As June unfolds, South Africa marks Environment Month with a series of significant observances, including Environment Day on June 5, World Oceans Day on June 8, and Desertification and Drought Day on June 17. These events provide a platform to enhance public awareness about environmental issues and encourage sustainable practices among citizens.

Urging Action Against Desertification

On June 17, Dr. Dion George, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, commemorated Desertification and Drought Day under the theme “Restore the land, unlock the opportunities.” He appealed to South Africans to take better care of the land to ensure food security, access to water, and a sustainable energy supply for future generations.

This annual event aims to raise awareness about the global challenges posed by desertification. During a commemorative gathering in Limpopo, Dr. George highlighted that land degradation, drought, and water scarcity are not merely local issues but critical global crises. He noted, “South Africa’s G20 Presidency prioritization of these issues highlights their direct threat to economies, food security, and sustainable development.”

As a signatory to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), South Africa remains dedicated to addressing these pressing environmental challenges.

Local Rewilding Initiatives

Efforts to rewild public spaces as a form of conservation have emerged in Hillcrest, where community-driven initiatives aim to protect local ecosystems. The Mend the Molweni (MtM) project is a key player in this movement, having initiated a garden in a public area designed to promote biodiversity.

According to Hlengiwe Magwaza, an “envirochamp” for the project, the garden now showcases a vibrant mix of plants and insects. “What I do is plant flowers that create a conducive environment for different insects. We even have snakes in our garden,” she remarked, emphasizing the project’s commitment to fostering wildlife habitats.

Ending Plastic Pollution

In line with this year’s World Environment Day theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution,” the Hillcrest Conservancy and Westville Conservancy’s Sue Smith provided several actionable tips for residents to reduce plastic waste:

1. Waste Separation: Use multiple bins or bags at home to sort recycling into categories such as paper, plastic, glass, tins, organic waste, and landfill waste.
2. Composting: Start a small compost bin to minimize organic waste contributions to landfills.
3. Recycling Services: Utilize available recycling services in the community.
4. Reusable Items: Opt for reusable shopping bags, personal cups for coffee, and non-plastic water bottles to cut down on single-use plastics.
5. Avoid Packaging: Buy groceries without packaging, particularly from local vendors.
6. Repurpose Containers: Use glass jars instead of plastic containers when possible.
7. Community Engagement: Encourage friends and family to adopt plastic-free habits.
8. Education: Research the environmental impacts of plastic, including its origins from fossil fuels and the hazards posed by microplastics.
9. Responsible Disposal: Take plastic waste home for proper disposal rather than littering.
10. Support Clean-Up Efforts: Participate in local clean-up initiatives to help remove plastic pollution from public spaces.

Insights from Sustainable Gardening Workshop

In early June, a Coffee & Compost workshop was held in Westville as part of Environment Week (June 1-7), focusing on sustainable gardening practices. Participants learned valuable techniques that contribute to environmental preservation:

• Mulching: This practice helps prevent soil erosion, conserves water, mitigates global warming, retains moisture, and enriches the soil as it decomposes.
• Composting: Making compost reduces waste and fosters sustainable resource use.
• Crop Rotation: Rotating crops enhances soil quality while managing pests and improving overall health.
• Biodiversity: Promoting diverse plant life contributes to healthier ecosystems.
• Container Gardening: A practical solution for urban dwellers with limited space.
• Medicinal Plants: Certain plants, such as Iboza (Tetradenia riparia) and aloe, possess beneficial properties.

During the workshop, attendee Nonhle Thanjekwayo shared insights into the medicinal uses of aloe and Iboza. She explained, “The aloe leaf can help with clearing dark marks or spots on the skin and can be helpful for people living with diabetes.” Thanjekwayo also offered advice on using Iboza for cough relief, stating, “When you have a cough, take Iboza, crush it, and put it in hot water because when you drink it, it relieves your chest and then you stop coughing,” although she cautioned that the remedy has a bitter taste.

Community Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

These various initiatives illustrate the growing commitment among communities in KwaZulu-Natal to address environmental challenges and embrace sustainability. From rewilding gardens in Hillcrest to promoting sustainable composting practices in Westville, local heroes are making tangible differences in their neighborhoods.

Minister George’s call to action urges individuals to recognize the importance of restoring the land, emphasizing that collective efforts are essential for unlocking future opportunities. As communities engage in these practices, they work toward a more sustainable future, ensuring that natural resources remain available for generations to come.