Youth Leading the Way: MRCT’s 8th Annual Youth Day Cleanup Unites Generations for a Greener Future

As South Africa commemorates Youth Day, a tribute to the resilience and power of young people, the Mosselbank River Conservation Team (MRCT) once again proved that the youth are not just our future — they are actively shaping it.

In celebration of this significant day, MRCT hosted its 8th annual Youth Day community event, bringing together 60 dedicated volunteers of all ages for a powerful act of environmental stewardship. Armed with gloves, bags, and a shared purpose, participants took to the riverbanks and open fields, collecting a staggering 182 kilograms of litter (40 bags) in just one hour.

This initiative is not a standalone effort. It forms part of MRCT’s long-standing commitment to environmental conservation through community-driven action. Over the years, MRCT has hosted more than 60 clean-up events, removing over 12 tons of waste from the Mosselbank River catchment and preventing it from polluting the ocean. These efforts not only restore ecosystems but also foster a culture of responsibility, awareness, and pride among residents — particularly the youth.

Environmental conservation is increasingly being recognised as one of the most urgent issues facing our planet. From plastic pollution to climate change, the challenges are daunting — but so is the potential of the younger generation. By involving youth in sustainability efforts, communities cultivate future leaders who are informed, engaged, and equipped to protect natural resources.

The MRCT are committed to empowering young people through meaningful volunteer opportunities that help them develop practical skills in the environmental field. By engaging with them, youth gain valuable exposure to career pathways within the conservation and sustainability sectors. For those who volunteer with the MRCT regularly, they offer support beyond hands-on experience—they provide referral and recommendation letters to aid in job or study applications, and they assist with CV development to help them present their skills confidently. To further strengthen this journey, they launched an eco-youth club in 2024 called the Mosselbank Wetland Wonderers—a vibrant platform where young environmental enthusiasts can learn, lead, and take action together.

Join the MRCT for their upcoming events on 19 July for Mandela Day and World Clean-up Day on 20 September. If you want to partner or volunteer with us, please email the MRCT management at mosselbankconservationteam@gmail.com.