SPONSORED | Successful wetlands clean-up day in Mataffin unites community

The Riverside CID Social Investment Foundation, in collaboration with TWK and Riverside CID, came together in a show of unity and environmental stewardship to participate in a Mataffin Wetlands Clean-up Day on September 6.

This impactful event, in a wide-ranging partnership spearheaded by the Riverside CID foundation, demonstrated the power of collective action in preserving the vital wetlands of Riverside. The partnership extended to the environmental management division of the City of Mbombela (CoM), the Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency (Iucma), the Mpumalanga Environmental Initiative (MEI), Beloved Youth Moving Forward (BYMF) and the University of Mpumalanga (UMP).

The Mataffin Wetlands Clean-up Day is part of the ongoing Riverside Wetlands Celebration Project, which seeks to raise awareness about the critical role that wetlands play in maintaining the ecological balance in our urban areas. Wetlands are often referred to as the ‘kidneys of the Earth’ because of their ability to filter and purify water, control floods and support a rich diversity of plant and animal life. They act as natural buffers, protecting our communities from environmental extremes and offering a sanctuary for countless species.

The success of this clean-up effort was made possible through the generous support of TWK and Riverside CID, whose commitment to environmental preservation has been unwavering. Their partnership in this project has enabled us to take significant strides in protecting these essential ecosystems, ensuring they continue to thrive for generations to come.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all our partners who played a crucial role in making this day a success: the UMP, whose research and expertise guided our actions, CSK Environmental for its assistance with site inspection, the MEI for leadership and community training in the clean-up, the CoM, custodians of the city’s wetlands rehabilitation work, the ward councillor and Mataffin community leadership for their support, and BYMF, whose energy and passion mobilised the youth to actively participate in this environmental cause.

During the event, workers of the Expanded Public Works Programme, volunteers, residents and partners joined forces to remove litter, invasive plants and other pollutants from the wetlands. Their efforts have not only improved the immediate environment, but have also highlighted the importance of preserving these natural areas, which play a crucial role in combatting climate change and supporting biodiversity.

This clean-up is more than just an event – it’s a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and nurture the environment and the role of positive partnerships in doing so.

Wetlands are not only a habitat for wildlife, but also a crucial component in the fight against climate change, acting as carbon sinks and helping to regulate our planet’s temperature.

The Riverside CID Social Investment Foundation remains committed to ongoing efforts to protect Riverside’s wetlands and will continue to engage the community in future initiatives that promote sustainability and environmental awareness.