Bino Teboho Makhalanyane

SACC Western Cape Youth Ministry Desk hosts a Youth Workshop focusing on Climate ActionOn Saturday, 21 September, the South African Council of Churches Western Cape Youth Ministry Desk hosted a leadership workshop under the theme of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action. This was part of their Ecumenical Youth Leadership Citizens Programme which looks at engaging youth leaders on how they can use their platforms to address issues of the SDG’s. This gathering highlighted the urgent need for faith communities and young leaders to respond to the climate crisis with knowledge, action, and hope. The day started off with a bible study on James 2:14-26 led by Green Anglicans Comms member, John-Paul Roberts who is also part of the SACC-WC Youth Desk committee. The lesson spoke on the fact that we cannot only pray and ask God’s blessing on people but that we actually need to be engaging in what they need. Faith accompanied by actions. Lisakhanya Mathiso from the African Climate Alliance (ACA) was the keynote speaker for the workshop with a presentation on the realities of climate change. She stressed the importance of contextualising the issue so that actions taken by young people can meaningfully benefit their communities. Lisakhanya also shared inspiring examples of ACA’s work in advancing climate action and spoke about how youth across the globe are rising to ensure their voices are heard at influential platforms such as the G20, COP, and the Presidential Climate Commission. The Green Anglicans Movement was represented by Bino Makhalanyane, who led a session on the biblical mandate for climate action. Drawing on both Old and New Testament texts, he reminded participants that “the earth is the Lord’s” and that God entrusts His people with the responsibility to care for His creation. Participants then broke into working groups for a community mapping exercise, where they identified areas of environmental harm caused by human activity. Each group developed an action plan to address these issues, which they will report on at the next workshop session in October.        

On Saturday, 1 November, a group of thirteen enthusiastic Mothers’ Union members gathered at the Parish of  Holy Trinity in King William’s Town, in the Diocese of Grahamstown, for a day filled with learning, laughter, and hands-on experience. The training, led by Mrs Hombisa April, the Diocesan Mothers’ Union Eco-Champ, focused on building skills for sustainable vegetable gardening. The mothers explored everything, from understanding their garden space and improving soil health to composting, selecting the right plants, using natural pest control, and designing and maintaining a thriving garden. One of the highlights of the day was the practical session, where everyone rolled up their sleeves to prepare trench beds and see first-hand how small changes in technique can make a big difference. The group also reflected on the numerous benefits of growing one’s own food, including saving money, improving nutrition, and caring for God’s creation. Adding to the excitement, the Diocesan Mothers’ Union President and Deputy President were present to show their support, celebrating this step toward greener, more resilient communities. The day ended with smiles, muddy hands, and a renewed sense of purpose.

On Monday, 6 October 2025, members of the Girls and Boys Friendly Society (GBFS) from the Diocese of Cape Town gathered at Cape Town International Airport to warmly welcome the World GFS President, Ms Lois Frankforter. Following the joyful reception, members proceeded to St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church in Langa, where a welcome Eucharist was celebrated, led by the Bishop of Table Bay, the Right Revd. Joshua Louw. Because members of the Diocese were unable to attend the national GBFS conference, the Green Anglicans hosted a special environmental session with the same theme as that presented at the national gathering. During this session, Revd. Rachel Mash, the Provincial Green Anglicans Coordinator, spoke passionately about the Christian call to care for God’s creation. She encouraged members to transform GBFS Cape Town into a “Green GBFS” by adopting eco-friendly practices within their parishes and communities. Bino Makhalanyane, representing the Green Anglicans, led an interactive session unpacking the Fifth Mark of Mission: “To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.” Using the Community Mapping Toolkit, members explored practical ways each GBFS branch could live out this mission by adopting and caring for a small area within their church premises. Each branch will work towards implementing its environmental action plan by Easter 2026, with a special award planned for the most impactful and creative project. This gathering not only celebrated the global fellowship of GFS but also renewed the Diocese of Cape Town’s commitment to faithful environmental stewardship, ensuring that young people continue to connect their faith with action for creation care.

On September 28, the Diocese of Mbashe proudly launched its Diocesan Green Anglicans Movement banner, marking a significant milestone in the church’s ongoing commitment to caring for God’s creation. The event brought together Diocesan Chapter members, Diocesan Guide Leaders, and partners from both Provincial and local government, reflecting a shared vision of environmental stewardship and sustainability at the grassroots level. The Mnquma Local Municipality graced the occasion and generously donated indigenous trees to be planted across the diocese. This gesture symbolises a practical step toward restoring the natural environment and combating the effects of climate change within local communities. Also in attendance was the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs, which expressed its commitment to collaborate with the diocese in efforts aimed at safeguarding and renewing the Earth. The day ended with the planting of a tree by the Diocesan Bishop, Bishop Fikizolo. The launch serves as a reminder that creation care is a collective responsibility, one that unites faith communities, government institutions, and civil society in nurturing a more just and sustainable future. By: Tumeka Myeki ( Diocesan GA Coordinator)

On Saturday, 20 September, the Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF) from the Diocese of Port Elizabeth launched an inspiring outreach program focused on environmental sustainability by adopting Cowan High School in New Brighton. The Fellowship partnered with Mrs Pumla Koltana, the Green Anglican Diocesan Coordinator, who played a key role in organising the initiative. Mrs Koltana brought in a team of two coordinators from the Hlumani Nande Organisation in Motherwell, namely Mr Melikhaya and Mr Azola, who guided the young people with practical lessons in gardening. The coordinators taught the AYF members about the importance of gardening for both food security and environmental care. With great enthusiasm, the young people rolled up their sleeves, prepared the soil, created garden beds and paths, and planted a variety of vegetables and trees. The seedlings, generously donated by Mrs Koltana, included peppers, parsley, carrots, spinach, tomatoes, and several trees. Additionally, the AYF donated gardening tools to the school, allowing learners and staff to continue caring for the garden as part of their ongoing sustainability efforts. The project was more than just a day of planting; it was an opportunity for young people to learn valuable lessons about creation care and to experience the joy of giving back to their community. Some participants shared their reflections: This initiative not only provided immediate benefits to Cowan High School but also inspired a new generation of environmental stewards. The Diocese expressed gratitude to Mrs Koltana, the Hlumani Nande Organisation, and the AYF members for their dedication to living out the values of faith, service, and care for creation. By : Nwabisa Sizani (Doi : PE president)

On Thursday, 24 September, which is marked as Heritage Day in South Africa, the youth Eco-champs of the Diocese of Christ the King gathered at the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve for their heritage hike. For the eco-champs, the event was more than just an outdoor adventure; it was a spiritual journey that combined fellowship, prayer, and the celebration of God’s creation. One of the highlights of the day was the celebration of the Holy Eucharist in nature. Encountering the body and blood of Christ under open skies created a profound harmony between faith and the natural world. This moment echoed the many biblical journeys where God revealed Himself in the wilderness, like Moses meeting God on Mount Sinai, and Jesus retreating to the quiet hills to pray. Reflecting on this sacred experience, the young people were reminded of their calling not only to love one another but also to act as faithful stewards of the earth. Sharing the Eucharist outdoors became a powerful sign of the Church’s care for creation, echoing the spirit of the Season of Creation observed worldwide. There is something deeply meaningful about walking through the beauty of God’s world. Hiking not only provides physical exercise and excitement but also invites us to step away from the busyness of daily life and encounter God in the stillness of nature. The hike also offered a time for fellowship and community. Walking together through valleys and up mountain paths, the group shared stories, laughter, and prayer, strengthening their bonds as young eco-champs in Christ. Many returned home with hearts uplifted and spirits renewed, physically refreshed, spiritually grounded, and more deeply aware of God’s presence in all of creation. by Manana Rooi