On Thursday 8 February the Capri and Monica student residences of Stellenbosch University hit Strand Beach for the third consecutive year running for an educational beach clean, or “social-impact day” hosted in conjunction with Helderberg Ocean Awareness Movement (Hoam).
“It’s so important to instil the message of a clean environment to all future footprints,” said Lisa Starr, founder of Hoam. “We all have to kiss the ground and understand that what we put down will come back to us.
“We had a 15 minute talk and then split the students into two groups. One group hit the Helderberg Marine Protected Area (MPA), while the other worked around dune area towards the surf club. As the Helderberg MPA is a protected space where no dogs or fishing is allowed we prefer smaller groups to work that area as there are also more than 40 species of birds, and the endangered black oyster catchers are currently nesting.”
She noted that, sadly, the dune area towards the surf club was very littered, and the students were a bit shocked at the amount of human excrement and other waste.
The groups cleaned for more than two hours, removing 42 full bin bags of rubbish, most of which were collected from the dune area.
“A fun time was had by all and they learnt a lot too,” said Starr. “They were shocked by the amount of lollypop sticks and bottle tops that are currently top offenders on our shores. After the pick-up session they went for a cool-down in the ocean. It’s always a pleasure to work with these students and inspire them to be the change.”
She thanked everyone for their contribution as well as the Strand Neighbourhood Watch and Secure Rite, which kept a watchful eye on everyone’s safety.
“Also big kudos to all our members who are actively involved in cleaning the Helderberg MPA; it’s looking spotless. If you walk there leave only with unnatural debris please. This is a protected space, and we are so grateful to have it on our doorstep.”
