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Environmental Management

24 August 2026 Media Release: Resilient Landscapes: Collaboration in a Changing Climate

Media Release: Resilient Landscapes: Collaboration in a Changing Climate

For immediate release
24 August 2026

The message emerging from recent environmental gatherings is clear: “climate change is no longer a distant threat but a reality demanding action, cooperation and a far greater sense of shared responsibility,” says Cobus Meiring from the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

The recent Resilient Landscapes Forum, hosted at the Gourikwa Coastal Nature Reserve, followed closely on the Extreme Weather Reflection event hosted at Nelson Mandela University – both gatherings brought together people who understand that environmental resilience cannot be left to government alone.

Gourikwa Coastal Nature Reserve showing the Southern Cape coastline and natural landscape with fynbos.

The urgency of these discussions is reinforced by growing global concern about increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and the potential influence of phenomena such as El Niño. Predictions for the Southern Cape do not inspire complacency. Changing weather patterns could bring prolonged drought, destructive floods, wild fire, severe winds and increasingly difficult conditions for both people and the environment.

“Civil society has a vital role to play in environmental management,” says Meiring who attended the event. Forum (GREF), who attended the event. “Forums, conservancies and similar structures provide essential platforms where land managers, academics, communities and government can meet, share knowledge and collectively respond to environmental challenges.”

Government simply does not have the capacity to manage every environmental issue. The protection of natural systems therefore depends increasingly on responsible landowners and land managers taking ownership of the landscapes under their care.

The implications extend well beyond conservation. Agriculture remains a primary driver of the regional economy, and farmers understand the potentially devastating consequences of prolonged drought. Cape Town’s near Day Zero experience demonstrated just how quickly a water crisis can become an economic and social crisis.

The Southern Cape’s coastline, Klein Karoo, forests, rivers, lakes and extraordinary biodiversity are irreplaceable natural assets. Their sustainable future cannot be taken for granted.

The resilience of the Southern Cape will ultimately depend not only on how well we respond to the next extreme weather event, but on how effectively we work together before it arrives. A better cared-for environment remains the foundation of a safer economy and a higher quality of life for all.

Feature Image: Recent Floods further damaged the eastern Gourits River bank near the estuary and washed away substantial volumes of valuable agricultural land.

The Garden Route Environmnetal Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and a climate change think- tank (ww.grefecsf.co.za).

ENDS

17 August 2026 Media Release: Education and Awareness Program on Recycling and Proper Waste Management held in Kurland, Bitou Municipality

Media Release: Education and Awareness Program on Recycling and Proper Waste Management held in Kurland, Bitou Municipality

17 Augustus 2026

On Thursday, 13 August 2026, an Education and Awareness Program focusing on recycling and proper waste management was held in Kurland in the Bitou municipal area. The program brought together community members, stakeholders in waste management and local leadership to promote greater awareness of responsible waste disposal, recycling and environmental protection.

The programme aimed to educate the Kurland community about keeping their area clean, safe and environmentally friendly. Residents were encouraged to take responsibility for their surroundings and help address littering, illegal dumping and poor waste management.

The Bitou Executive Mayor, Councillor Jessica Kamkam who is also the Kurland Ward Councillor, was also present during the event and welcomed the stakeholders to the program and expressed her support for the initiative. Mayor Kamkam highlighted the importance of bringing environmental education directly to communities and hoped the programme would help bring positive change to Kurland.

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) District Waste Management Officer, Innocentia Sikweyiya, delivered the keynote address and highlighted the importance of community participation in achieving effective and sustainable waste management.

Sikweyiya stressed that government cannot do it alone and that communities have an important role to play in protecting the environment. She called on residents, businesses and other stakeholders to work together to keep their surroundings clean, safe and sustainable.

“Take responsibility for the waste they generate and to make proper waste separation part of their daily practices,” she said.

Residents were encouraged to separate recyclable waste from general waste and take recyclables to the designated drop-off facility. Ms Sikweyiya explained that recycling helps reduce waste going to landfill, prevent littering and illegal dumping, and protect the environment. She also encouraged residents to see recyclable materials as valuable resources that can be reused and recycled.

As part of the program, a walk-through education and awareness campaign was conducted throughout the Kurland community. The campaign took the waste-management message directly to residents and members of the public in their everyday surroundings. The walk-through campaign focused on spaza shops, pedestrians and motorists, giving officials an opportunity to engage with the community about responsible waste disposal, recycling and keeping public spaces clean.

Spaza shop owners were encouraged to manage their business waste properly and keep the areas around their shops clean. Pedestrians and motorists were reminded of the negative impact of littering and encouraged to dispose of waste responsibly and use available waste facilities.

Residents were encouraged to reduce waste, reuse materials where possible, separate recyclable waste and ensure that waste is disposed of at the appropriate facilities. Community members were also urged to discourage littering and illegal dumping and to encourage others to adopt responsible environmental practices.

All activities that took place during the community walk-through education and awareness campaign.

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17 June 2026 Media Release: Cost of Recent Weather-Related Disasters Only Becomes Clear Over Time

Media Release: Cost of Recent Weather-Related Disasters Only Becomes Clear Over Time

For immediate release
17 June 2026

“Figures released by the Western Cape Government show that the damage to the region following the recent extreme weather events is already running into billions of rand,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF). Roads damaged by stormwater will take months to repair, while several communities continue to experience disruptions to power and water supply.

It is often only in the weeks following a disaster that the true extent and cost of the damage emerge. Engineers assessing damaged roads and infrastructure frequently discover underlying structural failures that must first be addressed, delaying repairs and significantly increasing costs.

Authorities and disaster management agencies have once again demonstrated exceptional commitment in responding to emergencies, clearing fallen trees, reopening roads and restoring essential services. However, recent events raise an important question: how do communities and authorities adapt to a future where severe weather increasingly inflicts substantial damage on both natural and built infrastructure upon which thousands of residents depend?

Reflecting on the aftermath of disasters is critical if lessons are to be learned. Understanding what worked, identifying vulnerabilities and improving preparedness can help build resilience in the face of a changing climate.

GREF and its partners, in collaboration with Nelson Mandela University (NMU), will host the Garden Route Extreme Weather Reflection Summit on 2 July 2026. A panel of experts in climate science, environmental management and disaster management will analyse recent events and collectively explore practical ways forward for the region.

Interested and affected parties wishing to attend the Summit can RSVP to louisamare@gmail.com.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum is a public platform for environmental practitioners and a climate change think tank (www.grefecsf.co.za).

ENDS

05 June 2026 Awareness Article: World Environment Day Commemorated – 5 June 2026

Awareness Article: World Environment Day Commemorated – 5 June 2026

For immediate release
05 June 2026

Theme: “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future”

As Azerbaijan hosts World Environment Day 2026 (5 June 2026) under the global theme climate change, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) echoes the urgent call: Our Climate. Our Future.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) states that 2026 is about “the urgent signals the Earth is sending and the signals we choose to send back”. In the Garden Route district, those signals include, but are not limited to, the severe floods of 2023 and 2024, and more recently, the floods and gale-force winds of the cut off low storm system in May 2026. Prolonged droughts, sea level rise, storm surges, coastal and soil erosion, invasive alien vegetation infestations, and escalating wildfire risks are challenging how we live, farm, and work.

What is the environment?

It’s not just faraway forests. It’s the air we breathe in George, the water in the Knysna Estuary, the soil our Outeniqua farmers use, and the fynbos that protects our mountains from erosion. It’s the beaches in Plettenberg Bay, the rivers in Wilderness, and the wetlands in Sedgefield that soak up floodwater. Our environment is everything around us that keeps us alive, safe, and able to work.

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed this directly at the Presidential Climate Commission in February 2026: “Climate change is an existential threat to the future of humanity and the planet. We must act with others across the globe to ensure that we do not breach the 1.5-degree warning above pre-industrial levels”.

Why does this matter to you?

Climate change is not only about melting ice caps. It affects water in our taps, food on our tables, and safety in our communities. When rivers are in flood, roads are being closed and homes and infrastructure are being damaged. When dams like the Garden Route Dam run low, farmers struggle, food prices rise, and we all face water restrictions. When alien plants and trees spread, fires burn hotter and longer. Protecting the environment means protecting our daily lives.

The Climate Change Act 22 of 2024 now requires all municipalities to plan for these risks.

This World Environment Day, GRDM is:

  • Repairing and strengthening infrastructure damaged by recent floods, including stormwater systems and rural roads.
  • Restoring natural defences – wetlands, riverbank, and catchments – that absorb floodwater and store water for dry months.
  • Improving early warnings so that communities get alerts before disaster strikes.

How can you help:

Everyone has a role to play. Save water by fixing leaks and using less. Keep stormwater drains clear – never dump waste or building rubble in them. Report illegal dumping, blocked rivers, or fire risks to your relevant local Municipal offices.

World Environment Day reminds us: the Garden Route’s forests, rivers, and coastline are not just scenery. They are our life support. The earth is sending signals, and it is time we send a strong one back.

ENDS

18 May 2026 Media Release: Understanding the Drivers Behind Recent Extreme Weather in the Southern Cape

Media Release: Understanding the Drivers Behind Recent Extreme Weather in the Southern Cape

For immediate release
18 May 2026

Recent extreme weather events in the Southern Cape have raised serious concern among residents, infrastructure managers, and environmental practitioners.

GREF Convener, Cobus Meiring, requested Knysna-based climate systems expert, Peter du Toit, from FutureClimateIQ to shed some light on why the Southern Cape increasingly experience such extreme weather events.

“The region’s recent experience of intense rainfall, flooding, and an unprecedented period of gale force winds is consistent with evolving atmospheric and oceanic conditions affecting southern Africa”, says Du Toit.

Du Toit explains that the Southern Cape sits at the intersection of several dynamic weather systems. The region is influenced by mid-latitude frontal systems moving in from the South Atlantic, as well as moisture-laden air masses driven by warmer ocean temperatures. When these systems interact under unstable atmospheric conditions, they can generate highly concentrated storm events with strong wind fields and intense precipitation over short periods.

One of the key contributing factors highlighted is the increasing variability in large-scale climate drivers such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation. These oscillations influence rainfall distribution and storm tracks across southern Africa, often intensifying weather extremes when atmospheric conditions align unfavourably.

The recent gale force wind event, described by local authorities as unprecedented in its sustained intensity and spatial reach, is linked to a deep low-pressure system that intensified rapidly offshore before making landfall along the Southern Cape coastline. This created a strong pressure gradient, resulting in damaging wind speeds across exposed coastal and inland areas.

Du Toit further notes that while these large-scale climate systems are natural, their behaviour is being modified by a warming global climate. Warmer sea surface temperatures increase atmospheric moisture and energy availability, which can enhance storm development and severity.

However, he cautions that climate drivers alone do not fully explain the scale of impacts experienced on the ground. Local factors such as land-use change, degraded catchments, and invasive alien vegetation significantly amplify run-off, windthrow, and infrastructure vulnerability during extreme events.

The combination of these global and local influences is making the Southern Cape increasingly susceptible to high-impact weather events, requiring improved understanding, preparedness, and long-term resilience planning.

Feature Image: Peter du Toit, from FutureClimateIQ –Photo Supplied

Written by: Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)

The GREF is a public platform for environmental practitioners and a climate change think tank (grefecsf.co.za).

ENDS

04 March 2026 Media Release: GRDM Engages Schools and Communities in Fight Against Waste and Illegal Dumping

Media Release: GRDM Engages Schools and Communities in Fight Against Waste and Illegal Dumping

04 March 2026

During February, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Waste Management Section continued rolling out its Green School Program by introducing a new colour-coded bin system at participating schools across the district.

The programme aims to strengthen waste minimisation education and encourage environmental awareness among learners. After all, waste minimisation starts with awareness and action. By equipping schools with the right tools and knowledge to manage waste responsibly, we are empowering learners to become champions of sustainability in their own households and communities.

On 12 February, GRDM, in collaboration with the Bitou Municipality, visited two schools in the Bitou Municipal area to introduce the program. The following day, on 13 February, GRDM collaborated with Landmark to hand over 85 recycling boxes to Outeniqua High School.  These boxes will enable learners to separate waste directly in their classrooms, making recycling part of their daily routine.

The following week, on 18 February, the GRDM Waste Management Section, in collaboration with the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve, extended the programme to three schools in the Hessequa Municipal area, reaching more than 700 learners.

Learners were taught how to separate waste correctly, followed by interactive Q&A sessions to test their understanding. They also practised identifying the correct waste streams for each colour-coded bin, reinforcing the importance of responsible waste management in a practical and engaging way.

“GRDM would like to acknowledge POLYCO, MPACT, and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (Western Cape Government) for partnering with us to ensure the success of this programme. The Green School Program is a GRDM-led initiative that promotes sustainability through practical education, hands-on activities, and partnerships. The programme focuses on waste minimisation and recycling and equips learners with the skills and values needed to make eco-conscious choices,” said Innocentia Sikweyiya, GRDM District Waste Management Officer.

In Hessequa, GRDM collaborates with the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR), a non-governmental organisation focused on biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and community engagement. In the George area, GRDM works in partnership with Landmark to support the implementation of the programme. Through these partnerships, the initiative introduces clearly marked bins for paper, plastic, metal/cans, and glass, making it easier for learners and staff to practise responsible waste separation

Illegal Dumping Silent Walk / March

On Friday, 27 February, the George Local Municipality hosted a Silent March Against Illegal Dumping in Thembalethu. Though the march was silent, the collective message was loud and clear: illegal dumping has no place in our communities.

Led by the Executive Mayor of George and the Portfolio Head for Community Services, participants carried placards with powerful messages urging an end to illegal waste disposal. The march symbolized unity and determination to protect the environment and promote cleaner, healthier neighbourhoods.

The event concluded with closing remarks from the Garden Route District Municipality Waste Management Section (GRDM), highlighting the importance of collaboration between local government and communities in reclaiming our dignity and ensuring the right to live in a clean and healthy environment.

“Together, participants stood in silence, but their voices spoke volumes. Illegal dumping is unacceptable, and the commitment to building a cleaner, safer Thembalethu for all remains strong,” said Sikweyiya

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Photos capturing some of the school visits and activities conducted across the district during February.

13 February 2026 Media Release: GRDM, Kannaland, Recyclers and DLG Join Forces to Promote Recycling and Fight Illegal Dumping

Media Release: GRDM, Kannaland, Recyclers and DLG Join Forces to Promote Recycling and Fight Illegal Dumping

13 February 2026

On Monday, 10 February 2026, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with Kannaland Local Municipality, met with recyclers, waste pickers, community members, and representatives of the Western Cape Department of Local Government (WCG DLG).

During the engagement, Innocentia Sikweyiya, GRDM Waste Management officer, outlined the purpose of the engagement by focusing on what the program was about, identifying needs such as protective gear, training, infrastructure, and fair pricing mechanisms. . She also emphasised the importance of building trust and cooperation between government, recyclers, and communities.

“We must recognise the vital contribution of waste pickers and recyclers in reducing landfill waste and supporting environmental sustainability,” she said.

Sikweyiya also highlighted the importance of exploring ways in which both informal and formal recycling activities can be incorporated into municipal waste management plans and the Green Flag School Programme.

The WCG DLG reported that it has been tasked with addressing illegal dumping in Zoar, with surveys already completed. Waste recyclers welcomed the initiative and pledge to work with the municipality in promoting cleanliness and sustainable waste management practices in Kannaland.

The meeting ended with agreement on holding a follow-up session to tackle illegal dumping in Zoar and boost recycling efforts. This engagement is an important step in supporting recyclers and promoting sustainable waste management in the district.

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Opsomming in Afrikaans

Op Maandag, het die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM), in samewerking met Kannaland Munisipaliteit, ’n vergadering gehou met herwinnaars, afvalplukkers, gemeenskapslede en verteenwoordigers van die Wes-Kaapse Departement van Plaaslike Regering.

Tydens die vergadering het Innocentia Sikweyiya, TDM se Afvalbestuursbeampte, die doel van die program uiteengesit en behoeftes soos beskermende toerusting en klere, opleiding, infrastruktuur en billike prysmeganismes geïdentifiseer. Sy het ook die belangrikheid van vertroue en samewerking tussen die regering, herwinnaars en gemeenskappe beklemtoon, asook die noodsaaklikheid om informele en formele herwinningsaktiwiteite in munisipale afvalbestuursplanne en die ‘Green Flag’ Skoleprogram te integreer.

Die Wes-Kaapse Departement van Plaaslike Regering het aangedui dat hulle reeds opnames voltooi het om onwettige storting in Zoar aan te spreek. Herwinnaars het die inisiatief verwelkom en hul steun toegesê om saam met die munisipaliteit te werk om netheid en volhoubare afvalbestuur in Kannaland te bevorder. ’n Opvolgvergadering sal gehou word om verdere stappe teen onwettige storting te bespreek en herwinning te versterk.

-EINDE-

2 February 2026 Media Release: World Wetlands Day 2026

Media Release: World Wetlands Day 2026

2 February 2026

Today, we collectively join the global community in celebrating World Wetlands Day, a day that is dedicated to raising awareness about the significance of wetlands and the need to conserve and protect these vital ecosystems. World Wetlands Day is held annually on the 2nd of February, and is an opportunity to highlight the crucial role wetlands play in supporting diversity, regulating the climate, and providing essential ecosystems. Wetlands are areas of land that are saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally. They can be found in a variety of forms, including marshes, swamps, bogs and mangroves. Wetlands are some of the most valuable ecosystems on the planet, providing vast array of services.

The purpose of World Wetlands Day is to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and the need to preserve and protect these ecosystems. The day is also an opportunity to promote action and advocacy for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, and to highlight the importance of wetlands in achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Interesting facts about wetlands:

  • Wetlands cover only 6% of the Earth’s surface but are home to a disproportionate amount of biodiversity.
  • Wetlands play a pivotal role in regulating the climate, storing carbon dioxide (CO2), and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
  • Wetlands help to filter water, reducing the number of contaminants and sediments that enter rivers and oceans.

The Garden Route District Municipality is committed to protecting the valuable wetland systems within the district, and is currently in the process of reviewing its Garden Route District Wetland Strategy and Action Plan (previously titled the Eden District Wetland Strategy and Action Plan), which will guide the local Municipalities in the district with the implementation of the most essential wetland projects and initiatives that can improve the functioning and ecosystem services of some of the district’s key wetland systems.

As we celebrate World Wetlands Day, we urge all residents to take action to protect these vital ecosystems. By reducing pollution and waste, supporting conservation efforts, and spreading awareness about the importance of wetlands, we can work towards a future where wetlands continue to thrive and support the health and well-being of our communities. Let us work together to protect our wetlands and many benefits they provide.

Image Source: Available at: Online: https://www.freepik.com/photos/world-wetlands-day-theme

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1 December 2025 Media Release: GREF and NMU to Co-Host Sustainability Seminar in Gqeberha

GREF and NMU to Co-Host Sustainability Seminar in Gqeberha

For immediate release
1 December 2025

“The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) and Nelson Mandela University (NMU) will co-host the 2026 Sustainability Seminar at the NMU South Campus in Gqeberha. The event theme, “Building Partnerships for People, Land and Nature,” highlights the importance of collaboration in responding to environmental challenges affecting both the Garden Route and the Eastern Cape” says GREF convener Cobus Meiring.

Peter du Toit of Future iQ in Knysna will deliver the keynote presentation on “Empowering Better Climate Decisions through Science and Simulation.” His address will focus on how science-based planning and modelling can support effective climate adaptation and better long-term decision-making.

The Garden Route and Eastern Cape share extensive environmental connectivity well beyond formal boundaries. This includes marine and coastal systems, river catchments, estuaries and shared climate pressures. A major area of joint interest is the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve, stretching from George to the Van Stadens River and extending into the Klein Karoo. Alongside it, the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR), managed from Riversdale, forms the second biosphere reserve in the region. Together, these internationally recognised areas reinforce the need for cooperative landscape-level management.

GREF, Garden Route District Municipality and NMU have maintained a strategic working relationship for many years, strengthened further by the involvement of the NMU Faculty: Life, Earth, Environmental and Agricultural Sciences. This year’s seminar continues to build on that partnership by bringing academia, conservation authorities and practitioners into a shared space for learning and planning.

SANParks will also participate, with Dr Nomvuselelo (SANParks: Social Cohesion) providing insights into the future of conservation and new opportunities for inter-institutional collaboration. The Tsitsikamma National Park, which forms part of the Garden Route National Park, is a central ecological node within the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve and reflects the region’s interconnected environmental heritage.

The seminar takes place on Thursday, 4 December 2025, at NMU South Campus. It will also mark the official launch of the Eastern Cape Sustainability Forum (ECSF), which will serve as a sister platform to GREF and help strengthen cross-provincial cooperation.

For more information, contact louiselouisamare@gmail.com.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and practitioners and serves as a regional climate-change think-tank.
More information: www.grefecsf.org.za.

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