Bino Teboho Makhalanyane

The Mothers’ Union in the Diocese of Grahamstown recently gathered under the bold theme: “Join us and Join in, Mothers’ Union is changing lives.” The conference highlighted the transformative role that mothers play in shaping families, communities, and society. One of the keynote speakers was Revd Gwen Mvula, Diocesan Green Anglicans Coordinator, who spoke passionately about the urgent call to environmental stewardship. Grounding her message in Scripture, she reminded delegates of Genesis 2:15, where God commands humanity to “till and keep” the earth. Revd Mvula connected this biblical call to the daily struggles many communities face — from water shortages and illegal dumping to rising food costs and power outages. “Creation is suffering,” she said, quoting Romans 8:22: “The whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” She challenged the Mothers’ Union to take practical action by: reducing household waste, turning parishes into green witnesses, raising their voices for justice and rejecting throwaway culture. Her message concluded with a powerful declaration: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord, by caring for His creation” (Joshua 24:15). The conference also received a boost from Eastern Cape MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe, who donated vegetable seedlings and garden tools to each Archdeaconry. This contribution, aligned with the conference theme, strengthens the Mothers’ Union’s commitment to food security as a practical way of changing lives.

The Parish of St. Alban’s in the Diocese of George has taken an exciting step towards caring for creation by receiving four wheelie bins from Henque Waste to support their recycling efforts.Inspired by a recent Green Anglicans workshop, parish eco-champion Vivienne Langeveldt reached out to Henque Waste, requesting additional bins and shared the vision of the Green Anglicans movement.As a result, there is now a strong possibility that Henque Waste may extend its support to provide recycling bins to parishes across the diocese. This initiative will not only help reduce litter and illegal dumping but also empower church communities to live out their commitment to environmental stewardship in practical and visible ways.

Mary Sumner Day, celebrated annually around 9 August, honours Mary Sumner, the founder of the Mothers’ Union (MU), who began a movement in 1876 to support mothers in raising their children in the Christian faith. On Thursday, 7 August, MU members from St Mary’s, St Edward’s, St Anthony’s, and St Christopher’s gathered at Lehlohonolo Day Care Centre in Tumahole, Parys, Free State, for their annual celebration. Mrs Maria Mohale, the diocesan MU Eco-Champion, spoke about the importance of establishing and maintaining vegetable gardens to promote food security, while Mrs Manibijara Pule encouraged participants to care for the environment. The group also shared creative ideas for reusing plastic waste to make useful handicrafts that could be sold to support households. Still in the Diocese of Free State, MU members from Resurrection Church in the Kroonstad Archdeaconry have started a church-based vegetable garden. This initiative aims to provide fresh produce for both the parish and the wider community, while teaching practical gardening skills. In the Diocese of Natal, the MU at St Phillips, Stanger, marked the occasion by showcasing their homegrown vegetables. The celebration doubled as a fundraiser, reflecting their commitment to self-sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment. The sale of fresh produce helped fund parish activities and inspired the community to grow their own food. On 9 August, in the Diocese of Johannesburg, MU members celebrated at St Francis of Assisi, Moroka, Soweto. Following the service, they planted a tree, which was blessed by the diocesan MU Chaplain, showing a living symbol of growth, faith, and care for creation. In attendance was also the ACSA Provincial MU President.

On Saturday, 2 August, the Diocese of the Free State Green Anglicans and Eco-Champions gathered at the St Andrew and St Michael Cathedral in Bloemfontein, Free State, for the official launch of the diocesan Anglican Women’s Fellowship (AWF) Environmental Desk. The event brought together members of AWF from across the diocese with a united call to care for God’s creation. The programme focused on practical and faith-driven ways to protect the environment. Key agenda items included integrating environmental stewardship into the life of the Church, exploring sustainable energy solutions, initiating community-based environmental projects, and promoting tree growing. A special emphasis was placed on vegetable gardening as a sustainable way to ensure food security while safeguarding creation. The gathering reaffirmed the commitment of the Diocese to the Green Anglicans’ vision: “We Safeguard Creation.” By : Mr Mogorosi Molisapoli ( Diocesan Green Anglican Coordinator)

On the 27th of July 2025, the Diocese of Khahlamba Environmental Coordinator, Ms Zikhona Mzalisi, was invited by the Mothers’ Union of St Peter’s Parish in Ezibeleni to lead an awareness session on environmental management. The session formed part of the broader Plastic Free July campaign, with a special focus on addressing the urgent issue of single-use plastic pollution. The session aimed to deepen understanding of plastic pollution, unpacking what it is, how plastic is produced and consumed (its life cycle), and the far-reaching consequences it has on both the environment and human wellbeing. Ms Mzalisi also emphasised the need for Mother’s Union members and the broader Anglican community in the diocese of Khahlamba to actively support the Green Anglicans Movement, highlighting its mission to equip and inspire faith communities to respond to taking care of our common home, Mother Earth. Compiled by : Zikhona Mzalisi, (Diocesan Environmental Coordinator)

On Saturday, 26 July 2025, the Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF) from the Diocese of Saldanha Bay came together for a meaningful and inspiring beach cleanup at Bloubergstrand Beach. The initiative was not only about cleaning up litter, but also a powerful moment of learning and reflection for the young people involved. The cleanup experience was both fascinating and enlightening. As the group combed the shoreline, they were struck by how seemingly small pieces of litter, bottle caps, cigarette butts, and plastic wrappers could contribute so significantly to environmental degradation. These small items not only make our spaces look untidy but also pose serious threats to marine life. This beach cleanup was a timely reminder that caring for our environment is not just about big actions, but calls for us to start with small, consistent efforts. By safeguarding our oceans and coastlines, we are also protecting the fragile ecosystems that sustain life on Earth. The AYF extends heartfelt appreciation to the Green Anglicans movement for their generous donation and support. Compiled by: Malesedi Lebenya