Annually on 5 June it is World Environment Day (WED) to promote environmental awareness and action. This year it was celebrated under the theme “Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience” and the slogan “Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration”.

Since its inception in 1972, WED has developed into a major platform for the United Nations to raise public awareness of environmental issues around the globe and to encourage political action, it is also a call for the protection and revival of ecosystems all around the world

To commemorate WED, Mangaung Metro alongside the Central University of Technology, Vaal Central Water, and the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs embarked on a clean-up campaign, consisting of officials from the various organisations, and PES participants.

The day started at the Central University of Technology where presentations were made on the importance of recycling, how climate change impacts the earth, and the state of wastewater treatments within the metro.

One of the presentations was about the inclusion of the three skills (welding, brick making, and CAD drawing) which was presented by the university HOD for Mathematics and Physical Sciences, Dr. Michelle Erasmus

An assignment was also required from students through the experience, “The repurposing of refuse was expected in brick making. The stone component of the brick had to be replaced with a repurposed material of the student's choosing without compromising integrity” she added

The clean-up that took place after all presentations were made was centered at the Canal leading up to Central Park, which over the years has become a centre for litter to pile up.

This comes alongside a media advisory from the municipality requesting for all political parties to remove their posters and flags from public light poles or they will be fined per poster/flag respectively.

OFM News/Casey-Lee Anthony mvh