Through informative talks and expert guidance, WESSA is making sure South African businesses rise to the occasion and become leaders in addressing climate change.

Durban, South Africa (04 October 2024) – In a time of escalating climate crisis, the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) has issued a call to South African businesses.

The organisation hosted a high-level corporate dialogue in uMhlanga, Durban, to unpack the critical implications of the Climate Change Act for corporate South Africa.

The Climate Change Act is a landmark piece of legislation which mandates corporate compliance with stringent environmental regulations.

This new era demands a shift towards sustainable practices and a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Businesses urged to be leaders in the fight against climate change

This crucial discussion, led by Cindy-Lee Cloete, newly appointed CEO of WESSA, and Tina Costas, a director and environmental law expert from Norton Rose Fulbright, highlighted the urgent role that South African businesses play in the fight against climate change.

During the dialogue, WESSA stressed the importance of this legislation as a regulatory framework and an urgent call to action for South Africa’s business sector.

According to WESSA, Companies will now be required to submit mitigation plans, stay within assigned sectoral (carbon) emission targets (SETs), and adapt operations to meet climate change risks. These changes are imminent, and the Act gives businesses little room for complacency.

WESSA stands ready to support businesses

WESSA, with its rich 98-year history of environmental advocacy, is uniquely positioned to guide businesses through this transition.

The organisation emphasises that compliance is not only a legal requirement but also an opportunity for innovation and long-term sustainability.

By embracing the challenges presented by the Climate Change Act, businesses can not only protect the planet but also secure their own future.

Director at Norton Rose Fulbright, Tina Costas, provided a comprehensive presentation of the Climate Change Act, stressing that the law was designed to hold companies accountable for their greenhouse gas emissions and enforce sector-specific reduction targets.

The message was clear. Those failing to comply face significant penalties and risk being left behind in a rapidly changing global marketplace where sustainability and resilience are prized.

The dialogue also highlighted that, while the Climate Change Act has not become operational as yet, it opens opportunities for businesses to rethink their response strategies.

WESSA, through its impactful environmental programmes and training workshops, assessments, and expertise in environmental conservation and education, is ready to guide companies in attaining their environmental goals.

Cloete concluded the session by reinforcing WESSA’s commitment to a sustainable South Africa and calling on the business community to embrace the transformation that lies ahead:

“The Climate Change Act is our nation’s answer to the climate change crisis and challenges, and WESSA is  committed to providing expert guidance and solutions to businesses that are eager to  respond and adapt to these changes effectively.”

Sources: Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa

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Through engaging activities and hands-on experiences, WESSA empowered pupils to take meaningful steps to protect their planet.

Eastern Cape, South Africa (28 August 2024) – Preserving our planet and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come requires collective action. While having a green thumb isn’t necessary, everyone can contribute to making a positive impact on our environment.

The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) schools team recently led by example by visiting Dumani, Khulile, and Vukanibantu Primary Schools in Motherwell, a township in the Eastern Cape.

Their mission was to educate pupils about energy efficiency and inspire them to take steps to reduce their carbon footprint.

Nomfundo Ndlovu, WESSA’s Senior Schools and Youth Programme Manager, shared that the school outreach presentations are aligned with the CAPS curriculum, linking certain subject areas to the practical hands-on activity.

“Learners are given practical exposure through engaging activities that bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. WESSA facilitators deliver the lesson and then oversee the subsequent action activity.”

The pupils and teachers also explored renewable energy and conservation and planted Spekboom, a powerful carbon-absorbing plant.

“Spekboom helps to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by acting like a carbon sponge, improving the quality of the air.

“After planting we encourage the eco clubs to further propagate and do mass planting around their school,” shared Nomfundo.

It is such small and educational acts that can really go a long way in making a significant difference in preserving our Earth, and that’s a cause we wholeheartedly support!

Sources: Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa

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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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With creativity and a touch of magic, local high schoolers have transformed ordinary waste into extraordinary outfits at the eWASA showcase.

Western Cape, South Africa (16 August 2024) – Bulumko Secondary School students Sinethemba, Intsebenziswano, and Langa unleashed their creativity, transforming discarded materials into breathtaking fashion pieces at the WESSA eWASA Waste Management Project showcase in the Western Cape.

These innovative designs not only “graced the runway” but also demonstrated that style and sustainability can go hand-in-hand.

The Good Things Guy connected with Subashni Govender from the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), who shed light on the fashionably fun yet sustainable initiative.

“The WESSA-eWASA Waste Management Project is a collaborative programme between WESSA and the e-Waste Association of South Africa (eWASA) aimed at addressing the critical issue of waste management in our communities.

“The programme focuses on promoting responsible waste management practices, particularly the proper disposal and recycling of electronic waste (e-waste), which is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally. It encourages upcycling where scholars transform waste into stunning fashion garments and turn waste/trash into cash through their recycling efforts at schools.”

The WESSA-eWASA Waste Management program aims to equip communities, businesses, and schools with the knowledge and tools to adopt sustainable waste practices. By highlighting the environmental and health risks of improper waste disposal, the partnership strives to divert waste from landfills, boost recycling efforts, and foster a circular economy.

Subashni shared that by promoting practices like upcycling, we contribute to a circular economy where waste is minimised, resources are conserved, and the value of materials is continually maximised.

“Through education, training, and the development of waste management infrastructure, we are working to build sustainability where waste is minimised, resources are conserved, and our environment is protected.”

How the public support the work of WESSA

If you love nature and wildlife or are concerned about climate change, habitat loss and pollution – here are some ways you can make a difference:

Fundraise for the earth

Run a marathon, enter a cycle or swimming race, climb Kilimanjaro or celebrate a milestone birthday or anniversary by using the opportunity to fundraise for us.

Support WESSA campaigns

Keep an eye on social media and WESSA’s website for urgent projects that need funding, such as our Pangolin Partner campaign.

Corporate partnerships

Global, local and small businesses can align their brands with WESSA’s and show concern for the environment.

Leave a living world.

You can leave a legacy to your children’s children and others who will inherit the world.

Donate

Financial contributions are vital for sustaining WESSA’s initiatives. Donations help fund conservation projects, educational programmes, and community outreach efforts, ensuring that WESSA can continue its work.

Adopt Sustainable Practices

Lead by example by adopting sustainable practices in your daily life. Reduce, reuse, and recycle, conserve water and energy, and support eco-friendly products and businesses. Every small action contributes to a larger impact.

Sources: Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

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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