Bino Teboho Makhalanyane

On Saturday, 28 June 2025, the Green Anglicans Diocesan team from the Diocese of St Mark the Evangelist gathered to map out its strategic plan for 2025 and beyond. The planning session focused on strengthening environmental ministry efforts in the diocese, fostering collaboration, and addressing urgent environmental challenges. The session began with a reflection on personal commitment, as each team member shared their understanding of their role within the Green Anglicans ministry and what the mission means within the diocesan context. This grounding helped align the team with a shared vision and purpose. Key environmental issues facing the diocese were identified, with waste pollution and deforestation top concerns. A recurring theme was the lack of awareness among community members; many are unsure who to contact for clean-up initiatives or where to source trees for planting. In response, the diocesan team committed to three strategic focus areas for the coming year: Recruitment and Expansion: Actively involve representatives from all diocesan organizations in the Green Anglicans ministry to create a united and active environmental network. Community Clean-Up Campaigns: Organize and host regular clean-up events across the diocese, engaging youth, parishes, and the wider community. Tree Planting and Awareness Drives: Collaborate with provincial and local government structures to promote the planting of indigenous trees, especially important in a region facing extreme temperatures. This plan marks a renewed commitment to caring for creation and empowering local communities with knowledge and action. As climate challenges grow, the Diocese of St Mark the Evangelist is stepping up to be a green beacon of faith and environmental justice in Limpopo and beyond.

The Anglican Student Federation (ASF) hosted its annual Provincial Conference from 29 June to 4 July 2025 at the serene Ave Maria Retreat Centre near Mooketsi in Limpopo, South Africa. Over ninety vibrant young people, together with regional Chaplains, gathered from higher learning institutions across Southern Africa (South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, and Eswatini)  to connect, worship, learn, and strategize around the pressing issues of our time. Day 3 of the conference was dedicated to the theme of Climate Justice. The morning began with a refreshing outdoor devotion led by Revd Lundi Joko from the Western Cape. Grounded in Acts 16:16- 34, the Bible study challenged students to reflect on “Environmental Chains,” integrate Care for Creation into their worship, explore ways of “Shaking the System,” and affirm the message of “Salvation for All.” The Bible study sparked meaningful conversations, with students offering innovative solutions and bold commitments to protecting the Earth. Many shared inspiring ideas on how to make their campuses greener and more sustainable. Following the devotion, the group remained outdoors, surrounded by Limpopo’s natural beauty, for an interactive session on Youth and Climate Change facilitated by Bino Makhalanyane. He highlighted the devastating impact the climate crisis has on the future of young people, disrupting education, triggering mental health challenges due to natural disasters, and increasing economic pressure through rising temperatures and failed harvests. “Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it’s here, and it’s robbing young people of their full potential,” Bino said. He urged ASF members to use their collective creativity and energy to become changemakers as they’re the ones they have been waiting for. In the spirit of turning ideas into expression, the students were then divided into eight groups and given a unique artistic challenge: interpret their understanding of climate change through creative art. The session ended with the assembly of a collaborative Africa-shaped puzzle carrying the message: “Salvation for All – From Cape to Cairo.” A major milestone from the conference was the passing of a resolution on single-use plastic. ASF committed to: True to their word, the 2025 conference was a Styrofoam-free event, thanks to the leadership and vision of the ASF Executive Committee. This year’s ASF Provincial Conference was a testament to what happens when faith, purpose, and youth energy unite. By rooting climate action in spirituality and community, ASF is setting an example for student movements across the continent.        

On Saturday, 14 June, the youth of the Diocese of Christ the King gathered at Masibambane College in Orange Farm, South of Johannesburg,  for their annual Sports Day, which is one of the lively celebrations of unity, faith, and fun for young people in the diocese. The atmosphere was electric as archdeaconries went head-to-head in spirited soccer and netball matches, showcasing not only athletic talent but also the strength of fellowship across the Diocese. Beyond the competitive games and joyful cheers, the day was marked by a deeper sense of purpose. Youth from across the Diocese joined hands with Green Anglican Youth coordinators in caring for God’s creation. With great energy and enthusiasm, they rolled up their sleeves and helped clean the grounds, picking up litter, recycling where possible, and raising awareness among their peers. This active involvement in environmental stewardship reflects the commitment of the youth to live out their faith in practical ways. Their actions demonstrated that loving God and loving the Earth go hand in hand. “The care and concern the young people showed for the environment is a powerful sign that our church is raising a new generation of eco-champions,” said one of the Green Anglican leaders present on the day. By combining sport, spirituality, and environmental action, the youth in the diocese are taking bold steps toward making the Earth a cleaner, healthier,  place for all. By : Eco-champ Manana Rooi      

On the 7th of June, the Mothers Union in the Johannesburg Diocese celebrated Environmental Day with a special focus on empowering mothers through sustainable farming practices. We introduced the concept of “Farming God’s Way” to the mothers, encouraging them to care for God’s creation as stewards of the earth. The day was inspired by the Scripture from Genesis 1:27-29, reminding us that God created us in His image and entrusted us with the responsibility to care for the earth and its resources. As mothers, we are called to continue God’s work of creation by protecting and nurturing nature, because when we take care of nature, it takes care of us. Gardening was highlighted as a powerful tool to sustain lives by producing fresh, chemical-free food. By starting home or parish gardens, mothers can feed their families and even support their communities, especially those running soup kitchens. The Mothers’ Union purchased seedlings and dry seeds, which were distributed to the mothers. They were encouraged to begin their gardens either at home or within their parish grounds. We are proud to share that in our region, St. Monica’s and Elizabeth Paul parishes already have active gardens. These communities have been enjoying the benefits of fresh vegetables grown with love and care. Let us continue to sow seeds of faith, hope, and sustainability as we grow together in service to God’s creation. By: Mama Lorraine Mafolo      

Saturday, 17 May 2025, marked a powerful moment for youth in the Diocese of Christ the King as the Diocesan Youth Council (DYC) gathered at St. Luke Anglican Church in Evaton, Gauteng. This gathering wasn’t just about routine planning; it was about answering a growing call: caring for God’s creation in the face of the climate crisis. Young people from across the diocese came together, deeply aware that climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is already making their lives harder through extreme weather, rising food prices, and damage to the places they call home. In response, the DYC spent time reflecting on how youth can take the lead in climate action and environmental ministry. A key decision from the meeting was the need to empower and equip young people at the local level. The Council resolved that each parish in the diocese should identify and appoint a young eco-champion — a youth representative trained to run the environmental ministry in their own church and community. “Change begins where people live,” one member shared, “so this ministry must start at the parish level.” To ensure that faith-based youth voices are heard in the spaces where the future is being shaped, the DYC committed to encouraging youth participation in workshops, consultations, and decision-making forums, such as the Presidential Climate Commission, LCOY, Y20, and many similar. To lead these efforts, the DYC appointed Thabiso Tsubella and Manana Rooi as the Diocesan Youth Green Anglicans Coordinators. They will, together with the Provincial Green Anglicans team, will coordinate training for parish eco-champions and help connect young people to wider networks of faith-based climate action. This is more than a plan; it’s a movement in the making. The Diocese of Christ the King’s youth are not waiting for change. They are becoming the change: rooted in faith, led by purpose, and committed to the care of creation.

Thursday is a special day for many mothers across Southern Africa. It is a day setaside for prayer, fellowship, and spiritual reflection. On Thursday, 5 June, theMothers’ Union used this sacred time to also celebrate World Environment Day,focusing on the theme #BeatPlasticPollution.In the Diocese of Lesotho, mothers led a “teach and clean-up” campaign in schoolssuch as Ascension Qhalasi, Qacha’s Nek, Holy Cross Maputsoe, Holy Trinity, and StMatthew. They spoke to learners about caring for the environment, cleaned schoolyards, and planted a palm tree. In Maputsoe, they also held a clean-up campaign inthe community.In Port Elizabeth, South Africa, mothers gathered at St Andrew’s and St Anne’sChurch. The day began with a prayer and a message from Psalm 143, followed by agroup discussion on the 2025 focus of #BeatPlasticPollution.In the Free State, the event took place at St Mary’s Church in Parys. After learningabout the theme, the mothers learned how to grow their own vegetables and helpedharvest fresh produce from the garden of the diocesan eco-champion.In Natal, the Mothers’ Union Eco group was invited to St Paul’s Parish in Durban.There, they gave a presentation on recycling and the dangers of plastic pollution.Meanwhile, in Mthatha, mothers joined young people at St Matthew’s Church. Theyused the Green Anglicans 2025 World Environment Day materials to lead a Biblestudy on caring for creation. The Diocese of Kimberly and Kuruman was not left behind as mothers gathered at Mafikeng Archdeaconry, where they used art to create awareness posters, which they will make use of in their local parishes as environmental awareness posters. Through prayer, learning, and action, the Mothers’ Union showed how faith and carefor the environment go hand in hand.