Celebrating World Environmental Day

Thabazimbi – Marakele National Park in collaboration with stakeholders celebrated World Environmental Day (WED) in Thabazimbi.

WED is celebrated annually on 5 June, and it is the United Nation’s principal initiative for encouraging awareness and action for the protection of our environment.

Various projects over a period of three days were planned to commemorate the 2019 WED. On 10 June, a door-to-door awareness campaign was conducted, and surrounding households joined in to identify and clean illegal dumping sites.

Cleaning up these dumping sites in Regorogile commenced on 11 June. Waste was sorted and sold to Neo Recycling who assisted with explaining the process of recycling to communities. There was a buyback mobile truck on site to buy all recyclable material collected on the day. Shoprite vouchers were given to those who sold material at the truck.

The main event was held at Regorogile’s sports grounds on 12 June. Various stakeholders within the district had exhibition stands to engage communities. School leaners were invited to join in the conversation regarding environmental issues. Learners were also informed about career opportunities within the environmental sector.

Apart from the exhibition and information dissemination to the public, the parks firefighting team also showcased their drills.

Thabazimbi Local Municipality (TLM), Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, Ledet, Pretoria Zoo, Lapalala Wilderness School, Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), Environmental Affairs, Neo Recycling, Northam Platinum Mine, Pick n Pay Bushveld, Department of Public Works, Thabazimbi Department of Education Circuit that include Mabogopedi High School, Advanced College, Ysterberg Public Primary School, Deo-Gloria and Kambaku as well as Eskom assisted in making the celebration a success. 

Marakele National Park would like to thank all organisations, departments, schools, TLM and local businesses for their valuable contributions.