World Wetlands Day celebrated
Environmental awareness and community action were highlighted during the World Wetlands Day celebration held in Ga-Marishane Village.
Residents, government officials, and stakeholders recently gathered in Ga-Marishane Village, Ward 26, to commemorate World Wetlands Day, highlighting the importance of protecting wetlands and preserving cultural knowledge linked to these natural ecosystems.
The event was organised by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, in partnership with Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism and the Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality.
This year’s commemoration was held under the theme, ‘Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage’ .
The initiative aimed to raise awareness about the role wetlands play in supporting biodiversity, ensuring water security and sustaining community livelihoods.
Community members, local leaders and various stakeholders attended the event, which encouraged residents to take an active role in protecting wetlands for future generations.
Municipal spokesperson Thomas Mashabela said the municipality used the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to environmental sustainability and community involvement in safeguarding natural resources.
Mashabela also called on residents to adopt responsible practices that help preserve wetlands for both people and nature.
Speaking on behalf of Mayor Merah Mahlase, the municipality’s Executive Committee (ExCo) member responsible for Community Services, Tabane Peter Rankoe, emphasised the importance of wetlands to local communities.
“Wetlands are not just water reserves and land; they are the lifeblood of our communities and a treasure for the residents of Makhuduthamaga,” Rankoe said. “It is our duty to protect them for generations to come.”
Among those who attended the event were ExCo members Eric Makatishe Mosoane and Paul Lethuba, senior manager for Community Services Audry Mashao, Ward 26 councillor Paul Kgatuke, as well as other government officials.
As part of the programme, several trees were also planted at the local traditional authority’s premises, symbolising the community’s commitment to environmental protection.
