“The Herds” is a vibrant art project using giant animal puppets to raise awareness about climate change. With performances across continents from Africa to the Arctic, these puppets aim to inspire people to take action for the planet. Crafted from recycled materials, they embody the project’s commitment to sustainability. The journey of “The Herds” is not just about entertainment; it’s a powerful message urging everyone to protect our environment and recognize our connection to nature. Through art and activism, this project hopes to ignite a spark of change in hearts around the world.
Cape Town is facing a serious ocean pollution crisis, with untreated sewage being dumped into its beautiful waters, harming marine life and public health. Activists are fighting for better sewage treatment while city leaders discuss budgets for upgrades, showing a struggle between progress and protecting the environment. Many people, including filmmakers and photographers, are raising awareness about this issue, as rising illness among swimmers adds urgency to the situation. Mayor HillLewis has proposed a big investment for improvements, but activists worry that waiting until 2034 is too long. Cape Town’s situation reflects a bigger global challenge, highlighting the need for balanced solutions that protect both the city and its precious ocean.
The Two Oceans Aquarium Trash Bash initiative brings together community members to combat plastic pollution in the ocean. Participants join in regular cleanup activities on land and underwater, using the Dirty Dozen methodology to document the most common items polluting the coastline. The campaign offers a communal call to arms, demonstrating the power of collective responsibility in the fight against plastic pollution. The next cleanup event is planned for May 2024 at Hout Bay Beach, with prizes available for participants and ongoing efforts to combat plastic pollution throughout the year.
The demand for action is urgent, as South Africa is the most significant carbon emitter on the African continent. South Africans came together to demand climate justice as part of the Global Day of Action, with around a hundred demonstrators rallying at Muizenberg beach to demand a transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources to combat the ecological, social, and economic consequences of fossil fuel exploitation. The demonstrations across South Africa were part of a global initiative aligned with the COP28 summit in Dubai, with a focus on assessing progress in the fight against climate change.
Joe Mpisi, a distinguished leader and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Education, recently passed away, leaving a legacy of tireless dedication to education and social justice in South Africa. Despite his declining health, Mpisi fought to improve Gauteng’s education system and uplift the working class, earning the respect and admiration of his peers and the public.
Harry Belafonte was a trailblazer in the music industry, breaking down barriers for Black artists in the 1950s and 60s. His hits, including “The Banana Boat Song” and “Jump in the Line,” made him an international star and the first Black artist to have a number one album in the United States.
The Wavescape Surf & Ocean Festival is a celebration of ocean culture, art, and environmental activism that recently took place in Cape Town. The festival’s primary goal is to raise public awareness of critical ocean issues and inspire people to protect what they love. This year’s edition, which featured a plethora of events, from screenings to talks, performances, and exhibitions, was successful in raising an astonishing R712 000 for ocean charities.