Gold for MRCT at the Western Cape Service Excellence Awards

On Friday, 12 September 2025, the Mosselbank River Conservation Team (MRCT) proudly walked away with Gold at the 10th Annual Service Excellence Awards, hosted by the Western Cape Government at GrandWest Casino.

The Service Excellence Awards are held each year to celebrate outstanding contributions across the province. They aim to promote a culture of caring, recognize professionalism, and reward individuals and teams whose work truly improves lives. This year, the awards extended beyond government employees to include residents and community-driven initiatives—making MRCT’s recognition even more meaningful.

Volunteers, Christopher, Elizabeth, Victoria and Danielle accepting the Gold SEA.

Recognising Community Action

MRCT was shortlisted as one of only five organizations in the category of Best Resident Performance Team/Project, which honors groups of residents who come together to serve their community and uplift lives through dedication, cooperation, and teamwork. Winning Gold in this category is a huge acknowledgement of MRCT’s commitment to both people and the environment. This award is more than a trophy—it’s proof of what can happen when ordinary residents unite to care for the spaces they call home.

Danielle, Elizabeth, Christopher and Victoria at the SEA

From Grassroots to Gold

The story of MRCT began in 2016, shortly after families moved into the Greenville Garden City housing development in Fisantekraal. One of the new residents, Maans, quickly noticed the devastating impact pollution was having on the Mosselbank River. Rather than looking the other way, she took action—organizing a small group of neighbors to start cleaning up the riverbanks.

Their efforts caught the attention of Garden Cities NPC (RF), which had a mandate to rehabilitate the wetlands. They partnered with Maans to help mobilize the wider community, and in 2017, the Mosselbank River Conservation Team was born with just five volunteers.

Over the years, the initiative has grown steadily. By 2021, MRCT had 14 members and officially registered as a Non-Profit Company and Non-Profit Organization. Today, the team has 26 dedicated members who plan events, lead environmental projects, and coordinate regular community clean-ups in Greenville and Fisantekraal.

Members of the MRCT

A Celebration of Progress

From its humble beginnings with a handful of volunteers to receiving provincial recognition, MRCT’s journey is a shining example of what grassroots action can achieve. The Gold award not only celebrates past achievements but also inspires the team to continue protecting the Mosselbank River and educating communities about the importance of conservation.

This recognition belongs to every volunteer, partner, and supporter who has believed in MRCT’s mission. Together, they’ve proven that when residents take ownership of their environment, lasting change is possible.