Youth take lead in battle against plastic waste

Students around Tshwane, councillors, and environmentalists came together this past weekend to support the ‘Zero Plastic 2040’ campaign led by Save the Earth from A to Z (ASEZ).

ASEZ is a student volunteer group of the World Mission Society Church of God, involved in environmental work, disaster relief and crime prevention.

ASEZ manager, Daniel Kim, said the campaign was launched in an effort to eliminate plastic waste by 2040.

He said the need for the campaign was recognised after a river clean-up at the Apies River, and a high-level environmental forum that was hosted at the Church of God in Pretoria.

Kim explained that the clean-up took place on July 20 and involved about 70 volunteers.

They removed an estimated 200 kg of waste from the banks of the Apies River inner-city waterway, plagued by pollution and illegal dumping.

“Volunteers included ASEZ members, their families, and supporters from surrounding areas who came out in gloves and boots to help restore the river’s natural state.”

On July 27, the church’s Pretoria branch hosted a forum attended by more than 180 participants.

Attendees included students from the University of Pretoria, Tshwane University of Technology, and Unisa, along with environmental scientists, diplomats, and community leaders.

Nokulunga Khuzwayo, one of the ASEZ presenters at the forum, emphasised that plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue but a human health crisis.

“Every piece of plastic we use today has the potential to end up in our rivers, oceans, or even our bodies,” she said.

She explained that microplastics are already being found in drinking water, seafood, and even the air we breathe.

Khuzwayo said often people don’t realise how deeply plastic has infiltrated their lives.

She added that while policies are important, lasting change begins with individual responsibility, and community participation.

“We as students may not have political power, but we have the power to influence and educate. We’re choosing to take action now because tomorrow might be too late.”

She also called on local municipalities and universities to support student-led initiatives.

“We need platforms, partnerships, and policies that take youth activism seriously. Plastic waste is a crisis we can solve – but only if we act together.”

Ward councillor Shaun Wilkinson, who has supported ASEZ initiatives for more than a decade, commended the group’s consistent dedication to community improvement in Tshwane.

“I’ve worked with ASEZ for over 10 years, and every time they get involved, they leave a space better than they found it,” he said.

“They don’t just talk about change. They take action and inspire others to do the same.”

He said their energy and optimism make them an example for other youth and community groups across the metro.

Wilkinson added that the metro needs more young people willing to roll up their sleeves, get their hands dirty, and actually do something about the issues faced by the community.

He highlighted ASEZ’s ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds for a common cause.

“They’re not doing this for recognition. They’re doing it because they care about our future.”

He added that their recent Apies River clean-up was a perfect example of local action making a visible difference.

According to Wilkinson, within a few hours, the area was completely transformed.

Saying, “It proves what can happen when people come together with purpose,” he urged anyone who cares about the city and the environment to get involved.

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