Dr Katye Altieri, Associate Professor of Oceanography, is the recipient of the 2025 Oppenheimer Memorial Trust New Frontiers Research Award. Dr Altieri thinks that the key to tackling air pollution could be hidden in the sea and has some fascinating thoughts on the matter!

Cape Town, South Africa (29 May 2025) — Dr Katye Altieri, Associate Professor of Oceanography at the University of Cape Town, is the winner of the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust’s New Frontiers Research Award for 2025. The professor believes that the answer to one of the Earth’s most pressing problems, air pollution, could actually be hidden in the sea!

In the Prof’s words:

The Answer to the Impact of Air Pollution Lies in…the Deep Blue Sea

Imagine for a moment standing on a sun-soaked beach, the surf crashing against the shore, and inhaling the salty, moist sea air. It’s invigorating.

But is it really? Hundreds of years ago, perhaps, but what about now? How do the ocean and the air interact in the presence of human-created air pollution, specifically nitrogen, and how does this relationship impact climate change?

The simple truth is, we don’t know – and I want to find out.

Our oceans are as important to life on Earth as the air we breathe. An enormous carbon sink, they help to remove the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere, which is of course a good thing.

As a matter of fact, nitrogen helps the oceans to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere. The problem is, too much of it can spur the production and release of nitrous oxide (N₂O), another greenhouse gas that is 300 times as potent as CO₂. That is clearly not a good thing.

As with everything in nature, things work when there’s a balance; invariably, however, we humans throw out that equilibrium through our activities. That’s why we’re struggling so much with the issue of climate change, so much of which has to do with the pollution of our atmosphere.

We have doubled the amount of nitrogen in the atmosphere through activities such as fossil fuel combustion and agriculture. That nitrogen, even from far inland, is swept out to sea and settles in the ocean.

But we don’t know exactly how much pollution-derived nitrogen reaches the open ocean. We don’t know exactly what happens when it settles in the ocean.

And we face a conundrum: does it increase the ocean’s ability to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, or emit more deleterious greenhouse gases into the atmosphere?

The main reason why we don’t know is because climate change science – a large and diverse field of study – is siloed in terms of scientific disciplines and policy frameworks, and the connection between air pollution and the ocean thus isn’t properly assessed. Atmospheric scientists and oceanographers do their own research and even speak their own scientific languages, and governments and their responses mostly don’t consider this aspect.

I intend to help change that, however, by forging new ways of scientific thinking about both our atmosphere and our oceans, helping us to build knowledge in ways we haven’t before. As the recipient of the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust’s 2025 New Frontiers Research Award, my mission is to come up with the evidence that supports (or doesn’t support) various air quality, climate and scientific arguments.

The New Frontiers award affords me the opportunity to lead a world-class research team, including the very best scientists; three exceptional South African women.

Supporting them will be postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Together, we will establish a shared language and methodological approach to the complex interactions between air pollution, nitrogen cycling and oceanic greenhouse gas fluxes.

This is how we will do it:

• We will undertake an ambitious observational campaign to measure how much anthropogenic atmospheric nitrogen deposition reaches the coastal and open ocean off the west coast of South Africa. This approach allows for investigation of a nitrogen deposition gradient, and how much of it is created by us
• On the question of the impact of atmospheric nitrogen deposition on surface ocean biogeochemistry, we will conduct on-ship incubation experiments using atmospheric deposition collected on land and at sea
• To investigate whether atmospheric deposition results in drawdown of CO₂ and/or release of N₂O from the surface ocean, we will conduct a set of model experiments. First an atmospheric chemistry model will generate fields of nitrogen deposition using current emissions as well as simulated increased anthropogenic emissions, then those deposition fields will be used as inputs to the ocean biogeochemistry model, and the ocean’s response will be quantified

In many ways, South Africa – Cape Town in particular – is the ideal place to do this research. As one of the world’s largest coal-burning countries, the country contributes significantly to atmospheric nitrogen emissions.

Uniquely, we have three diverse ocean systems, allowing for comparative study and measurement, within striking distance:

• The upwelling of nutrient-rich, cold waters from the deep ocean in the Benguela current up the west coast of Africa, teeming with phytoplankton that supports abundant marine life
• The ocean desert of the South Atlantic Ocean, which is comparatively nutrient-poor and has limited marine life
• The time machine that is the Southern Ocean, which boasts as close to the pre-industrial atmosphere as we can get anywhere on Earth – equivalent to the atmosphere up to 200 years ago. (And we have access to the polar research vessel, the R/V S.A. Agulhas II, which allows for research operations in these oceans)

The New Frontiers Research Award offers several benefits: its long-term nature (it is a five-year award) will allow for the building of impactful partnerships; it will promote integrated science, allowing for fieldwork that can be built into models that quantify the big picture for us; and, importantly, it will help scientific observationalists and modellers to connect and network.

Reducing nitrogen emissions may make the oceans’ CO₂ sink smaller, yet we cannot justify stopping nitrogen clean-ups. It’s possible that atmospheric pollution could have little impact on the oceans – or it could be massive. We just don’t know. So this needs to be understood and quantified; only then can we formulate appropriate environmental policy.

The integration between the atmosphere and the ocean is, from a scientific perspective, inherently global. So what we learn from the oceans around South Africa, a country that already punches above its weight in the climate space, will have bearing on our entire planet. This is a very exciting prospect.

Imagine once more that beach, the glare off the sand and the mewing gulls, and the scent of the sea air. It’s at an intersection that could provide us with some of the most fundamental learning ever of how our planet works – and, for better or worse, how we influence it.

Sources: Email Submission 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Koru Camp just doubled its reach, bringing thousands of children and elders face to face with the wildlife on their doorsteps and inspiring the next generation to fall in love with nature and to protect it.

Greater Kruger, South Africa (29 May 2025) – One of my favourite traditions when entering the Kruger National Park is to play the ‘first animal game’. Everyone picks the animal they hope to see first, and the person who spots it wins. I am a champion at this game, winning it almost every time we visit. It is such a simple thing and yet, it makes me one of the very few privileged people who gets to do it. Hundreds of thousands of people who live on the outskirts of the park don’t have the opportunity to experience the joys of spotting the first animal. But at Koru Camp, that’s changing!

Koru Camp was founded by Peter Eastwood in 2022 as a way to connect children and gogos in the Greater Kruger to the wildlife that they live so very close to. Corné Havenga joined Peter as the CEO in 2023, helping drive the idea to invite local NPOs and school groups to stay at the Big Five camp, where they get to immerse themselves in nature, guided by trained rangers and trackers, who teach them all the wonders of the wild world.

They get to stay overnight in comfortable tents, listening to the hyena laugh as the lions roar in the distance. The children are shown how richly their heritage is intertwined with the animals being protected by the high electric fences.

This connection, from a young age, is the hope for conservation in the future as these bright young minds learn just how important it is to protect the animals, to bring an end to poaching and to celebrate the harmony of human life and animal life. They are destined to become the conservationists of our future.

Koru Camp Launches Revamped Educational Facility to Deepen Community Conservation

Koru Camp is unveiling its newly renovated, off-grid facility on the 3rd of June 2025. With over R13 million invested, the upgrades will allow the camp to double its reach, hosting over 2,000 local beneficiaries per year. The improvements include solar-powered infrastructure, new classrooms, improved accommodation, and a medicinal garden.

The camp, the first of its kind in the region, is celebrating this relaunch and hopes to make an even greater impact in the surrounding communities.

The relaunch event will feature local entertainment, art showcases from the children who will benefit from the camp, and a special appearance by explorer Kingsley Holgate. Koru’s mission is simple: to inspire a love for nature because people protect what they understand and cherish.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of Peter Eastwood, who, like so many before him, visited South Africa and fell deeply in love with its people, its wild spaces and the spirit of Ubuntu. Peter, a New Zealand businessman, first took action when he heard the plight of the Rhino in 2007. He was driven to act and started raising funds to support anti-poaching units.

Through his work, he realised that lasting impact comes not only from fighting poachers but through conservation education and connecting people to the animals and environment around them; that change requires a widespread shift in perspectives through education, inclusion, and firsthand experiences in nature. He saw that people protect what they love, and love comes from understanding and experiences.

Peter has committed a great deal to making Koru Camp a meaningful success. His private camp, Sashwa – River of Stars, known for its tranquillity, is a retreat like no other in the Limpopo region. It offers a connection to nature for guests and those looking to take part in green tourism that truly makes a difference. The camp, which boasts a fully plant-based menu (Koru has a vegetarian menu), hosts yoga sessions on its deck, overlooking the beautiful bush. It connects people who want to make meaningful travel choices, knowing the money they spend goes back into the community.

Since launching Sashwa in November 2024, Peter has committed 100% of its profits to the running of Koru Camp, making both camps all the more meaningful, not only through the educational elements, but through employment too. Both camps are rooting themselves deep within the fabric of the community, determined to make a difference that lasts.

You can learn more about Sashwa and their exclusive launch rates here, and as for Koru Camp, you can find out how to support the initiative here. Each has a unique story to tell, but one is not whole without the other.

Sources: GTG Interview

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Just two days after his unforgettable suburban stroll, Gordy the elephant seal has resurfaced in Simon’s Town… still big, still blubbery and still ridiculously adorable.

Western Cape, South Africa (29 May 2025) – Just two days after his surprise city stroll had South Africans glued to their screens, Gordy the elephant seal is back… and he’s safe, snoozing peacefully at the Naval Base in Simon’s Town.

Yes, that elephant seal.

The one who turned a sleepy Tuesday morning in Gordon’s Bay into a national moment of joy, curiosity and community connection.

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has just confirmed the good news via social media: “ GORDY’S BACK – BUT HE’S SAFE! Our favourite blubbery visitor has hauled out again—this time at the Naval Base in Simon’s Town.”

They added that Gordy is currently in a secure location, far from roads and traffic, and “there’s no immediate risk to his well-being.”

City officials and SPCA Inspectors are on scene, keeping a close eye on him. But for now, Gordy’s just doing what elephant seals do best… lounging. Resting on land (or “hauling out,” as marine folk call it) is completely normal behaviour for these ocean giants, especially when they’re moulting or recovering from long swims.

The gentle giant made headlines earlier this week when he wandered nearly a kilometre inland through Gordon’s Bay, delighting locals and confusing motorists. Videos of him resting his head on a police car bonnet (and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA bonnet) while traffic stopped to accommodate him went viral. Some folks even questioned if the footage was real. (Spoiler alert: it very much was.)

Social media users were quick to name him. Some called him “Gordon” (for obvious reasons), others preferred “Gordy,” and local news guru Gugu Statu affectionately dubbed him “Chonky”… which, let’s be honest, suits him just as perfectly.

But behind the laughter and viral moments was something far more profound: a full-scale, coordinated rescue effort powered by compassion and teamwork.

From SPCA inspectors and marine biologists to the SAPS, traffic officers, Shark Spotters, and even Two Oceans Aquarium—teams moved quickly to ensure Gordy was safe. He was sedated, gently loaded into a game capture trailer, and returned to Koggel Bay, a quieter beach more suitable for a marine mammal of his size.

“It truly takes a village,” said SPCA’s Belinda Abraham. “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who stepped up – for their professionalism, their compassion, and their quick response to an animal in distress.”

This was the moment Gordy/Chonky made its way back home. pic.twitter.com/MipvAFmTAY

— Brent Lindeque (@BrentLindeque) May 27, 2025

And now, two days later, our slippery celebrity has reappeared… this time in a spot where he’s away from humans, stress and selfie-seekers.

We absolutely love this story but it isn’t just about a wayward elephant seal. It’s about what happens when a community comes together to show kindness, patience and care for something wild and unexpected. It’s about the kids in pyjamas who came running to see the seal. The neighbours who gave him space. The police officers who gently redirected traffic. The marine experts who worked behind the scenes. And the South Africans across the country who found joy in watching it all unfold.

It’s a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a 600kg marine mammal with a sense of adventure to bring us together.

Welcome back, Gordy. Rest well big guy… we’ve got your back.

*Just before releasing Gordy on Tuesday, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA team tagged him so that they could monitor (and recognise him) if he visited us again.

Sources: Cape of Good Hope SPCA 

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An engaging experience awaited a group of primary school learners as they explored shark behaviour and ocean safety using a variety of interactive tools and games designed for fun and learning by the Shark Spotters team.

Muizenberg, South Africa (28 May 2025) – There’s no better time to learn about nature and its fascinating inner workings than when you’re young and eager.

That is exactly why the Shark Spotters educational team opened the doors to its Information Centre in Muizenberg to the Grade 6 learners from Spine View Primary School for an exciting and educational programme about sharks and ocean safety!

The programme was designed to introduce the youngsters to the fascinating world of shark ecology, with a special focus on shark behaviour.

“Using fun, hands-on tools like shark puppets and real shark specimens, such as jaws, skin, and egg cases, the learners got to see, touch, and explore these incredible creatures up close,” Shark Spotters said.

Learners then dived into a lesson on shark and ocean safety, including a demonstration of how spotting works and the important tools spotters use.

“To test their knowledge, the learners played the Race to Build the Flag game, working together to build all four Shark Spotters flags using puzzle pieces and teamwork.”

In an effort to make sure the young minds were also guided and informed about how to keep safe near the ocean, they also received a featured a practical session by the NSRI on drowning prevention and how to perform CPR.

“This gave the learners important lifesaving knowledge and the confidence to take responsibility for their own safety in and around the water.

“We wrapped up the day with energetic group games like tug of war and grab the cone, bringing big smiles and lots of laughter all around!”

If those bright eyes and wide smiles are anything to go by, it’s safe to say it was certainly an epic day of enviro-learning!

Sources: Shark Spotters

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It took a village, and then some, to help an elephant seal find his way back to the sea, but what unfolded was nothing short of extraordinary.

Western Cape, South Africa (27 May 2025) – What started as an unbelievable early morning sighting has ended with a heartwarming display of unity, care and kindness. The elephant seal that captured South Africa’s attention by wandering the streets of Gordon’s Bay has officially been returned to the ocean… safe, sound and a little bit famous.

The massive southern elephant seal surprised locals when it made an unexpected appearance almost a kilometre inland from the ocean early on Tuesday morning. As residents blinked in disbelief, the marine visitor cruised down a quiet street, delighting onlookers and stopping traffic, both literally and on social media.

And while the seal appeared calm and unharmed during his curious detour, it was clear the situation posed risks.

That’s when the magic behind the scenes began.

A full-scale, compassionate rescue unfolded with lightning-speed coordination. Law Enforcement, Traffic Services, SAPS, Gordon’s Bay Security and Gordon’s Bay Medical Ambulance Services swiftly arrived to secure the area and redirect traffic, ensuring safety for both the seal and the humans keen to catch a glimpse of him.

From there, a small army of animal welfare heroes stepped in… including the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, City of Cape Town’s Coastal Management and Marine Unit, SANParks, Two Oceans Aquarium, Shark Spotters, and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). Together, they formed a dream team of professionals, volunteers, and marine experts, all dedicated to doing what was best for their unexpected guest.

The SPCA carefully monitored the seal’s welfare, calling in a wildlife vet to safely sedate him before the enormous (and delicate) task of loading him into a game capture trailer.

By late afternoon, the vet gave the all-clear and the sleepy seal was transported to Koggel Bay, a coastal spot better suited to his species, where his recovery from sedation was closely observed.

“It truly takes a village,” said SPCA’s Belinda Abraham. “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who stepped up today – for their professionalism, their compassion, and their quick response to an animal in distress.”

And that’s the real story here. Yes, the sight of an elephant seal lounging on a suburban street is something most of us will never forget… but even more unforgettable was the way so many people came together to help. It was the traffic cops and security teams rerouting cars. It was the neighbours who stood back, respected the animal and offered words of support. It was the marine biologists, vet teams, and rescuers who worked tirelessly for hours to ensure a safe outcome.

This wasn’t just a surreal wildlife encounter. It was a masterclass in kindness. A powerful reminder that when something strange and beautiful enters our lives, even briefly, we have a choice: to look away or to lean in with empathy and care.

For the residents of Gordon’s Bay (and all South Africans who followed the story online), today’s events won’t just be remembered for the size of the seal. They’ll be remembered for the size of the hearts that made sure he got home.

Sources: Cape of Good Hope SPCA 

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A South African forensic artist is on a rare mission: conserving ancient rock art by replicating it millimetre by millimetre.

South Africa (27 May 2025) – Stephen Townley Bassett is a forensic artist on a unique mission. Millimetre by millimetre, Stephen recreates rock art found across ancient caves in Southern Africa; symbols, thoughts, depictions and perhaps even spiritual inklings left behind by the ancient ones years and years ago.

His mission is to conserve the rock art panel by panel with hopes that his recreations of each one can either restore a former master piece, help researchers, uncover more about why the works were created, and allow these works to become more accessible in their replicated form.

Recently, Stephen was spotlighted to the world thanks to a CNN feature (his latest moment in front of the world, having been featured in documentaries before). In the piece, the Cape Town-born forensic artist explains his meticulous process, his ‘why’ and how it all began.

Fascinatingly, Stephen only works with mediums that people like the San would’ve had access to. This is how he’s figured out which materials help enhance certain colours (for example, white raptor feces and ostrich eggshells heated by fire make that white pigment) and how he’s come to the suspicion that a bee bi-product helped make a kind glue used to stick animal hairs that created an ancient brush.

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A post shared by Stephen Townley Bassett (@stephen_townley_bassett_art)

For Stephen, it is a matter of protecting the rich cultural heritage that lies within caves. With decades of experience and a diligence like no other, the forensic artist’s efforts are the kind all of us can salute, especially in a world where natural challenges, vandalism and a flair of arrogance in thinking all of history has already been figured out threaten the legacy of generations upon generations before.

Sources: Various (Linked Above)

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Not everyone loves snakes, we totally get it! But they play an essential roll in keeping rodent populations under control; puff adders are the latest agricultural heroes says a new Wits study.

South Africa (23 May 2025) – They may not be the most glamorous of Africa’s creatures, and they certainly don’t enjoy the best PR. But those heavy-bodied, slow-moving puff adders we’re all taught to steer well clear of might just be some of the continent’s most valuable agricultural allies.

New research out of the University of the Witwatersrand is changing how we see these often-scary reptiles. According to Professor Graham Alexander, who led the study, puff adders are astonishingly effective at controlling rodent populations, and not just your far-flug mountain rats, but the kind that devastate crops, bankrupt farmers, and chew through food security that is already so fragile in South Africa.

The science is simple but staggering. When rodent populations spike, puff adders can ramp up their food intake by more than 12 times their usual needs. That means, that the more rats there are, the more gluttonous the adders become. Just a hungry puff adder doing what it does best. In fact, individual snakes can gobble up as many as 10 rodents in one go and be ready to hunt again within a week. That’s not just efficiency. That’s pest control with fangs.

Published in Scientific Reports, the proudly South African study makes the case that these snakes offer a free, continuous rodent management service and one that’s far more scalable than most traditional predators. While creatures like weasels or lynx may eat more per animal, puff adders win on sheer numbers. They’re naturally abundant in many African habitats and can quietly soak up rising rodent numbers long before they spiral into full-blown plagues.

“These findings demonstrate that puff adder population management should be an essential component of integrated pest management strategies,” says Alexander. “By protecting these natural controllers, we can harness their remarkable abilities to support both ecosystem health and agricultural productivity across Africa.”

In other words, it’s time we stopped seeing snakes as villains in the agricultural story and started treating them as heroes. They might not be cute. They definitely won’t win any popularity contests. But when it comes to safeguarding food security in a warming, increasingly unpredictable world, puff adders might just be the quiet heroes we never knew we had.

And just in case you missed it, the Snakes of Southern Africa group recently celebrated over 500,000 members. The group is changing the conversation in South Africa regarding snakes, promoting education and its changing (and saving) lives.

Sources: Wits University – Supplied

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The Western Cape’s Wildlife care is expanding! Grace Valley Wildlife Rescue will soon become a permitted satellite wildlife rehabilitation centre of its own.

Western Cape, South Africa (22 May 2025) — For five years, Grace Valley Wildlife Rescue has rescued and stabilised injured, orphaned and displaced wildlife as the first line of help. Now, in a big and thrilling move, the non-profit is growing to become a permitted satellite wildlife rehabilitation facility!

Grace Valley Wildlife Rescue has helped all kinds of animals including tortoises caught in wildfires, eagles in trouble and little duikers in distress.

Operating under the guidance and authority of the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue and Training Centre (the only facility of its kind in the Western Cape and the sole permitted wildlife rehabilitation centre in the Overberg), the expansion to a satellite rehabilitation facility means a massive step for wildlife care in the province.

Previously, without being a permitted rehabilitation facility of its own, the Grace Valley team relied on other registered facilities to undertake ongoing care.

Now, the team’s efficiency and impact are set to expand in leaps and bounds as they become an officially recognised satellite centre, taking them from first response to full recovery.

Says Grace Valley’s founder, Shireen Freeman:

“We are honoured to contribute to this pioneering model of decentralised, expert-led rehabilitation—one that strengthens conservation efforts across the region.”

As such, the growth represents a vital expansion of the province’s limited wildlife rehabilitation capacity.

Grace Valley Wildlife Rescue is currently raising funds to build the necessary infrastructure for their future (specialised enclosures, quarantine areas and safety systems) that you can contribute to here.

They already have a building on their owned property. Now, it’s a matter of kitting everything out so that the animals have the best chance at recovery.

Sources: Shireen Freeman 

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In a crucial step towards safeguarding one of Africa’s most endangered species, the Somkhanda Community Game Reserve, together with its partners, recently continued its vital rhino dehorning operation this past weekend.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa  (22 May 2025) – Thanks to the tireless dedication of a passionate team of conservationists, rhinos at the Somkhanda Community Game Reserve will soon roam more safely, free from the relentless threat of poachers.

On Saturday, 17 May, members of and representatives from WILDLIFE ACT and The Protected Area Management Company came together to continue the rhino dehorning intervention, which is part of a broader effort to protect Somkhanda’s rhino population.

Dehorning has proven to be an effective deterrent, especially on smaller reserves like Somkhanda, where the entire population can be safely dehorned every one to two years, WILDLANDS assures.

The initiative was launched last year at the community-owned sanctuary to address the escalating poaching crisis.

The Communications Manager from WILDLANDS, Noluthando Mbata, was also on the ground to witness this effort, which served as a personal reminder of the lengths wildlife conservationists go to protect one of Africa’s most iconic and endangered species.

“Standing beside these iconic species as they were carefully dehorned was incredibly moving. It reminded me that every precaution we take today gives them a better chance to roam free tomorrow,” Noluthando commented.

This rhino experience, which greatly helps transform the landscape of conservation, would not be possible without strong partnerships and the support of conservation allies.

The weekend was also made possible through the ongoing support from Highbury Preparatory School’s annual Maputaland Challenge, which raises funds for their adopted black and white rhino at Somkhanda, Tai and Baleka.

“Together, we continue working towards a thriving and resilient world where endangered species like rhinos are given the chance to survive and thrive,” WILDLANDS said.

Sources: WILDLANDS

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Some of the best ideas come from children, which is why the Big Biodiversity Challenge is betting on the bold ideas of Grade 6 to 9 learners to answer one of the world’s most pressing eco-social questions.

South Africa (22 May 2025) — The Big Biodiversity Challenge is back for 2025; calling on Grade 6 to 9 learners to get creative about answering an important question: ‘How do we live in harmony with nature while still meeting the needs of people and communities?’

Aptly, this year’s theme is Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development. Learners are invited to explore how everyday, real-world environmental issues (food, water, waste, energy and urban living) can be tackled in a way that benefits both people and the planet.

Organised by the Western Cape Environmental Education Friends (WCEFF) with help from CapeNature, SANBI, SANParks, Nature Connect, Working on Fire, the Two Oceans Aquarium and governmental departments, the challenge aims to nurture young problem solvers and get them thinking from a solutions-based perspective.

How it Works

• Learners can choose to go at the task lone wolf or as part of a pack.
• Participants are then encouraged to submit projects in any of the following formats: essays, presentations, eco apps or tech concepts (mock-ups, feature lists or demo videos), social action projects (a recycling drive, school garden or clean-up campaign that should be documented in photos, reports or a video) and creative works (poetry, visual art or music with an explanation as to how the art links back to the theme).
• The competition’s submissions are open until 31 July
• Entries can be made here.

Past Inspiration

Last year, learners impressed judges with innovative and heartfelt entries. Grade 6 learners Benjamin Banda and Polite Masango from Orangekloof Primary used a powerful combination of visual art, poetry, and live performance to raise awareness about water pollution and the human behaviours driving it.

Other learners like Benjamin Draper from Pinelands North Primary earned second place for his ecosystem restoration concept for the Elsies River canal that focused on rewilding the urban water way. Yameen Jeebhay of Westerford High developed an idea for a Conservationist Badge App to reward users for taking part in environmental activities!

Sources: Supplied 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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