THE first annual general meeting of the Umbango River Conservancy held at Gate Ministries recently was well attended.
More than 50 enthusiastic conservationists, individuals and businesses attended the meeting to show their support for the environment within Umbango and Marburg areas.
Stephanie Breedt from the Leisure Bay Conservancy was the guest speaker. “Her involvement with the environment is commendable,” said conservancy chairman Morgan Naidoo.
“She was instrumental in starting the Leisure Bay Conservancy and her talk on the importance of conservancies and how communities can assist was interesting and informative,” said Mr Naidoo. Ms Breedt also spoke on indigenous gardening for which she has a passion.
She commended the Umbango River Conservancy for involving so many youngsters, adding that these young environmentalists are the people who will make the most difference in the future.
Piet Massyn of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife commended the newly formed conservancy for the work it is doing, saying that the team had achieved a lot in a short space of time.
Visitor Joe Raju, a former South Coaster now living in Canada, said he was entranced as week by week he watched a portion of the Umbango River slowly being transformed from a reed-covered, bush-infested area to one where the picturesque brook with its quaint stones and gurgling waters could be enjoyed.
“Even though litter continues to rob the river banks of their beauty, I could see great potential for the future. Don’t let the apathy of some residents and the continued littering deter you from your purpose. In time you will win the battle against litter, one person at a time. Thanks for the joy of watching parts of my homeland transformed for generations to come,” said Mr Raju.
The conservancy thanks its sponsors for their invaluable support over the year.The conservancy encourages more people to join in and make a contribution to saving the environment.
For more information on the conservancy contact Morgan at 076 2389826.
