Learners from Bellville South High school played their part in cleaning the environment
Image: Tracy-Lynn Ruiters
This year, World Water Day was observed on Tuesday, 22 March, but GrandWest chose to commemorate the occasion on Friday, 28 March with an impactful clean-up initiative along the Elsieskraal river. Volunteers from GrandWest, the City of Cape Town, and learners from a nearby school joined forces to remove waste, invasive plant species, and pollutants from the waterway that flows past the GrandWest casino and entertainment complex.
The initiative aimed to address the environmental issues caused by waste entering the river from upstream. Discarded rubbish and wind-blown alien plant seeds can accumulate in the river, clogging it and eventually sending waste into the sea.
Mervyn Naidoo, General Manager at GrandWest, highlighted the importance of protecting water resources: “If Cape Town’s extended drought has taught us anything, it is that we can never again take water for granted. While we can’t control rainfall, we can ensure that our rivers are protected from waste by removing pollutants and water-guzzling invasive plants. By helping the Elsies river to flow freely, we will be handing back control to nature.”
The wetlands along Grandwest feeds off the Elsies River
Image: Supplied
Thumeka Siwela, GrandWest’s Environmental Officer, also expressed the significance of involving youth in environmental conservation: “This clean-up serves as a practical way to ensure that the water passing through the canal at GrandWest is clean and free from pollutants. Partnering with Bellville South High School allows us to provide learners with a real-life opportunity to learn about environmental challenges and solutions. These learners represent the next generation of environmentalists.”
Representatives from the COCT Smart Living Programme were also present to promote sustainable living practices.
Velile Maxwell Dingaan, Environmental Education Officer for the City of Cape Town, stressed the importance of awareness: “It’s crucial that everyone understands the importance of saving water. We have to work together to maintain the progress we’ve made—like beating Day Zero—by continuing our efforts to conserve and protect our precious water resources.”
Team work makes the dream works.
Image: Tracy-Lynn Ruiters
The learners from Bellville South High School were excited to participate. Keisha Papier, a Grade 10 learner, said: “I am learning something new, especially how to care for the environment.”
Her classmate, Alvin Witbooi, added: “I wish more youth would get involved in initiatives like this. I’m so thankful to GrandWest for inviting us. If I could motivate more young people, I’d say: don’t litter, and if you see paper, pick it up. Having a clean environment helps us live a better life.”
The event also provided an opportunity for education on waste management. Tammy Lee Solomon, Education Manager at Nature Connect, emphasised the importance of awareness: “We need to raise awareness about water and waste management. Items like diapers and plastic can take years to break down. Initiatives like this remind us why it’s important to care for our resources.”
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za
Weekend Argus
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