23 October 2025 Media Release: Hessequa Municipality, GRDM and stakeholders clean-up beaches along the Hessequa Coastline in celebration of Marine Month
Media Release: Hessequa Municipality, GRDM and stakeholders clean-up beaches along the Hessequa Coastline in celebration of Marine Month
For immediate release
23 October 2025
The National Marine Week in South Africa is held annually from 7 – 11 October, with a broader Marine Month running from 1-31 October. The annual event aims to raise awareness about marine and coastal ecosystems through commemorative events such as coastal clean-up operations and promote their sustainable use for current and future generations.
The 2025 theme is “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” emphasizing the importance of ocean conservation.
As part of the celebrations, the Hessequa Municipality conducted a clean-up operation in collaboration with the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) which coordinated the resources of the Department of Environmental Affair and Development Planning, at the Preekstoel Beach in Hessequa. Thirty (30) learners and 4 teachers from Melkhoutfontein Primary School with 10 adults formed part of the operation.
During his address, as part of the awareness session, prior to the clean-up operation, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services at GRDM, said: “Marine Week is not only about celebrating our coastlines; it’s about taking responsibility for them. Every piece of litter we pick up today is a small but powerful act. A bottle cap, a plastic straw, a fishing line – these might seem insignificant, but to a turtle, a seabird, or a fish, they can mean the difference between life and death. By cleaning up, we prevent waste from entering the marine food chain and protect the biodiversity that keeps our oceans alive”.
In addition, Hoogbaard highlighted that “our coastline is a shared treasure – a treasure that supports tourism, fisheries, recreation, and provides livelihoods for many families. But more than that, it is a living system – a delicate balance of plants, animals, tides, and winds. When we pollute it, we disturb that balance; when we protect it, we restore hope”.
In respect of collaborative initiatives and protecting marine conservation, he said: “As we work together today, let’s remember that marine conservation doesn’t end when we leave the beach. It continues every time we refuse a plastic bag, recycle properly, or teach someone about ocean care. It continues when municipalities enforce coastal management laws, when schools include marine education, and when each of us treats the environment not as a resource to use, but as a legacy to safeguard”.
Coastal waters are packed with life and are massively important to society from a biodiversity and food security perspective, as well as being part of cultural and natural heritage. The World Wildlife Fund in a report said that “as a country with more ocean territory than land, our rich and productive coastal waters support thousands of jobs and contribute billions of rands to the national economy each year. In terms of fisheries alone, historically we have harvested around 600 000 tons of fish a year which provides livelihoods to over 127 000 people and food security to millions.” Humanity should therefore preserve this precious resource for future generations to enjoy.
Dr Nina Viljoen, Head of Environmental Management at GRDM, advised: “Let’s celebrate our magnificent ocean – it’s the only one we have. Take your family or friends out for a beach or river cleanup or just aim to read up a bit more on our beautiful coastline”.
“Every action we take, on land or sea, has ripple effects across coasts, currents, and communities. Together, we can safeguard a healthy, sustainable ocean for all, “Viljoen concluded.
This collaborative partnership between the local Municipalities, District Municipality, Western Cape Government, and other Governmental authorities is a clear example of how Government institutions can work together and make a difference in ensuring the success of environmental projects within communities.
Tomorrow, 24 October 2025, the team, including 60 Slangrivier Primary School learners and educators, will be heading to the Witsand Beach to conclude their annual Marine Month campaign.
ENDS
The take-away message for this year was “Clean hands are within reach – a small action that creates a big impact on global health”
