A Day of Action at the Port
On 5 June 2025, WESSA partnered with eThekwini Municipality’s Durban Solid Waste department and Transnet for a hands-on clean-up event at the Durban Port, located within the Durban Harbour, in celebration of World Environment Day.
The day brought together committed partners with one shared goal: to reduce pollution and help protect the harbour environment before waste could make its way into the ocean.
Why Durban Harbour Matters
Durban Harbour is one of South Africa’s busiest port areas, making it an important space for trade, transport, and economic activity. However, with this activity comes the responsibility to care for the surrounding environment.
Waste left on land can easily be carried by wind, rain, and stormwater systems into the harbour and eventually into the sea. Clean-up initiatives like this play an important role in preventing land-based pollution from becoming marine pollution.
The main aim of the clean-up was to remove waste from the Durban port area before it could reach the marine environment. Participants worked together to collect litter and improve the surrounding area, showing that small actions can make a big difference when people work together.
Every piece of plastic, paper, and general waste removed helped reduce the risk of pollution entering the ocean and affecting marine life.
Greening the Space
The clean-up was not only about removing waste. Participants from eThekwini Municipality also removed weeds from the garden area and planted indigenous flora.
Indigenous plants are an important part of healthy local ecosystems. They support biodiversity, require less water, and help create greener, more resilient spaces for people and nature.
Partnership in Action
Transnet, as a key port operator, led by example by showing that environmental responsibility is part of everyday business. Their involvement highlighted the important role that businesses and institutions can play in caring for the environment.
The collaboration between WESSA, eThekwini Municipality, Durban Solid Waste, and Transnet strengthened local partnerships and encouraged a shared sense of responsibility for maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment.
World Environment Day is a reminder that everyone has a role to play in protecting the planet. Whether it is picking up litter, planting indigenous plants, reducing single-use plastics, or educating others, every action counts.
At WESSA, we believe that environmental care starts with awareness, grows through action, and becomes lasting change through partnership.
Together, we can keep our ports, rivers, beaches, and oceans cleaner — one clean-up at a time.