Media Release: Designing a Greener Future in George: A Collective Stand for Cleaner Communities

29 June 20265

What started as the vision of a single South African Police Service officer has evolved into a collaborative community initiative, bringing together government departments, local and district municipalities, private businesses and groups, the local business chamber, schools and educators, taking a united stand against waste. With a shared commitment to building cleaner and safer communities, and a simple yet powerful message: ‘what we throw away can be used again.’

This year’s ‘Designing a Greener Future in George’ event, the second of its kind, took place on Thursday, 25 June 2026, at the Conville Civic Centre in George. The event was attended by all stakeholders involved in the initiative, including learners from nine high schools, who displayed their creativity and innovation through projects promoting recycling and environmental awareness. Their designs and ‘creations’ showed how young people can play a vital role in building safer, cleaner and more sustainable communities.

From the outset of the event, the programme director, guest speakers and performers all echoed the same message: everyone has a role to play in building cleaner, greener and more sustainable communities. Through their presentations and performances, they encouraged learners and attendees to take responsibility for protecting the environment and making a positive difference in their communities, as well as highlighting the importance of recycling and its impact on the environment.

The representative from the recycling company highlighted the importance of proper waste management systems, explaining that much of what is commonly regarded as waste consists of recyclable materials that can be recovered, reused, and transformed into valuable resources. She explained that many people rely on recycling as a source of income and stressed that these materials should not be viewed as waste.

She further explained that the concept of throwing something “away” is misleading, as waste does not simply disappear but remains on earth for generations. Encouraging a shift in mindset, she challenged attendees to become “waste warriors” by taking responsibility for reducing waste in their communities. Through simple daily actions, such as recycling, reusing materials, and refraining from littering, every individual can contribute to protecting the environment and creating cleaner, more sustainable communities.

In his address, the Garden Route District Municipality’s MMC for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, firstly engaged with the learners and encouraged them with the following words: “Today is your day. You are here not only to participate, but to demonstrate leadership, creativity and responsibility. Through your designs, your performances and your ideas, you have the power to make a difference.”

Referring to the theme of the event, ‘Designing a Greener Future,’ Hoogbaard stated that the future does not simply happen by itself, but is shaped by the decisions we make, the values we uphold and the actions we take every day. He said: “If we want safer communities, cleaner neighbourhoods and a healthier environment, then we must work together to design that future.”

Cllr Hoogbaard encouraged all present to become true leaders, describing leadership as the consistent choice to do what is right, even when no one is watching. “Leadership is picking up litter when others walk past it. Leadership is refusing to take part in vandalism and saying no to crime, drugs and violence.”

In closing, Cllr Hoogbaard challenged all learners to leave the event not only as participants, but as ambassadors for change, urging them to be advocates for cleaner schools, safer streets, healthier environments and stronger, more positive communities.

Judy Westraad, Chairperson of the George Business Chamber, described young people as the future and encouraged adults to support and mentor them so they can one day become successful business owners and leaders. She also unpacked the meaning behind the George Business Chamber’s logo, explaining that its puzzle pieces symbolising how every individual forms part of a greater whole. She further explained  that when everyone plays their part, whether by keeping the environment clean, avoiding littering, or contributing positively to the community they live in, they collectively make a meaningful difference.

A passionate vote of thanks was delivered by SAPS Officer Slinger, who expressed her appreciation to all stakeholders present, with special recognition given to the teachers for their dedication in preparing and supporting the learners. She commended their efforts in ensuring that the learners were ready, focused, and engaged despite the demands of the ongoing examinations.

In closure, Slinger appealed to George Municipal Law Enforcement, local spaza shop owners, and community members present to assist in combating illegal dumping in the community. She encouraged all those present, including the learners, to take a stand, raise their voices, and act as ambassadors by educating others on the importance of cleaner communities and reducing illegal dumping sites. “Otherwise, the future won’t see what we see today,” she said.

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