Community Champions Environmental Stewardship at Magudu Primary School in Mpumalanga

The vibrant spirit of community collaboration was on full display as more than 210 participants joined forces at Magudu Primary School for a transformative Community Clean-Up Campaign. The event, organised by Fibre Circle in partnership with DARDLEA, the Good Work Foundation (GWF), and the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, underscored the urgency of addressing illegal dumping and poor waste management while fostering a culture of recycling. This impactful initiative united a diverse group of stakeholders, including the Ehlanzeni District Municipality, the School Governing Body, Traditional Tribunal members, and local ward council representatives. The welcoming ceremony featured inspiring remarks from Charmaine Maphosa of Fibre Circle, Selby Lukhele from DARDLEA, and Musa Mokoena of GWF, each highlighting the critical role of collaboration in environmental sustainability.

Event Highlights:

Date: November 15, 2024

Location: Magudu Primary School, Lilydale, Mpumalanga

Participants: Over 210 community members, learners, and stakeholders

Mrs. Mabaso, Principal of Magudu Primary School, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the collective effort: “We are immensely grateful for the support from all our partners. This initiative not only educates our learners but also empowers them to take ownership of their environment.” Charmaine Maphosa of Fibre Circle stressed the importance of sustained engagement: “This event is a foundation for a lasting partnership. Through our Zithande Mzansi Schools Outreach Programme, we aim to continue empowering learners and the community to champion environmental care.” Musa Mokoena from GWF celebrated the collaboration's success: “Working together with Fibre Circle and other partners amplifies our ability to create meaningful programs that uplift schools and communities alike.”

Activities and Contributions:

The day’s activities included a school and community clean-up, educational sessions with the learners, and a tree-planting initiative. Participants were provided with practical resources to support the campaign, including: Waste collection bulk bags, reusable water bottles, sun hats and litter picker tongs. Leaners also received learning materials from Fibre Circle for the promotion of environmental awareness and understanding of the importance of sustainability and environmental stewardship. With additional support to various stakeholders such as Debonairs who generously supplied meals for participants, ensuring a successful and engaging event, the campaign was an undeniable success in fostering environmental responsibility.