WESSA is delighted to welcome Likhona Nqunqa as our new Grants Officer within the Philanthropy and Resource Mobilisation Business Unit.

Likhona brings a strong foundation in research, grant development, stakeholder engagement and project coordination. Her experience and commitment to sustainable development will support WESSA’s efforts to mobilise resources for environmental education, conservation and sustainability initiatives across South Africa.

A commitment to community-centred solutions

“I was drawn to WESSA’s commitment to environmental education, conservation and community-centred solutions, which are values that align closely with my own professional journey and long-term aspirations,” she says.

Her career has been shaped by a desire to contribute to evidence-based solutions that create meaningful and lasting impact. She is particularly passionate about sustainable development and youth empowerment.
Bringing a strong research background to WESSA

Likhona holds a Master’s Degree in Development Studies, an Honours Degree in Development Studies and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Nelson Mandela University. She is also currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Cape Town.

Before joining WESSA, Likhona worked as a Research Associate at the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI), where her focus included research, innovation, development and knowledge management.
Her work has included developing funding proposals and financial narratives, conducting high-level research, preparing strategic reports and coordinating conferences and seminars. These skills will be valuable in her new role as she supports WESSA’s resource mobilisation efforts and helps strengthen the organisation’s capacity to deliver impactful programmes.

Likhona has also gained experience through research and internship roles at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), Alberta University and Nelson Mandela University.

Supporting impact through effective resource mobilisation

As Grants Officer, Likhona will play an important role in supporting WESSA’s work by identifying funding opportunities, developing strong grant proposals and helping to build the partnerships that enable environmental programmes to grow. Her combination of research expertise, stakeholder engagement experience and commitment to sustainable development makes her a valuable addition to the team.

Welcome to WESSA, Likhona. We look forward to the contribution she will make as we continue working together as People Caring for the Earth.

Are you passionate about building partnerships that create meaningful environmental impact?

WESSA is seeking a results-driven and relationship-focused Corporate Partnerships Administrator to support the development and management of strategic relationships with corporate partners and sponsors.

This role plays an important part in helping WESSA diversify its income streams while connecting businesses with environmental impact, sustainability goals, and Corporate Social Investment (CSI) priorities.

The successful candidate will support the full corporate partnership lifecycle, from research and prospecting through to proposal support, partner engagement and reporting. Working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders, they will help strengthen and grow WESSA’s network of corporate supporters.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong research, administration and communication skills who enjoys working across business development, fundraising, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement.

The position will be based at one of WESSA’s offices in Cape Town or Johannesburg, with occasional travel required.

Read the full role requirements and apply.

Apply by

Friday, 19 June 2026 (16h00 SAST)

Send your application to

applications@wessa.co.za

Subject line: Corporate Partnerships Administrator

Important to note: Please submit your covering letter, CV and any supporting documentation as a combined, single PDF file.

Pictured above: WESSA Senior Coastal Programme Manager meeting partners during Control Site visits

From site visits and programme assessments to environmental education and the continued growth of community-based initiatives, WESSA’s Coastal Programme team had a busy month of May supporting safer, cleaner and more sustainable coastal destinations.

Across the country, the team has been conducting control visits at Green Coast sites, Blue Flag marinas and tourism boats. These visits are an important part of maintaining programme standards and ensuring that environmental criteria are being implemented effectively on the ground.

They also provide an opportunity to engage directly with partners, recognise good practices, identify areas for improvement and offer practical support to teams working to strengthen coastal destinations for communities, visitors and future generations.

Supporting coastal sites through practical engagement

Control visits play a key role in helping sites maintain the standards linked to WESSA’s coastal programmes.

By assessing how criteria are being applied in practice, the Coastal Programme team can support partners in building more sustainable, well-managed and environmentally responsible coastal spaces.

The month of May also saw continued growth in the Stop the Strangle initiative, with new sites joining the programme. The initiative is steadily moving towards its target of 100 Stop the Strangle bins by October, thanks to the Ford Wildlife Foundation, helping to expand efforts to reduce fishing-line pollution and protect coastal and marine environments.

 

Pictured above: Ford 100-Bin Relay Project – a Stop the Strangle initiative, powered by Ford Wildlife Foundation

Preparing for the 2026/27 Blue Flag season

Applications for the next Blue Flag season closed in mid-May and are currently being assessed by the Coastal Programme team ahead of the National Jury sitting in June.

Despite severe storms experienced along the coast, municipalities are working hard to repair affected areas and prepare sites for the 2026/27 season.

Their ongoing commitment reflects the value of collaboration in maintaining high standards and ensuring that coastal destinations remain safe, accessible and environmentally sustainable.

Building the next generation of coastal leaders

Pictured above: Online training session with students from the University of Zululand, in collaboration with the WESSA Education Unit from Twinstreams

In addition to the team’s on-the-ground work, WESSA hosted an engaging online training session with students from the University of Zululand, in collaboration with our Education Unit team from Twinstreams.

The session, titled “Charting a Sustainable Course for Coastal and Marine Tourism,” explored how certification can be used as a strategic tool for destination management.

Students were introduced to a range of internationally recognised eco-labels and certification initiatives, including:

• Blue Flag beaches
• Pilot Blue Flag sites
• Tourism boats and marinas
• The Green Coast eco-label for emerging and less-developed coastal sites
• Green Key awards

The session was well received by students and lecturers, sparking meaningful discussions and new ideas around coastal sustainability and marine tourism.

WESSA is continuing conversations with the students to explore how some of these concepts and opportunities can be developed further.

Working together for healthier coastlines

From supporting municipalities and coastal partners to expanding pollution-reduction initiatives and engaging future environmental leaders, the Coastal Programme continues to demonstrate the value of practical action and collaboration.

These efforts help strengthen destinations, protect coastal environments and build a shared commitment to more sustainable coastlines.

Are you passionate about community development, sustainability, and creating meaningful environmental and social impact? WESSA is seeking a skilled and results-driven Project Manager: Socio-Economic Development (SED) to support the implementation and management of community-based socio-economic and environmental programmes in the Western Cape and Northern Cape.

This role focuses on supporting the development of community Eco Hubs, sustainable agriculture initiatives, food security programmes, and livelihood projects that empower communities while contributing to long-term environmental sustainability.

The successful candidate will coordinate and oversee project implementation across multiple sites, manage stakeholder engagement, and support monitoring, reporting, and donor compliance processes. Working closely with municipalities, communities, NGOs, funders and strategic partners, the role will help strengthen WESSA’s impact through practical, community-driven initiatives.

This is a hands-on role suited to someone with strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills, who is comfortable managing multiple projects, building partnerships, and working closely with communities.

The position is ideal for someone who is passionate about sustainable development and enjoys working in dynamic, impact-driven environments that combine environmental and socio-economic outcomes.

The individual will be based at WESSA’s Cape Town office in Bellville, with frequent travel to other areas including the Central Karoo.

Read the full role requirements here and apply.

Apply by

Wednesday, 10 June 2026 (16h00 SAST)

Send your CV and motivation letter to

applications@wessa.co.za

Subject line: Project Manager – Western Cape & Northern Cape

Important to note: Please submit all documents (cover letter, CV and supporting materials) in a single PDF document.

Are you organised, community-driven, and passionate about supporting projects that create meaningful social and environmental impact? WESSA is seeking a reliable and proactive Project Coordinator: Socio-Economic Development (SED) to support the coordination and implementation of community-based socio-economic and environmental programmes across the Western Cape and Northern Cape.

This role focuses on providing essential coordination, administrative, and logistical support to projects linked to community Eco Hubs, sustainable agriculture initiatives, and livelihood programmes operating across multiple sites.

The successful candidate will support project implementation, stakeholder engagement, logistics coordination, reporting, and day-to-day operational activities. Working closely with communities, municipalities, NGOs and project partners, the role will help ensure projects are effectively coordinated and supported on the ground.

This position is well suited to someone with strong organisational and administrative skills, who enjoys working in dynamic, community-focused environments and is passionate about sustainable agriculture and environmental impact.

The role also requires strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including professional proficiency in both Afrikaans and English, due to regular engagement with Afrikaans-speaking communities and stakeholders.

This is a remote role, with the successful candidate based in Laingsburg, Central Karoo, with travel to other project areas as required.

Read the full role requirements here and apply

Apply by

Wednesday, 10 June 2026 (16h00 SAST)

Send your CV and motivation letter to

applications@wessa.co.za

Subject line: Project Coordinator: SED – WC

Important to note: Please submit all documents (cover letter, CV and supporting materials) in a single PDF document.

 

Pictured above: Top left – Launching the recycling programme at GJ Louw Primary School; (top right) Kuyga Primary School learners presenting Trashion creations; (bottom right) Hillside Technical School receiving their recycling bins and bulk bags; (bottom left) Abraham Levy Primary School Eco-committee with their recycling bins & bulk bags

What happens when learners are encouraged to see waste differently?

Across 10 schools in Nelson Mandela Bay, learners and teachers are beginning to explore the answer: waste can be separated, recycled and even transformed into something new.

From 18–21 May 2026, WESSA and eWASA launched school recycling programmes at these Eastern Cape schools:

1. Kuyga Primary School
2. David Livingstone High School
3. Westview Special School
4. Hillside Technical School
5. GJ Louw Primary School
6. Abraham Levy Primary School
7. Chapman High School
8. Happydale Special School
9. St Thomas Senior Secondary School
10. Paterson High School

Learning how recycling begins

 

Pictured above: (top left & right) St Thomas Senior Secondary School with their recycling bins & engaging in a recycling presentation during assembly; (bottom left & right) David Livingstone learners with The Waste Trade Company team & launching their schools recycling programme

The sessions introduced learners and teachers to the recycling process through practical separation-at-source activities. Participants learnt how to correctly separate and sort waste, building the knowledge needed to support more responsible waste management practices at their schools.

Each school received four recycling bins and three bulk bags to help establish its recycling programme.

The Waste Trade Company joined the sessions to explain which materials can and cannot be recycled and how the collection process will work at each school.

Reimagining the value of waste

The Eastern Cape launch also encouraged learners to think creatively about materials that might otherwise be discarded.

During the sessions, The Waste Trade Company showcased upcycled items, including clothing, fashion accessories and toys made from waste materials. These examples helped learners see that waste is not only an environmental challenge; it can also be an opportunity for creativity and innovation.

This message was reinforced through the launch of the Trashion Design Challenge, which invites learners to create fashion pieces using recycled waste.

Growing practical environmental action

The school recycling programmes are designed to improve awareness of responsible waste management while giving schools the infrastructure needed to put this knowledge into practice.

By combining education, recycling systems and creative upcycling, the project is helping learners understand that their everyday choices matter. A plastic item, container or piece of discarded material does not always need to become waste. With the right knowledge and systems in place, it can become part of a more sustainable future.

Pictured above: WESSA X ENGIE – International Day for Biodiversity at Sedi-Laka Primary School

On 22 May 2026, WESSA joined ENGIE, educators and 120 learners at Sedi-Laka Primary School in Thembisa, Gauteng, to mark International Day for Biodiversity through practical environmental action.

Aligned with the 2026 theme, “Acting Locally for Global Impact”, the day gave learners an opportunity to explore the importance of South Africa’s indigenous biodiversity while actively contributing to a greener, more educational school environment.

Learning through action

The school grounds became a hands-on learning space as learners participated in indigenous greening and food-growing activities.

Together, the learners, teachers, ENGIE representatives and WESSA staff planted:

• 15 indigenous trees
• Five fruit trees
• 20 trays of vegetable seedlings
• 30 indigenous succulents in a tyre garden

 

Pictured above: ENGIE staff & Sedi-Laka Primary learners creating a new succulent garden, including painting tyres to host the new plants

Each activity offered an opportunity for learners to build practical skills. They learnt about the value of indigenous biodiversity, the benefits of succulents, how to plant and care for trees, and how to grow their own food by planting seedlings.

Planting the seeds of environmental responsibility

Beyond the plants added to the school grounds, the day was about nurturing a deeper understanding of the natural world.

By identifying indigenous trees and succulents and learning how to care for them, learners strengthened their knowledge of South Africa’s biodiversity. Working together also encouraged teamwork, responsibility and positive behaviour change around biodiversity conservation.

The new trees, seedlings and succulents will help support the development of a greener school environment where learners can continue to observe, care for and learn from nature.

 

Pictured above: Learners engaged in gardening & tree planting

Local action with lasting value

International Day for Biodiversity is a reminder that environmental stewardship does not only take place in distant natural spaces. It can begin in a school garden, through a newly planted tree or in the hands of a learner discovering how to grow food.

Through partnerships such as this one with ENGIE, WESSA continues to support practical environmental learning that empowers young people to take meaningful action in their own communities.

By acting locally, schools can help grow a more biodiverse and environmentally conscious future.

 

Pictured above: ENGIE staff & Sedi-Laka Primary School learners celebrating a successful day of planting initiatives

Pictured above: The team that rolled up their sleeves to conduct an alien invasive clearing event at New Germany Nature Reserve

From restoring natural ecosystems to planting food gardens and investigating river health, learners, families, volunteers and partners took part in a series of practical environmental activities across KwaZulu-Natal during May 2026.

Implemented through the UNICEF Green Rising project, the four activities demonstrated how environmental learning can move beyond the classroom and into farms, nature reserves, school grounds and local waterways. Together, they encouraged active participation in biodiversity conservation, food security, water stewardship and community-led environmental action.

Growing partnerships through sustainable agriculture

 

Pictured above: AgriGLAM Planting Day Programme held at AgriGLAM Farm in Engonyameni, Durban

On 12 May 2026, WESSA joined the AgriGLAM Planting Day Programme at AgriGLAM Farm in Engonyameni, Durban.

Held under the theme “Growing more than crops – Growing Partnerships,” the programme brought together stakeholders, educational institutions, community organisations and private-sector partners to promote sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship and collaborative community development.

The day included discussions on sustainable agriculture, food security and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 2: Zero Hunger.

Pictured above: Preparing the land for 4000 seedlings – AgriGLAM Farm in Engonyameni, Durban

WESSA was represented by Project Coordinator Mrs Nomfundo Ngidi, alongside participants from the Durban Natural Science Museum, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Ithuba Agribusiness, the Department of Agriculture, Radisson Blu Hotel Umhlanga, the Social Economic Systems Institute, local schools and community representatives.

The programme culminated in a practical planting session, where participants collectively planted 4,000 seedlings to support food-security efforts and encourage community participation in sustainable agricultural practices.

Restoring biodiversity at New Germany Nature Reserve

On 13 May 2026, WESSA partnered with the eThekwini Municipality Natural Resource Division to conduct an alien invasive clearing event at New Germany Nature Reserve.

The operation covered approximately 0.9 hectares and focused on removing invasive alien plant species, particularly Lantana camara, which poses a threat to indigenous vegetation and ecosystem health.

Through the combined efforts of WESSA volunteers and eThekwini Municipality workers, the activity contributed to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration and sustainable environmental management within the reserve.

The event also strengthened collaboration between environmental stakeholders while encouraging active environmental stewardship.

Young citizen scientists investigate the Illovo River

On 18 May 2026, 18 learners from Amanzimtoti Primary School, together with their families, investigated the health of the Illovo River at the Toti Canoe Club site.

Taking on the role of citizen scientists, learners used the MiniSASS scoring system to assess aquatic ecosystem health. They identified macro-invertebrates in the water and tested the river’s pH levels and water clarity.

The activity encouraged hands-on learning while helping learners understand the importance of healthy river systems and responsible water stewardship.

By participating alongside their families, the learners extended environmental learning beyond the classroom and contributed to a shared understanding of local water resources.

Bringing biodiversity learning into the school grounds

On 22 May 2026, WESSA partnered with the Waste Management Department Education to celebrate Biodiversity Month with learners at Fulcon Park Primary School in Chatsworth.

Learners conducted a biodiversity index within their school grounds, giving them an opportunity to explore the variety of life present in their immediate environment. The activity formed part of broader environmental education efforts to build ecological awareness and integrate biodiversity conservation into school learning.

Fulcon Park Primary School also marked an important milestone as the first school in the Chatsworth Catchment to register as an Eco-School.

The activity was supported by WESSA, the Waste Management Department Education and Mr Pat Reddy from the Association of Clean Communities, helping to equip learners with practical tools to observe and appreciate local biodiversity.

Practical action with lasting impact

Across the four activities, Green Rising created opportunities for communities to learn, participate and take meaningful environmental action.

Whether planting seedlings, clearing invasive plants, assessing biodiversity or investigating river health, each activity showed how practical learning can strengthen environmental responsibility and build more connected, resilient communities.

Pictured above: Partners visiting the Westview food garden

The Eastern Cape Department of Education, in partnership with WESSA and key stakeholders, has officially launched the Nelson Mandela Bay District Food Garden Revival Programme, an initiative that will support 53 schools across the district to establish learner-led, sustainable market food gardens.

The launch event, hosted at Westview Special School in Gqeberha, brought together partners including WESSA, Giving Them Wings, Pick n Pay, Mandela Bay Development Agency and the Department of Agriculture, with the Eastern Cape Department of Education leading the programme.

Pictured above: Group photo including all stakeholders, educators and learners

The initiative is designed to strengthen food security, environmental learning and practical agricultural skills in schools, while helping learners understand the important connection between healthy soil, nutritious food, climate-smart agriculture and resilient communities.

Growing more than food

 

Pictured above: Learners from Ben Nyathi Primary School performing a play on food security

Through the programme, participating schools will be supported to establish and maintain sustainable food gardens that can contribute to school nutrition programmes and, where possible, allow schools to share harvests with their surrounding communities.

The gardens will also serve as outdoor learning spaces where learners can gain hands-on experience in food production, environmental stewardship, entrepreneurship, teamwork and self-reliance.

Delivering the keynote address, Mrs Gxuluwe, Director of the National School Nutrition Programme, highlighted the transformative role of school gardens in education and nutrition.

“A school garden is not merely a piece of cultivated land. It is a classroom without walls. It is a source of dignity, hope, empowerment, and learning. It teaches our learners responsibility, teamwork, environmental awareness, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance. Most importantly, it contributes directly to improving the quality and nutritional value of meals served to our children daily,” she said.

Supporting schools to build sustainable food systems

 

Pictured above: Nomfundo Ndlovu giving words of encouragement and the importance of this initiative. Planting session at Westview Special School

As communities continue to face rising food insecurity and climate-related challenges, the programme places schools at the centre of practical, local solutions.

WESSA Senior Programme Manager, Nomfundo Ndlovu, said the Food Garden Revival Project reflects the important role schools can play in building long-term community resilience.

“As WESSA celebrates 100 years of environmental education and sustainability action, programmes such as the Food Garden Revival Project remind us that schools are powerful centres of change. By supporting learners to grow food sustainably, rebuild soil health, and care for the environment, we are not only addressing food insecurity, but also empowering a new generation with the skills, knowledge, and resilience needed to build healthier and more sustainable communities,” said Ndlovu.

From garden revival to community resilience

The programme will continue to support participating schools through the provision of seedlings, seeds, soil rehabilitation support, environmental education, climate-smart agriculture training and ongoing mentorship.

The long-term vision is to build thriving, productive school gardens that contribute to nutrition, environmental awareness, entrepreneurship and community resilience across the Nelson Mandela Bay district.

Through this partnership, WESSA and its partners are helping schools turn food gardens into living classrooms – spaces where learners can grow knowledge, grow food and grow hope for a more sustainable future.

Pictured above: Southdowns College Pre-Prep learners engage in World Bee Day Talk and dress-up in black & yellow

From dressing up in black and yellow to exploring pollination through interactive activities, learners across three ADvTECH schools marked World Bee Day with curiosity, creativity and a growing appreciation for the small but essential role bees play in sustaining healthy ecosystems.

Through age-appropriate activities at Southdowns College Pre-Prep, Crawford International Bedfordview and Crawford International Lonehill, learners explored how bees support biodiversity, food production and plant growth. The celebrations transformed environmental learning into memorable experiences, helping young learners connect classroom knowledge with the natural world around them.

Discovering the importance of pollinators at Southdowns College Pre-Prep

On 20 May, the playground at Southdowns College Pre-Prep became a sea of yellow and black as children dressed up to celebrate these important pollinators.

Grade 00 and Grade 0 learners took part in an engaging talk led by Coach Petro, who shared interesting facts about bees, beekeeping and the essential role pollinators play in the environment. Learners had an opportunity to see beekeeping equipment up close and even taste a sample of honey.

Through the discussions and activities, the children discovered that bees help pollinate many of the plants that provide fruits, vegetables and flowers. They also learnt that a single bee can visit hundreds of flowers in one day, highlighting the impact that these small creatures can have on the natural world.

The celebration helped foster curiosity, environmental awareness and respect for nature from an early age, while introducing learners to the importance of protecting animals and habitats that support healthy ecosystems.

Combining environmental awareness and literacy at Crawford International Bedfordview

 

Pictured above: Crawford International Bedfordview learners and educators got dressed up in black & yellow

At Crawford International Bedfordview, learners and staff embraced World Bee Day through a vibrant Black and Yellow Civvies Day, filling the campus with colour, energy and conversations about biodiversity.

The celebration formed part of the school’s ongoing WESSA Biodiversity in Nature initiative, encouraging learners to connect environmental responsibility with meaningful awareness and action.

Foundation Phase learners also participated in a lively Spelling Bee, where they showcased their confidence, communication skills and academic abilities while learning more about the importance of bees and pollinators.

Custom 3D-printed trophies were created for the winners, while additional prizes and treats helped bring the theme to life. The activities created an engaging environment where literacy, creativity and environmental learning could come together in a memorable way.

Learning how pollination works at Crawford International Lonehill

 

Pictured above: Crawford International Lonehill – Learners creating World Bee Day art; Grade Four classroom door art about Bees; and the Grade Five class wrote acrostic poems

At Crawford International Lonehill, learners explored pollination through a playful, hands-on activity designed to show how bees help flowers grow.

After colouring and creating their own flowers and bees, learners used their fingers as pretend bees. They collected “pollen” from a packet of cheese curls before visiting their classmates’ flowers to pollinate them.

The interactive activity helped learners understand the important connection between bees, pollination and plant growth while encouraging collaboration and creativity.

Learners also explored the idea of reusing materials through a recycled bee art activity. Using newspaper, toilet-roll holders, bubble wrap and paint, they created bees and a beehive collage, bringing together environmental learning and imaginative expression.

Growing environmental awareness from an early age

Across all three schools, World Bee Day provided an opportunity to make biodiversity education practical, engaging and accessible.

Whether learners were tasting honey, exploring beekeeping equipment, participating in a themed Spelling Bee, learning how pollination works or creating art from recycled materials, each activity encouraged a deeper connection to nature.

These celebrations showed that meaningful environmental learning can begin with small moments of discovery. By helping children understand why bees matter, schools are nurturing a generation that is more aware of the natural world and better equipped to care for it.