Learners gathered in numbers on a rainy Saturday morning at St James beach, 21 September, partnering with Environmental Resources Management (ERM) in the annual coastal cleanup 2013. The practice is to create awareness of keeping the ocean clean as human and wildlife is compromised by the pollution found in oceans. The event is international and Makhaza learners were part of the many individuals from all over the world that volunteered their time in this great initiative, with 45 learners from all the IY branches in the Western Cape joining in. They took up the task of cleaning St James beach, of the trash around, with a positive attitude. Equipped with their black bags and gloves, they found items ranging from cigarette butts to food wrappers scattered around in land and on shore.
One grade 11 learner, Ndilisa May described the event as “a great event which brings people together for a good cause” she also added that “it’s wonderful that anyone can be involved”. IkamvaYouth learners are now environmentally conscious; “I now know the importance of keeping the ocean clean, thanks to ERM” said Busiswa Wana, a grade 11 learner. The learners had only great things to say about the coastal cleanup as they learnt more about the ocean and the wildlife that is depended on the ocean. “I was not aware that the ocean forms part of the life cycle and that if damaged it could have an impact on humans as well”, Lundi Sirayi, grade 10 learner added.
Well spent Saturday indeed as the Ikamvanites also got time to enjoy the sea breeze and the beautiful view of St James Beach…
Lloyd Lungu