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.

Dear WESSA Members,

As we close the 2025/26 financial year and step further into WESSA’s centenary year, we reflect on a year shaped by collective action, visible impact, and growing momentum. This has not only been a year of staff delivery and organisational progress; it has also been a year in which members, volunteers, Friends Groups, branches, regions, schools, supporters and partners helped carry WESSA’s mission forward in practical, inspiring ways.

Across South Africa, our members and supporters helped turn environmental concern into environmental action. Whether through clean-ups, citizen science, excursions, branch activities, habitat restoration, youth engagement, conservation forums, environmental education, or simply by staying connected and committed to the cause, you have helped ensure that WESSA remains a living movement of people caring for the Earth.

From restoring ecosystems and empowering youth, to strengthening environmental governance, growing membership, and scaling national campaigns, this year has shown what is possible when people work together across generations and geographies. The long-term value of this work lies not only in what was done this year, but in the stronger culture of stewardship, participation and environmental citizenship it is helping to build for the future.

Amplifying our voice, visibility and growing a movement of people caring for the Earth

Membership remains at the heart of WESSA. With 259 new members joining during the year, we enter our 100th year with a strengthened membership base and renewed momentum. More importantly, this growth reflects a strengthening national network of people who are choosing to stand for nature, local action and responsible environmental leadership.

Throughout the year, members and volunteer structures helped animate WESSA’s presence on the ground. Regional and branch activities included beach clean-ups, alien clearing and food garden preparation in the Eastern Cape, biodiversity walks and BioBlitz participation in KwaZulu-Natal, wetland frogging events in the Lowveld, conservation mornings and clean-ups in the Northern Areas, and youth and reading-club activities in the Western Cape. These contributions are deeply valuable because they build local ownership, deepen community connection, and keep environmental care rooted in everyday action.

In parallel, WESSA’s voice continued to grow nationally, with more than 363 media placements and an estimated reach of over 164 million. This growing visibility supports not only the work of the organisation, but also the efforts of our members and supporters by giving wider recognition to the environmental issues, campaigns and local actions that matter most.

This visibility is not just about awareness – it strengthens our ability to influence, advocate, build trust, and mobilise action. It also helps ensure that the commitment of WESSA’s members, branches, volunteers and partners is seen as part of a broader national movement for environmental stewardship.

Our impact at a glance

This past year, WESSA’s work spanned biodiversity protection, pollution reduction and climate action, delivering impact across all three pillars through the combined efforts of staff, members, schools, youth, volunteers and communities.

• 640 schools supported, reaching 28 692 learners directly and more than 70 000 indirectly
• 20 000 youth engaged through the Green Rising Project
• 190 583 kg of waste collected through community and school initiatives
• 100 hectares rehabilitated through Green Rising, with 2 570 trees planted by Eco-Schools

This is impact at scale, but more importantly, it is impact that is increasingly rooted in communities. Behind these figures are members leading outings, volunteers giving their time, branches organising local activities, educators inspiring learners, and supporters helping turn values into action.

Environmental education remains at the heart of WESSA’s work, and membership plays an important role in sustaining this culture of learning and action.

Through Eco-Schools, Green Rising and youth-led initiatives, we are not only building awareness, but also enabling practical environmental leadership. At the same time, many members and supporters continue to reinforce this work through mentorship, local events, branch engagement and community-based environmental action.

• 83 workshops facilitated and 1 267 environmental lessons delivered
• 110 food gardens and 27 biodiversity gardens established
• 95 000 litres of water saved through stewardship projects

These are not just programmes; they are pathways for young people to lead change in their schools, homes and communities. They are also part of a wider intergenerational effort in which WESSA members and supporters help create the space, encouragement and example needed for environmental leadership to grow.

Scaling national environmental action and driving sustainability in tourism

From coastlines to communities, WESSA has expanded its national footprint in coastal conservation and sustainable tourism. Members and volunteers have helped strengthen this footprint too, through local clean-ups, citizen stewardship, nature excursions, monitoring, awareness events and regional participation that keep conservation active and visible beyond formal programmes.

•  97 coastal sites supported across South Africa
• 50 Blue Flag beaches, 5 marinas, 7 tourism boats and 20 pilot sites maintained
• National rollout of the Stop the Strangle campaign, tackling the scourge of ghost fishing gear and marine pollution.

This year also marked a major milestone in inclusive environmental access, with WESSA launching South Africa’s first Braille coastal signage at Blaauwberg Nature Reserve in Cape Town, helping to make nature more accessible to more people. This reflects the kind of future WESSA is working towards: one that is inclusive, participatory and grounded in shared custodianship.

WESSA’s Green Key programme continues to reshape sustainability practices in the hospitality sector:

• 13 certified establishments across 2,310 rooms
• First wine estate accommodation globally certified
• First conference centre in Africa and the Southern Hemisphere certified
• Reduced energy use, water consumption, waste and single-use plastics through better sustainability practice

This is sustainability embedded into everyday guest experiences and operational systems, setting new standards for responsible tourism while contributing to longer-term behavioural change, sector leadership and environmental accountability.

Growing partnerships and funding for impact

This year also saw important progress in building WESSA’s long-term sustainability. This matters not only for the organisation, but for every member and supporter who wants to see WESSA remain strong, relevant and impactful into its second century.

• Over R2 million secured for WESSA’s Legacy Fund, alongside strengthened donor engagement and diversified funding streams
• A strong pipeline of future funding opportunities and strategic partnerships

In our centenary year, these partnerships will be critical in helping WESSA scale impact, deepen resilience and sustain its role as a trusted environmental organisation. They will also help create a stronger platform from which members, volunteers and supporters can continue contributing to change in their own communities.

As we move deeper into our centenary year, we are focused on:

• Expanding national campaigns and partnerships
• Launching legacy initiatives and centenary events
• Strengthening our role as a leading environmental voice in South Africa

None of this work happens in isolation. WESSA’s impact is shaped not only by programmes and projects, but by the energy, commitment and care of the people who stand behind them.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your membership, volunteerism, advocacy, participation and support are part of what makes WESSA’s impact possible. Together, we are not only responding to environmental challenges – we are growing a stronger movement for environmental stewardship, community action and long-term change.

Because #WeAreAllWESSA.

Kind regards,
Janssen Davies: WESSA Board Chairperson
Cindy-Lee Cloete: WESSA Chief Executive Officer

On behalf of the WESSA Board and Executive Team

People Caring For The Earth

WESSA (The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 WESSA Annual Awards, celebrating individuals, organisations, educators, youth and community groups whose work is advancing environmental conservation and education across South Africa.

“These prestigious annual awards recognise exceptional and sustained contributions that go beyond expectation. WESSA aims to recognise those who are not only protecting the environment but actively shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future,” says WESSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Cindy-Lee Cloete.

The awards also serve as a platform to elevate environmental action, inspire broader public awareness, and reinforce the critical role of collective responsibility in caring for the Earth.

A lifetime dedicated to ocean conservation and environmental education

Leading this year’s honours, the WESSA Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 has been awarded to Dr Judy Mann-Lang of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.

Dr Mann-Lang is recognised for her outstanding lifetime contribution to marine research, conservation and environmental education at both national and international levels. Her decades of work – spanning the South African Association for Marine Biological Research and the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation – have played a pivotal role in advancing marine conservation awareness and education.

She has also co-founded influential platforms such as the South African Marine and Coastal Educators Network and Marine Protected Areas Day, helping to shape both public understanding and policy engagement around ocean conservation. Her leadership across multiple scientific and conservation bodies has contributed to transforming the relationship between people and the sea, inspiring long-term behavioural change in favour of protecting marine ecosystems.

WESSA also commends Mr Katot Meyer for his decades-long dedication to clearing invasive alien plants and restoring water flows within the Pietersrivier Nature Reserve, a powerful example of sustained, hands-on environmental stewardship.

Honouring individuals driving national environmental impact

WESSA’s premier individual award for 2025 has been awarded to Dr Crispin Hemson, founder of the Friends of Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve and a long-standing WESSA member.

Dr Hemson is recognised for decades of leadership in environmental stewardship, particularly in mobilising community participation in the rehabilitation and conservation of the Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve. His influence extends into policy, having played a key role in initiating biodiversity conservation commitments within the Durban City Council, contributing to the development of the Durban Metropolitan Open Space System Plan. He is also recognised for his leadership in creating the nexus of environmentalism and non-violent conflict resolution.

WESSA also commends:

• Mr Tshepang Motaung, co-founder of Clean Environment NPO, for advancing waste reduction initiatives in Thembisa.

• Ms Michèle Merrifield, for her dedication to wildlife rehabilitation through the DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage.

Youth leadership inspiring a new generation of eco-guardians

The 2025 Youth Award has been awarded to Ethan Fourie, a 9-year-old learner from Kabega Primary School in Gqeberha, widely known as “The Recycling Kid”.

Ethan has demonstrated extraordinary ability to mobilise both corporates and communities around recycling initiatives, inspiring behavioural change and environmental awareness across the Eastern Cape. His work exemplifies the growing power of youth leadership in driving national environmental action.

WESSA further recognises:

• Mr Lumko Mboyi, for community conservation efforts along the Wild Coast

• Ms Selomina Phekelela for impactful environmental journalism that translates complex issues into public understanding.

Championing environmental education through teaching excellence

The WESSA Teacher of the Year Award 2025 has been awarded to Mr Simangaliso Dhlamini of Shea O’Conner Combined School.

An Eco-Schools leader, Mr Dhlamini is recognised for transforming environmental education into practical, learner-led initiatives that integrate sustainability, entrepreneurship, and food security. His approach demonstrates how education can move beyond theory to real-world application, equipping learners with critical thinking skills and environmental action competence.

WESSA commends Ms Sascha van der Merwe of Waterberg Academy for her outstanding contributions to environmental education and community initiatives.

Corporate leadership advancing sustainable practices

The WESSA Corporate Award 2025 has been awarded to Tenthouse Structures, recognised for embedding sustainability and social responsibility into its operations.

The company’s holistic approach includes reducing carbon emissions, recycling production waste for community benefit, and fostering environmental stewardship through its Made Better Together Foundation and employee volunteer initiatives.

WESSA also commends:

Fatyela Enviro Works, for environmental education and socio-ecological initiatives.

• Love Africa Marketing, for storytelling that amplifies conservation and community impact.

Community groups restoring ecosystems and livelihoods

The WESSA Group Award 2025 has been awarded to Thumela Makhado Adopt a River NPO, based in the Thohoyandou villages in Venda.

Over 15 years, this grassroots organisation has led 45 projects focused on restoring rivers, wetlands and springs – tackling pollution, erosion, invasive species and unsustainable practices. Their work has restored critical water systems while strengthening community participation and demonstrating the power of combining indigenous knowledge with modern conservation methods.

WESSA also recognises the Mosselbank River Conservation Team for their community-driven environmental restoration efforts in Fisantekraal, integrating environmental care with socio-economic upliftment.

Celebrating a collective movement for environmental action

“The 2025 WESSA Annual Awards highlight the breadth and depth of environmental action taking place across South Africa – from grassroots community initiatives to national policy influence, from youth activism to corporate leadership,” adds Cloete.

Together, these awardees represent a powerful collective of people caring for the Earth, demonstrating that meaningful environmental change is driven not by one sector alone, but through collaboration, commitment, and sustained action.

As WESSA continues its mission to Educate, Advocate, Act, the Annual Awards remain a vital platform for recognising those who are leading the way and inspiring others to follow.