WESSA Inspires Young South Africans to Care for the Planet, One Action at a Time

Photo Credit: WESSA Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa via Facebook

Young people are leading the way in how we view and manage waste, and WESSA is cheering them on every step of the way! From encouraging recycling through fun Trashion Shows to tackling waste with the air we breathe in mind, the organisation has been educating and inspiring children to become stewards of a greener, cleaner environment.

South Africa (13 September 2026) – True to its name, the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) continues to find educational and creative ways to protect the environment while rallying people, young and old, to be part of the mission for a safer, greener planet.

Over the past few weeks, WESSA teams across the country have been working on the ground to educate and invite the youth to take part in initiatives that reduce waste, improve the quality of the air they breathe and give back to an environment that does so much for all of us.

Cleaner Air Starts with Knowledge and Communities Working Together

As part of observing International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, marked on Monday 7 September, WESSA, through its Clear Skies Eco-Schools Project, is tackling one of South Africa’s often-overlooked air-quality challenges: open waste burning.

In townships and underserved communities where waste collection is inconsistent, waste is often dumped or burned in open fields and spaces. Sadly, this quick solution often comes with serious consequences for air quality, health and the environment.

Through a partnership between WESSA Schools Programme, the Clean Air Fund, groundWork and the South African Waste Pickers Association, the project is working across the Vaal Triangle, Highveld and Waterberg-Bojanala air-quality priority areas to educate communities about the negative impact of burning waste.

By bringing learners, teachers, waste pickers and communities together, Clear Skies is turning environmental learning into practical action, helping people understand the connection between the waste we generate, the choices we make and the air we breathe.

Arbour Celebrations at Modderfontein Reserve

Another inspiring week unfolded at Modderfontein Reserve from 31 August to 4 September 2026 as part of the AECI Modderfontein Project.

In celebration of Arbour Week and as part of the AECI Modderfontein Project, a WESSA team conducted an environmental education session focused on the importance of trees and the differences between indigenous and alien invasive trees and plants.

Learners from four schools, OR Tambo, Bovet, Zenzeleni and Ikage Primary Schools, took part in an engaging ‘Save the Forests’ game, which encouraged teamwork while reinforcing key lessons about trees, biodiversity and the threats facing our natural environment.

They also participated in a nature walk through the Modderfontein Reserve, where they had the opportunity to identify and learn about the different trees and plants found within the area.

Twenty indigenous trees were also planted throughout the week, contributing to ongoing restoration efforts and helping to strengthen the reserve’s indigenous vegetation.

Recycling Takes to the Runway

Earlier this month, learners participating in the eWASA & WESSA Waste Management and Education Project turned recyclable waste into creative fashion pieces through exciting Trashion Shows.

Chapman High School, Kuyga Primary School, Happydale Special School and Paterson High School led learner-driven Trashion Shows and environmental assemblies, where children brilliantly turned old newspapers, cardboard, packets and plastic into creative garments.

Beyond the runway fun, these young environmental champions helped build a culture of recycling, waste reduction and environmental responsibility, showing that creativity and practical action can drive meaningful change.

The youth are leading the way with WESSA’s greener future projects, and we’re so proud of every effort and the strides they are making.