October was filled with meaningful moments for WESSA KZN members, from forest discoveries to coastal clean-ups, all united by a shared love for nature.

Earlier in the month, on 18 October, members gathered at Beachwood Mangrove Nature Reserve for the monthly clean-up and social meetup, collecting over 20 bags of waste. Around ten dedicated members took part, reflecting on their impact and planning ahead for the Great Southern Bioblitz 2025.

These monthly clean-ups, held every third Saturday, continue to strengthen WESSA’s commitment to reducing ocean-bound waste, one bag at a time.

Members also enjoyed a guided nature walk at Hawaan Forest Estate, led by youth members Bernard, Zuzile and Lungelo. Participants of all ages connected with nature through guided interpretations, wild fruit tasting and even tree hugging, ending the day with a shared lunch in true WESSA spirit.

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Pictured above: Learners from Bulumko High School (top left), Intsebenziswano Secondary School (top right), Langa High school (bottom right) and Ikamvalethu Secondary school (bottom left)

In celebration of International E-Waste Day 2025 that took place on 14 October 2025, eco-club learners from ten schools across the Western Cape, participating in the eWASA–WESSA Waste Management and Education Project, explored creative solutions to one of the fastest-growing environmental challenges of our time, electronic waste.

The week-long learning experience kicked off with an exciting excursion to 1 More Time, a company that transforms single-use vapes into sleek, functional tech and lifestyle products. The visit gave learners a first-hand look into how waste can be reimagined through innovation and design thinking.

Learners were taken behind the scenes to explore various departments, from production and mechanical engineering to e-commerce and social media. Staff members shared insights into their roles and answered questions about career pathways in sustainability, technology, and circular design, offering invaluable guidance to these future changemakers.

“Seeing how something as simple as a discarded vape can be transformed into a stylish, usable product opened our eyes to the potential of e-waste,” shared one of the participating learners.

Following the tour, WESSA hosted an engaging Design Think-Tank Challenge, where learners deconstructed e-waste into its various components before brainstorming and designing innovative new products. Participants disassembled old irons and microwaves, exploring how each component could be reused, repurposed, or reimagined into new products. Working in teams, they brainstormed and sketched innovative ideas, combining science, creativity, and environmental stewardship. This activity encouraged them to apply what they had learned, combining creativity, problem-solving, and environmental responsibility.

The challenge not only deepened their understanding of waste management and sustainability but also inspired them to think critically about the role they can play in building a more circular economy.

This initiative made possible through the eWASA–WESSA partnership, continues to empower young people to see waste differently, as a valuable resource and an opportunity for innovation.

On 16 October 2025, the WESSA team hosted the final Eco-Schools teachers’ workshop under the Wispeco Aluminium Project, centred on two pressing themes 1) Water Conservation, and 2) Climate Change.

The workshop brought together 13 dedicated educators for a day of meaningful learning, reflection, and collaboration. The session aimed to deepen teachers’ understanding of sustainable resource use and environmental responsibility, both in their classrooms and within their wider school communities.

Through a mix of interactive discussions and practical activities, participants explored the real-world trade-offs involved in managing limited resources. These exercises encouraged critical thinking about how informed, balanced decision-making can drive sustainability in everyday contexts.

Hands-on learning activities allowed teachers to apply principles of resource allocation and water stewardship, demonstrating how these concepts can be integrated into school projects and lesson plans.

“Workshops like these remind us that sustainability starts with awareness, and teachers play a vital role in shaping that awareness among young people,” shared a WESSA facilitator.

By the end of the session, educators left inspired and equipped to lead climate-conscious initiatives within their schools, serving as catalysts for change in their communities.

This final workshop marked a meaningful close to the Wispeco Aluminium Project’s training series, reinforcing WESSA’s commitment to building environmental literacy and empowering teachers as changemakers for a more sustainable future.

On Saturday, 11 October 2025, WESSA hosted a successful beach cleanup at Treasure Beach under the Green Rising project, bringing together passionate volunteers for a day of impact and inspiration.

Over 80 participants, including enthusiastic students from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and members of the Power Girls Organisation, joined forces to restore and protect this vital stretch of coastline. Their hard work paid off, with 60 bags of waste collected, helping to safeguard marine life and promote healthier ocean ecosystems.

Beyond the cleanup, the day offered an opportunity to connect more deeply with nature through a rocky shore exploration, where participants discovered the incredible biodiversity that thrives along our coasts. The event perfectly captured the spirit of Green Rising, combining environmental action, education, and community collaboration to inspire lasting change.

The Green Rising Protect and Restore Project is a collaborative initiative between WESSA and UNICEF aimed at combatting biodiversity degradation in South African schools and communities while expanding WESSA’s national reach. Over the next year 2025/6, we aim to mobilise at least 20 000 children and young people in 100 schools across the Gauteng, Northwest, Western Cape and KwaZulu Natal provinces, to take direct climate action. These efforts will help restore and protect a minimum of 100 hectares of land and divert over 500 tons of waste through activities such as indigenous planting and biodiversity conservation. 

The Umlazi King Zwelithini Stadium came alive with colour, laughter, and energy as sport and sustainability took centre stage during this year’s Umlazi Recycling Soccer Tournament, a creative celebration of teamwork, environmental awareness, and community spirit.

School learners from across Umlazi swapped traditional entry fees for recyclables, earning their spot on the field by collecting bottles, cans, and other waste materials. In total, over four tonnes of recyclables were gathered, transforming everyday litter into tickets for play and proof that small actions can create big impact.

The tournament featured a mix of high-energy soccer matches and hands-on eco-challenges, keeping participants and spectators engaged throughout. Waste recyclers led interactive demonstrations, teaching learners how recycling helps protect our environment while promoting responsible waste habits.

A formal programme added depth to the day, with local stakeholders and environmental partners sharing insightful messages on the importance of recycling, water conservation, and sustainable living. Learners eagerly took part in an environmental quiz, winning exciting prizes and showing off their growing knowledge of eco-friendly practices.

Community collaboration shone brightly through partnerships with DSW, MetPack SA, Save a Life, eThekwini Municipality Water & Sanitation, the Green Youth Network, and WESSA, all of whom hosted engaging information stalls to inspire young people to act for the Earth.

As the final whistle blew, trophies, medals, floating cups, and goody bags were handed out to proud winners. Yet, the real victory belonged to the environment and to the 170 learners who proved that sustainability and sport can go hand in hand.

This event, part of International Coastal Cleanup activities, demonstrated how creativity and collaboration can turn environmental education into action, reminding us all that a cleaner, greener future starts with the communities who care enough to play their part.

WESSA is pleased to announce the appointment of Morgan Griffiths as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective 1 October 2025.

In his new role, Morgan will take full ownership and accountability for WESSA’s day-to-day operations, ensuring that the organisation continues to deliver on its core objectives – Educate, Advocate, Act. He will work across all WESSA units, including shared internal services, to strengthen alignment, improve operational efficiency, and support the CEO in advancing WESSA’s mission and vision.

This appointment marks an important step in WESSA’s continued evolution as a leading environmental organisation dedicated to advancing sustainability, environmental education, and community empowerment. Morgan’s deep institutional knowledge, strong leadership, and passion for environmental stewardship uniquely position him to guide the operational heartbeat of the organisation.

WESSA’s CEO, Cindy-Lee Cloete, expressed her confidence in the appointment, saying: “I have no doubt that with his history with WESSA and organisational knowledge, Morgan will help all units, and me, drive WESSA forward.”

In addition to overseeing operations, Morgan will represent the CEO at selected external engagements and play a key role in ensuring that all WESSA initiatives remain strategically aligned and impactful, from national programmes such as Eco-Schools, Blue Flag, and Green Key, to internal initiatives that support WESSA’s staff and partners.

Please join us in congratulating Morgan on his new role as COO. We look forward to his leadership as WESSA continues to grow its impact for people and the planet.