Bino Teboho Makhalanyane

On 15 May 2025, the Green Anglicans of the Free State hosted a transformative DIY Solar Light Workshop at St Patrick’s Church, with support from SAFCEI’s small grants programme. This hands-on, faith-rooted gathering brought together 10 passionate participants from local communities, united by a shared vision: energy justice for all. The workshop embodied the Green Anglicans’ mission to care for creation through practical action and deep faith. It began with a powerful reflection on stewardship and energy justice, reminding participants of our biblical call to “tend and keep” the earth (Genesis 2:15) and ensure that no one is left in the dark, literally or spiritually. Participants then engaged in a simple but empowering training session: learning how to build their own solar-powered lights. With guidance from local facilitators, each person assembled a complete lighting kit, gaining not only a practical tool but a new sense of dignity, safety, and hope. One attendee shared, “I didn’t think I could ever do something like this myself. Now I can light my home, and teach others, too.” The session also sparked rich conversations around the Just Energy Transition, and the role of faith communities in addressing energy poverty. This was not only a technical workshop—it was a spiritual and communal act of justice. Jenni Strous, the lead coordinator and a committed Earth Keeper, noted, “Faith communities must be at the forefront of climate justice. When we equip people with knowledge and tools, we help them reclaim power—both figuratively and practically.” The workshop concluded with the distribution of solar kits and a closing prayer for the Earth. Participants left not just with lights in hand, but with fire in their hearts—to serve, to teach, and to spread the glow of justice throughout the Free State. This event was made possible through SAFCEI’s R10,000 grant, proving that even small resources, when placed in faithful hands, can ignite large change. by Eco Champ: Tshegofatso Lekgetho

Led by the two diocesan Green Anglican coordinators, the Diocese of Lesotho recently held a productive meeting with it’s Green Anglican team, where we discussed our plans for the upcoming year and gathered valuable input from each parish regarding their environmental needs. It was inspiring to hear everyone’s ideas and commitments to making a positive impact in our communities! In addition to our planning session, we took action by organizing a clean-up at St. James High School. We tackled an unattended dump area behind the classrooms, transforming it into a cleaner, safer space for students and staff. This initiative not only beautified the school grounds but also motivated our coordinators and participants to stay engaged in environmental stewardship. Together, we are making strides towards a greener future! Let’s continue to work hand-in-hand to care for our planet and inspire others to join us on this important journey. #GreenAnglican  #CommunityCleanUp #EnvironmentalStewardship #TogetherForThePlanet By; (Diocesan GA coordinators ) Maipato Kotelo & Rapela Korotjoe

Amid rising unemployment and the high cost of living, the Mothers’ Union in the Diocese of Lesotho has launched a “Let No Food Go to Waste” campaign. The initiative addresses the significant loss of fresh food following the harvest season due to limited preservation methods. Drawing on indigenous knowledge, the women have revived traditional practices of food sharing and preservation. These methods ensure that surplus harvests can be used during off-seasons. Additionally, by aligning with the national ploughing calendar, they optimize their home gardening efforts, planting the right crops at the right time for maximum yield.

On 1 May 2025, the Archdeaconry of Vryheid in the Diocese of Zululand hosted a Youth Hiking Event at Mount Sinai, drawing over thirty enthusiastic young people from across the Archdeaconry. The adventure combined physical challenge and spiritual reflection—hiking through the mountains, braving the heat, cooling off in mountain streams, and soaking in the beauty of creation. A special highlight of the day was a vibrant outdoor Eucharist service led by Canon Mondli Nkosi, the Diocesan Green Anglicans Coordinator. Surrounded by nature, the group paused to give thanks to God for the wonder of His creation and to reflect on encountering the risen Christ in the stillness of the mountain. By: Siyanda Ngubane Photo Credit: Silungi Zondo #Godscreation #godscreationsarebeautiful #GodCares Revd. Nkosi celebrating the Eucharist a reading during the Eucharist  a break on the way to the top 

From the 28th till 30th of March 2025 the Diocese of Kimberley and Kuruman held its first Green Anglican Eco-Champions workshop, at the Cathedral Church of St Cyprian the Martyr in Kimberly, marking a major advancement in environmental awareness. In keeping with the Anglican Church of Southern Africa’s Fifth Mark of Mission: “To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth,” this groundbreaking event brought together parishioners, clergy, and lay leaders to strengthen their commitment to environmental stewardship. The purpose of the workshop was to equip the participants with theological insights and practical tools to address and advocate for pressing environmental issues. The workshop explored what is Green Anglican in the province, eco-theology, highlighting biblical commands to care for creation and the interconnectedness between environmental deterioration and social challenges. The workshop concluded with participants being tasked with leading environmental initiatives in their respective communities, organisations and parishes. The diocesan Green Anglican Coordinator Ven. Rev Hove viewed the workshop as a step forward to a more sustainable and  equitable future not only in the church but in our communities. By Refilwe Ferrelson  

From 20 to 22 March 2025, God’s Way of Farming hosted a three-day training program at Nyavani focused on the intersection of spirituality, management, and technology in sustainable farming. Led by passionate trainers and embraced by the local MU members from the Vhembe Archdeaconry in the Diocese of St Marks the Evangelist, church members, and the wider Nyavani community, the training emphasized the biblical principles of stewardship through. Day 1: Spiritual Foundations for Sustainable Farming The session opened with 17 MU women in attendance. Karla, the trainer, introduced the concept of “Farming God’s Way,” grounding the practice in scripture—Acts 20:30 and Luke 6:38. She structured her message around four key principles: The day ended with a practical demonstration comparing conventional farming to “Farming God’s Way,” focusing on setting high, Godly standards in all agricultural efforts. Day 2: Restoration and Responsible Practice Attendance grew on Day 2, with 16 MU women, 5 Anglican men, and 12 local community members. From 08h00 to 16h00, participants engaged in teachings on restoration and preparation techniques. Key Lessons: Staggered Planting (Rotational Farming):Participants learned about planting in a Fruit-Leaf-Root (FLR) cycle (e.g., beans, spinach, beetroot/spring onion). It was noted that maize should always be planted next to beans, as beans naturally enrich the soil with nitrogen—demonstrating God’s perfect design. A “Garden of Remembrance” was planted during the practical session using this method. Making Compost (2 Corinthians 9:8):High-standard compost is made using specific layers: Compost must be turned in after 10 days, then every 3 days. Temperature should be maintained between 50–60°C. Day 3: Good Life Through Godly Farming On the final day, the focus shifted to planting with spiritual awareness, management, and appropriate technology. Scripture readings included Genesis 1:29, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Isaiah 51:3, John 3:16, and Galatians 5:22–23, among others. Highlights: Conclusion The training was well-received, with high participation and engagement from the MU and the Nyavani community. The sessions effectively merged biblical teachings with practical agricultural knowledge, reinforcing the call to steward the earth faithfully and joyfully. Participants left empowered—not just with skills, but with a renewed vision of farming as worship, restoration, and a pathway to sustainable livelihoods. By: Mme Sefularo Ramohale MU Eco-Champ Mrs Ramohale Training in session