Cape Town: In a partnership with municipalities, Plastics SA, and civil society organizations, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has been leading influential campaigns to combat pollution, particularly in urban and coastal regions. This initiative aims to promote healthier environments and strengthen community bonds.
According to South African Government News Agency, since September 2024, over 200,000 volunteers, including a significant number of young people, have participated in cleanup events across South Africa. These efforts have been supported by more than 800,000 sponsored cleanup bags. The campaigns have focused on cleaning beaches, rivers, roadsides, and inland areas to address pollution that negatively impacts health, dignity, and local livelihoods. A highlight of these efforts is the International Coastal Cleanup South Africa event, where 4,852 volunteers, half of whom were children, cleaned 778.7km of coastline.
The cleanup campaigns have resulted in the removal of 111.85 tonnes of waste, packed into 26,265 bags. Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr. Dion George, praised these efforts, stating, “Every bag of waste removed, every river or beach cleaned, is a step toward a healthier, more equitable South Africa. We salute our volunteers and local heroes, who are making this vision a reality.”
The initiative has highlighted the extent of marine pollution, with plastic pieces (92,756 items), foam pieces (46,284 items), and food wrappers (17,637 items) being among the most frequently found pollutants. Notably, unusual items such as a mattress, a toilet, and a dead chicken were also recovered, illustrating the variety of waste threatening South Africa’s coasts.
Dr. George emphasized the impact of community action, stating, “These numbers reflect the power of community action. From township cleanups to coastal restoration, South Africans are taking ownership of their spaces. Our youth, in particular, are leading the charge, showing that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility.”
The DFFE’s partnerships with municipalities and organizations like Plastics SA have been crucial in coordinating these initiatives. Detailed information on ongoing campaigns can be found at www.cleanupandrecycle.co.za. Furthermore, the department is currently reviewing the 2024 annual reports from Extended Producer Responsibility schemes for paper, packaging, lighting, and electronics, with progress to be documented in the department’s 2024/25 annual report.