On Thursday, 18 July 2024, in the spirit of Nelson Mandela International Day 2024, the Coega Development Corporation (Coega) joined Columba Leadership, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM), the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), and the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) to implement a series of environmental initiatives at Vulumzi Senior Secondary School in Motherwell, Gqeberha.
Endorsing the initiatives, the NMBM MMC for Public Health, Mr. Thsonono Buyeye, shared that environmental stewardship is central to the health of people and their communities: “As a Metro, we welcome these collaborative initiatives as we believe they are more fruitful than when stakeholders work in silos. We appreciate the efforts, and we always support such initiatives with all the resources we have including human resources.
In fact, just last month, we actively participated in environmental initiatives aligned with World Environment Month, responding to the devastating floods that affected our city. The impact of those floods is still evident, and the reality of climate change demands that we collectively reassess our synergy with the environment and work together towards a more sustainable future.”
Driven by a shared passion for environmental stewardship and supported by Coega’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Programme, Coega employees and partners dedicated their time and energy to make a lasting difference for Vulumzi Senior Secondary School and the surrounding community.
Ms. Telly Chauke, Coega’s Chief Sustainability Officer, said: The Coega Development Corporation is very intentional in its approach to stakeholder engagement and forming sustainable partnerships; carefully selecting partners who share our common objectives and to make an impact as a leading catalyst for the championing of socio-economic development. We prioritise collaborations that align with our goals, particularly in the education sector, where we focus on long-term relationships with schools to influence the
choices of young people in their academic and professional pursuits. By sharing knowledge and resources, we empower communities to achieve sustainable growth.
Our partnership with Columba, for instance, concentrates on leadership development and sustainability, which are core priorities for us. By measuring the impact of our relationships, we aim to create a positive influence on our children and the community where we have an operational footprint in the region. To achieve this, we engage in consultations with various stakeholders to ensure a collective approach to creating a deep and lasting impact.
The establishment of a sustainable food garden, the planting of indigenous and fruits trees, a waste management system, and comprehensive community clean-up outside of the school premises were the culmination of tireless efforts by all stakeholders involved. These impactful initiatives directly support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
DRDAR representative, Bongani Gocina shared that after a week of dedicated preparation prior to Mandela Day, the collaboration between Coega, Columba, NMBM, DFFE, and DRDAR yielded impressive results.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with this year’s theme: ‘It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality.’ We planted a food garden that will not only provide sustenance to the community but also teach people that they can make a difference. We were also able to create a sustainable smart agricultural garden based on conservation agriculture, which mitigates against climate change by using cover crops, crop rotation, and minimum soil tillage. These are some of the strategies, which we advise to our farming communities as agricultural advisors to be assured communities are resilient and food secured.”
Vulumzi SSS Principal, Mr. Mzimkhulu Fina, expressed his gratitude: “On behalf of the school, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the stakeholders involved in implementing these environmental initiatives at our school. Your dedication to environmental stewardship and community development is truly inspiring, and we are grateful for the positive impact it will have on our learners and the surrounding community.”
Mandela Day 2024 underscores the significance of partnership in building a more equitable and sustainable future, where environmental stewardship and community development converge.
“As we reflect on the legacy of Nelson Mandela, we are inspired to continue striving for a world that is more just, peaceful, and prosperous for all. Through our continued collective actions, we can create a brighter future, where the principles of sustainability, social responsibility, and community empowerment are upheld,” concluded Ms. Chauke.
