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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ReStory Foundation’s Phakama Course offers a lifeline to unemployed youth, equipping them with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

Durban, South Africa (03 October 2024) – In a country where so many people are dealing with the hardships of unemployment, the reality is that many of them could do with a hand-up to get out of bleak circumstances.

The vision of the ReStory Foundation is to drive long-term transformation across South Africa by sparking positive cycles of living and giving.

One of the many ways the organisation achieves this is through its six-week Phakama Course, designed to bridge the skills gap for unemployed youth. The course offers in-depth training in life skills, work and business skills as well as practical skills in the fields of carpentry, plumbing, hospitality, barista training, nails, sewing, and farming.

“With South Africa’s high unemployment rate, our goal is to equip Phakama participants with practical skills and real-world experience, increasing their chances of employment.

“We are fortunate to partner with businesses such as Southern Sun Hotels and Colombo Coffee, which have graciously hosted our participants to help them gain invaluable work experience,” ReStory Foundation Administrator, Zama Zikhali shares.

With 76% of participants of the 2023 Phakama Course having secured employment or currently pursuing tertiary education, the positive impact of this program speaks for itself.

This week, ReStory Foundation celebrated the news that six of its 2024 participants will soon start work through a connection in the sales and merchandising industry.

“We are hopeful that the remaining 32 students will also secure placements soon,” Zama adds.

The foundation runs the programme annually in August, accommodating 30-40 participants each year. Two of the current ReStory Foundation team members are proud alumni of the Phakama Course.

In addition to Phakama, the foundation is deeply involved in other community projects which include supporting youth and has various advocacy campaigns and initiatives.

To get in touch with the ReStory Foundation visit https://www.restoryfoundation.co.za/ or email admin@restoryfoundation.co.za.

Sources: ReStory Foundation

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A Green Corridors outreach initiative saw the community of KwaMashu rolling up their sleeves to clean up their area and help restore the environment.

Durban, South Africa (02 September 2024) -The Maqadini area of KwaMashu’s L-section had fallen victim to the blight of littering and illegal dumping, transforming a public space into a polluted wasteland.

Through the collaborative efforts of the community, local authorities, a construction contractor, and Green Corridors, a once-polluted bridge and surrounding area have been revitalised, turning it into the vibrant green space it is today.

According to Green Corridors, the bridge in the area was used as a dump site and had become inaccessible, forcing school learners to walk many kilometres to get to school.

The nearby stream had also become a dumping ground, polluting the water and harming the aquatic ecosystem.

Green Corridors deployed park activation coordinators who engaged with residents, informing them about the project’s objectives and soliciting their participation.

Key to the success of the project was the active involvement of the local community.

The project not only improved the environment but also made it safer and more accessible for residents, particularly schoolchildren.

Kids can now get to school more easily, and the area around is a lovely open, clear green space. Talk about dream work, making the team work!

Sources: Green Corridors

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The KPCA Group’s lovable Ellie Bank is ready to scoop up some empty cooldrink cans and collect much-needed funds to keep the city of Pietermaritzburg neat and clean.

Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (29 August 2024) – The KPCA Group‘s “Ellie Bank” fundraiser is in full swing! A charming elephant bank, lovingly crafted by the students of Cordwalles Preparatory, will embark on a journey through local schools to collect donations.

This creative fundraising initiative invites the community and schools to fill Ellie’s belly with R20 notes or empty aluminium cool drink cans.

Several local schools, including Cordwalles Preparatory, The Wykeham Collegiate, Athlone Primary, St Charles College, and Pelham, have already pledged to fill Ellie with donations through fun fundraising initiatives.

KPCA’s Lara Edmonds was delighted to discover that the children would post their cans down Ellie’s long trunk and that a special red satchel had been made to collect R20 notes (which depict a family of elephants) – the perfect fit for Ellie’s belly.

According to KPCA, this fun fundraising project supports the good work the KPCA Group is doing to get Pietermaritzburg clean, neat, beautiful and green.

This past week, Edmonds presented KPCA’s ‘Ellie Tale’ to the Pelham Primary school learners in assembly, reminding them that Pietermaritzburg is called “Umgungundlovu”, which means ‘The place of the big elephant’. Just like the elephant, KPCA has beady eyes, big ears and a long nosey trunk to discover issues in PMB.”

She also shared that KPCA has a loud trumpet to call the community to save their city and tusks to nudge authorities to take action.

Through creativity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to a cleaner future, the people of Pietermaritzburg are proving that together, they can make a difference.

Sources: KPCA Group

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Zero2Five took a stand against poverty, educational disparities, and childcare challenges in underserved KZN communities during Women’s Month.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (29 August 2024) – Poverty, unemployment and limited education remain rife in many South African communities, with women and children bearing the brunt of this undeserved struggle.

Zero2Five Trust, a Durban-based organisation, is making a significant impact on the lives of women and children in KZN’s rural communities.

This Women’s Month, the trust decided to make a meaningful impact on the lives of many women caring for children in rural and township communities. By focusing on early childhood development (ECD), the trust addressed the intertwined issues of poverty, unemployment, and limited educational opportunities.

Leading up to Zero2Five Trust’s 10^th anniversary in October, they sought to improve the standard of ECD, which lays an important educational foundation and upskills the women who are caring for little ones in these communities.

Women in the rural and township economies are more vulnerable to poverty and unemployment, according to Julika Falconer, CEO of Durban-based Zero2Five Trust.

Working within these communities, she says poverty is a daily reality and impacts the fact that many children do not receive the education needed to lift them out of the growing pool of unemployed young people.

Instead of hosting an elaborate party, the trust and its supporters and funders decided to celebrate its milestone anniversary with the launch of its Amplify Rural ECD campaign, offering 100 bursaries to rural ECD practitioners and providing educational resources to many under-resourced ECD centres.

“In May and June 2024, we managed to onboard 66 ECD practitioners from rural areas near Bergville (uThukela) and Eshowe (King Cethswayo) to do the Legacy Level 4 ECD Training programme before the final cutoff date of 30 June for the bursary campaign,” Falconer explained.

Zero2Five has also trained 150 ECD practitioners from rural KZN for the Wordworks “Little Stars” programme and its Readers are Leaders campaign. These group workshops took place in Estcourt and Eshowe.

A grateful beneficiary of the campaign, Siphelele Msimango from Yamkela Crèche at Ntumen, uMlalazi said the Zero2five has changed their lives.

“We are now entering doors that we never thought we would when it comes to nutrition, hygiene, security, academics and self-wellness. I can work with all kinds of children and parents now.

“They have taught me how to work with parents who are not cooperating and deal with rejection positively. Learning groups assisted me in upgrading my skills by working in teams and sharing ideas with others.” 

Noxolo Mazibuko from Lunga Creche in Bergville (Okhahlamba) shared that her school has significantly benefitted from the return of a staff member who recently completed the NQF level 4 first 2 modules.

Thembi Radebe from Princess Magogo Bergville Okhahlamba said that Zero2five has helped with breakfast, learning resources, books and training.

Thuleleni Zungu from Isibani Creche in Winterton added:

“This programme has helped me to become a better practitioner. It has really changed how I approach my work. Level 4 equips teachers with skills and knowledge. I’m now able to plan and prepare a broad phase learning environment and create stimulating activities that meet the holistic needs of all children.”

To find out more about Zero2Five’s projects or find out how to get involved, visit www.zero2five.org.za or email enquiries@zero2five.org.za

Sources: Zero2Five Trust

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Eshowe High School’s talented dancers showcased South Africa’s incredible dance prowess at the UDO World Championship.

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (25 August 2024) – If there’s one thing South Africans excel at, it’s dancing! Whether it’s a formal event, a casual gathering, or even just a spontaneous burst of movement, Mzansi people have a natural rhythm that’s hard to resist. Our ability to captivate an audience with our dance moves is just legendary.

Demonstrating this from a small rural town in KZN, were Eshowe High School’s talented dancers who brought immense pride to their school and country recently.

After successfully participating in Dance Sports School Leagues competitions, Amukelwa Xulu and Sifundo Mpungose aced provincials, made the all-star national team and went on to represent South Africa at the UDO World Championship in Blackpool, showcasing their exceptional skills and determination on the global stage.

According to the school, both Sifundo and Amukelwa also attended a capping ceremony in Durban, where they were recognised for their achievements.

They took to the skies on 12 August and competed on the world stage, showcasing their incredible moves and agility. The duo moved on to the semi-finals and Amukelwa also progressed to the semi-finals for his exhilarating solo performance.

They returned to South African soil on Tuesday 20 August where they received a warm welcome from their coach and dance team.

“We congratulate Amukelwa and the entire South African team for their outstanding performances and achievements. They have brought great honour to Eshowe High School, the Eshowe community and South Africa as a whole,” the school shared.

Sources: Eshowe High School

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Against all odds, a young African penguin named Charlie is on the mend after a terrifying shark attack.

Durban, South Africa (15 August 2024) – A young African Penguin is making a remarkable recovery after a brutal shark attack near Warner Beach, Durban.

Found in critical condition on the beach, the penguin, now named Charlie, is currently under the care of experts at uShaka Sea World.

“We are delighted to be able to share news on his progress as it certainly is good news.  We had originally named this penguin Cher but changed his name to Charlie as we are now aware that she is, in fact, a he,” shared South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) clinical veterinarian, Dr Caryl Knox.

Caryl explained that the shark bite was severe and that while Charlie wasn’t out of the woods just yet, his life no longer hung in the balance, and she was confident that he was on the road to recovery.

“Unfortunately, when the shark bit him, it not only lacerated his skin but pierced his cloaca which was protruding out of his body. The cloaca is a chamber where the urinary and faecal matter collects before excretion.”

Caryl skilfully placed Charlie under anaesthetic and performed surgery to repair his cloaca before repositioning it inside his body and carefully suturing the 11cm laceration.

“Charlie has a wonderful fighting spirit and has responded well after surgery. I am so relieved and in love with this little guy,” a smitten Caryl shared.

Speaking to the SABC, Sea World Lead Animal Care Specialist, Kelly de Klerk also commented on how Charlie’s strength and weight have increased from 1.6 kilograms to 3 kilograms.

Charlie is eating up to 10 sardines a day and swimming nicely as he continues to recover. He is monitored closely by dedicated marine experts.

With every passing day, this little penguin’s strength and spirit continue to amaze, inspiring hope for his full recovery and eventual return to the wild.

Sources: South African Association for Marine Biological Research

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Through education and care, Edu-Paw working against dog cruelty, one wagging tail at a time.

Amanzimtoti, South Africa (07 August 2024) – Our furry four-legged friends deserve a lot of love and care, especially those who have been neglected or exposed to unkind circumstances.

That’s what makes the work done by Edu-Paw in Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal so important.

Edu-Paw is more than just an organisation; it’s a sanctuary where young hearts learn compassion and furry friends find solace.

Every Saturday the organisation invites children from surrounding communities to learn about how to care for dogs and feed the vulnerable dogs in their care.

Edu-Paw also provides dog food for the volunteers’ dogs as a small token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

The NPO supports the work of Amanzimtoti SPCA by teaching children basic canine care and instilling love and compassion to turn the tide of neglect and cruelty.

The organisation extends its heartfelt gratitude to the kind members of the public who donate each month towards the purchase of dog food!

“Your support makes a world of difference. Your kindness helps us ensure every dog gets the care they need,” they shared in a post.

To support Edu-Paw, email edupaw.totispca@gmail.com or check out the Facebook page here.

Sources: Edu-Paw

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Durban’s Rebecca Nortje is making waves in the music world, sharing the stage with international talent and wowing audiences with her violin skills.

Durban, South Africa (06 August 2024) – St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls in Kloof is incredibly proud of its matric music student, Rebecca Nortje, who performed in a prestigious concert at Durban’s Playhouse Theatre on the 1st of August.

At the concert, Rebecca shared the stage with the NYO Jazz which comprises outstanding young musicians from across the United States and showcases the legacy and bright future of American jazz.

Rebecca is a versatile musician. In addition to being a member of the KZN Youth Orchestra, where she plays the violin, she is also a skilled pianist and recorder player. Her musical talents have been formally recognised with Grade 8 distinctions in all three instruments, the highest achievable level.

The current Head of Orchestra at her school, Rebecca’s musical talents have earned her recognition on both local and international stages.

According to St Mary’s, Rebecca was also invited to perform at the SADMT Senior Students’ Concert 2024 at the Jewish Club in Durban.

“She performed ‘Octobre’ from The Seasons Op 37a by Tchaikovsky beautifully. Rebecca was the only St Mary’s pupil to perform, and she truly made us all proud. Congratulations, Rebecca, on your incredible achievements,” the school shared in a post.

The school’s Head of Music Mrs Lindy van der Meulen spoke highly of Rebecca whom she deems as an invaluable member of the St Mary’s Orchestras and Jazz Band throughout her school career.

“She has also been a member of the KZN Youth Orchestra for many years, where she has gained extensive experience in orchestral music. She has regularly performed and excelled in Eistedfoddau and student concerts since Primary School. Her dedicated approach and strong work ethic, combined with her humility and quiet confidence have been an inspiration to other young musicians at St Mary’s,” said van der Meulen.

Besides her musical talents, Rebecca is also a strong academic, plays team squash and has been awarded a Gold Standard Presidents Award this year.

We cannot help but be inspired by Rebecca’s ability to excel in both classical and jazz music, which showcases South Africa’s rich musical heritage and the potential of its young artists.

Sources: St Mary’s DSG

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After a chance encounter, clothes seller Zinhle’s changed forever from one where she struggled to pay her daughters’ school fees to one where she has two shops bringing in business!

Durban, South Africa (07 June 2024) — Zinhle Khanyile (42), from Durban, loved clothes and would buy used clothes from her friends and family to sell. However, without knowing how to manage a business she never had any savings and struggled to pay her two children’s school fees. That was until a chance encounter changed everything.

“I was just working to put food on the table,” says Zinhle, reflecting on life before her chance encounter. “One day I met a lady selling very nice clothing and I asked her where she got them. She told me about Taking Care of Business (TCB), so I applied and was accepted. I thought I was coming to TCB to buy clothes and go out and sell; only to find that TCB had so much more in store for me. I learnt a lot in terms of how to run a business and what it takes to be a businesswoman.”

TCB, started by Tracey Chambers and Tracey Gilmore, is a non-profit organisation that was created exactly with stories like Zinhle’s in mind. Because of their experience in the retail industry, the two Traceys knew that the high volumes of fashion waste could be put to better use, especially for unemployed women. Through different programmes, TCB helps women not only get the stock they need for their businesses, but all the support on how to make their dreams sustainable.

Zinhle recently completed the two-year Resell programme, where women are taught the business, trading and life skills they need to be resilient, successful self-employed clothing traders. Over the two years, participants are exposed to more than 1,000 hours of practical training and support, covering money management and business, computer and life skills. They also have mentoring and counselling to help them deal with personal and family issues.

Though it wasn’t easy, Zinhle says it was worth it.

Managing finances is one of the most important skills traders learn at TCB and like many others, this was Zinhle’s weakness.

“I was trained on how to manage my business and how to save. I have never saved in my life, even though I had been working for 15 years and been in good positions earning good money before; I never had any savings. At TCB they instilled in our minds to save, save, save. That was my biggest achievement,” she says. 

With her savings, Zinhle was able to pay off both her children’s school fees debt. “My daughters are in high school now. This year I even managed to pay a deposit and 10% towards the school fees at the start of the year!” 

Zinhle also learnt that it was important to have a goal. “Life is not easy, but you need to have a vision and an idea of why you are here. If you don’t, you won’t have anything to drive you and no direction to what you are working towards,” she says.

“When I started buying from TCB I was shocked, for the first three months I did really well. I saw an opportunity for a permanent space to sell my stock and now I have my own shop. At first, I was sceptical, wondering if I was going to be able to pay the rent for this space. Amazingly, I made the rent in the first week and the rest was mostly my profit. I also sell at many different flea markets and car boot sales.

“When I was creating my vision for my shop, I thought about how my shop could be different. In my area, there are a lot of student residences, and I knew this would be a good market to focus on. They want a new look for campus every day, so I look for new and different stock for them.”

Because of that chance encounter and Zinhle’s determination to make the most of the opportunities that unfolded for her, today she has two shops! She has her husband as her support system to oversee everything and she employs two women to help her.

“Before TCB, I wanted to do everything on my own because I wanted things my own way. At TCB they told us that you can’t do it all by yourself.

“Once I went through all the TCB classes, I saw that I needed someone to assist me so that I could manage the business and be focused. I needed to manage stock, attend classes, look after my children and have a personal life too. I couldn’t do everything on my own. Now I employ two ladies who assist me permanently, helping me manage my shops. It is great that I get to help other women make an income and be independent,” she says.

You can learn more about TCB here.

Sources: Supplied—TCB

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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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