meals included)

“Dive into Learning” is a dynamic, water-themed STEAM programme designed for children who love science, creativity, and hands-on exploration.

Activities include:

• STEAM Splash challenges
• Testing salinity
• Creative wave-themed art
• Building water filters
• Exploring the water cycle
• Painting, crafting, and design
• Eco-Explorers team challenges, relays, experiments, and projects

This holiday experience blends science and creativity, helping young minds understand the importance of water while having unforgettable fun.

Bookings: buhle.mthembu@wessa.co.za

uMngeni Valley: ‘Whispers in the Wild’, Nature Detective Holiday Programme

• Dates: 17–19 December 2025
• Time: 08:30 AM – 3:30 PM
• Ages: 8–14 years
• Venue: WESSA uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve, Howick, Durban
• Cost: R750 per child or R650 per child when booking for two or more children (meals included)

“Whispers in the Wild” is an immersive tracks-and-science holiday programme for young nature detectives ready to explore the mystery and magic of the natural world.

Eco-Explorers will:

• Read animal tracks and signs
• Investigate feeding sites, nests, feathers, and spores
• Learn through guided fieldwork, observation, and exploration
• Build a deeper bond with nature through purposeful outdoor learning

This programme is ideal for curious, adventurous learners who love wildlife, stories of the bush, and scientific discovery.

Enquiries: Kristi Garland, contact 082 926 2053

Book your child’s holiday adventure

Spaces are limited and programmes fill up quickly. Each experience is designed to build environmental awareness, practical skills, creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love for nature.

Give your child the gift of learning, exploration, and adventure this holiday season, book today!