Since 2019, the Mosselbank River Conservation Team’s volunteers have removed more than 11 tons of litter with their recent efforts, tackling both litter bugs and alien vegetation species.
Finsantekraal, South Africa (01 April 2025) — The Mosselbank River and Valley-Bottom Wetlands in Fisantekraal are not obvious eco-boosters. Nestled between farmlands and urban settings, the areas play a significant role in the well-being of humans, animals and the climate through water regulation, food control and water purification.
Despite all the wetlands and the river being good for people, these natural treasures are no strangers to man-made problems, namely litter and alien vegetation species.
This is where wetlands warriors and river rescuers, the Mosselbank River Conservation Team, step up. Since 2019, volunteers have collected a staggering amount of litter from the river: over 11 tons! Thanks to their helping hands, the waste is successfully diverted from oceans, where it would undoubtedly degrade and cause even more problems.
Recently, volunteers were hard at work in busting litter bugs and removing alien vegetation. On Saturday, 29 March, around 50 volunteers collected 308 kilograms of waste, cleaning up the Mosselbank River and the surrounding open fields.
Of the invasive alien species, Port Jackson trees were on the team’s radar in a big way. These trees outcompete native plants, reducing habitat availability for indigenous flora and fauna. The spread disrupts ecosystems greatly by depleting soil nutrients and increasing fire risks; ultimately, it endangers the biodiversity balance.
Meanwhile, a smaller team cleared an overgrown stormwater outlet drain to ensure that water could flow the way it is supposed to when rain comes. If the drain remained blocked, it could’ve meant flooding on the roads.
“Removing alien vegetation and maintaining stormwater infrastructure are responsibilities of the City of Cape Town,” says Danielle Cronje, the Mosselbank River Conservation Team’s Director and Co-founder.
“However, to protect the progress made in rehabilitating the river, we as volunteers, are stepping in to address the issues where we can. It’s vital to keep the river ecologically functional. Additionally, we’ve noticed a concerning increase in illegal dumping by Spaza shops. We urge the Fisantekraal community to take action in stopping this.”
Illegal dumping can be reported to the City on a 24-hour, toll-free number: 0800 110 077.
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More About the Wetlands Warriors and River Rescuers
The team responsible for this bout of good news are protectors of wetlands and rivers. Through environmental education promotion and hands-on efforts, they believe that the Mosselbank River and its surrounding areas can be preserved in all their beauty and ecological benefits, making for a sustainable future. From wetland restoration and rehabilitation to education and monitoring, the team and their volunteers are doing the most for Mosselbank!
Those in the area who are looking to help the river rescuers on their mission can find out more here. Their next event is on Earth Day (12 April), where a tree planting morning is on the cards!
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