On June 5th, 2023, the community came together to celebrate World Environment Day, in partnership with the Recreation and Parks Department, community-based groups, and volunteers. The goal of this joint effort was to promote ecological awareness, conservation, and sustainability initiatives within the community.
To commemorate this special day, the Recreation and Parks Department organized three events that showcased the importance of local biodiversity. The first event took place on June 2nd, where the department worked with volunteers and the Biodiversity Management Branch to protect the rare and endangered Cape Flats Sand Fynbos species. Participants reintroduced extinct local Protea species, including the critically endangered strawberry spiderhead (Serruria aemula), the endangered sunshine conebush (Leucadendron salignum), and the Thistle Sugarbush (Protea scolymocephala).
On June 5th, the Recreation and Parks Ecological Management Team partnered with residents of Penhill, as well as two local groups, Ikamva group from Eerste River and Buzani Kubawo Inyanga Association group from Mfuleni, to plant and scatter seeds of various fynbos species at the Penhill Conservation area in Eerste River. The plants included Thistle Protea, Bakkerbos, Cancer Bush, Blue African Sage, and Padsabos, among others.
The third event took place on June 6th, as community members gathered at the Jack Muller Park in Bellville to sow and scatter seeds of local fynbos species.
Urban parks and public open spaces are essential community assets that foster appreciation for nature. According to Councillor Patricia Van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member, community-driven initiatives such as these contribute to the ecological improvement of parks and other public open spaces. They also cultivate a sense of ownership and shared responsibility to protect and maintain these areas.
The World Environment Day celebrations brought together a diverse group of community members to take pride in their parks and contribute to a lasting legacy. The collective efforts demonstrated the power of collaboration and the value of investing in the environment for a sustainable future. Continued commitment and enthusiasm for such initiatives can inspire other communities to take similar actions and work towards a greener, more vibrant world for generations to come.
South Africa's Springboks achieved an incredible win against New Zealand's All Blacks in the Cape…
The Northern Cape in South Africa transforms into a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers every year…
The Peers family, selftaught archaeologists, played a significant role in uncovering the ancient history of…
The budget cuts in education that could lead to over 2,000 teachers losing their jobs…
The Western Cape is facing a potentially turbulent fire season due to excessive rainfall, which…
In September 2023, a routine South African Navy drill turned into a tragedy when an…