WESSA revives Amanzimtoti SAPS’ gardens

A group of proactive Kingsburgh Wildlife and Environment Society South Africa (WESSA) members toiled at the local police station at the weekend to begin a month-long project to revive the gardens.

WESSA is a South African environmental organisation which aims to initiate and support high impact environmental and conservation projects to promote participation in caring for the Earth. For over 90 years members have proactively engaged with the challenges and opportunities presented by South Africa’s unique natural heritage and the social and economic systems that depend on it.

Lynn Jack and her Kingsburgh WESSA team have committed to spending two hours every weekend until Saturday, 14 July to brighten up the Amanzimtoti SAPS’ gardens. “We want our police station to look beautiful and we could see it needed some tender loving care,” said Lynn. “We gathered a team of six volunteers together from WESSA and paid two gardeners to help us make a difference to their gardens.

“We planted some indigenous plants that are water-wise plants and do not need to much attention or watering. We are proud of our little town Amanzimtoti and want to ensure that we continue to look after it.”

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Lynn appeals to all communities to take the initiative to begin projects such as this one, to uplift their environment and community. “Get involved in being part of the solution by using your own skills and talents to uplift the community. I notice we often have a tendency to complain about things, instead of becoming the difference we want to see. Every little effort we make, makes a difference,” she said.

The communication officer of eThekwini Outer South Cluster, Captain Carmen Rhynes said they are grateful for the kind assistance of such proactive organisations and community members such as WESSA and Lynn’s team. “It is wonderful and encouraging to see community members taking on initiatives to make a difference to their surroundings. If we all participated in making a difference to our environment as part of a school team, business team, family, church or an individual interest, we can transform not only our street, town or city but our nation.

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“We must not stop caring and become passive complainers. Everyone can make a difference. Amanzimtoti is a lovely little town, that is vibrant and has a lot to offer its visitors and residents. We salute community members doing their little bit. Thank you.”

Amanzimtoti station commander, Col BH Nikabinde applauded the community members and said: “I am humbled at the commitment from our community members to help our police station look more beautiful by improving its garden. We are very grateful. Your efforts will not go unnoticed and will be appreciated by all who visit. Thank you for not only caring about our police station but most importantly caring for the environment. We salute you.”

If anyone would like to offer their ‘green fingers’ or creative skills to assist on various projects such as these, call Kingsburgh WESSA chairman, Rob Jack on 083 799 9241.