Bino Teboho Makhalanyane

The beginning of May marked International Compost Week, a fitting backdrop for an inspiring conversation between Eco-Champions Ikaelelo Madikgetla and Odireleng Sepato during their visit to the Anglican Students’ Federation (ASF) Free State Conference. Their engagement with students sparked meaningful dialogue about environmental responsibility, faith, and practical action. Odireleng Sepato, a passionate advocate for composting, led an informative session on the how and why of compost making. He explained the importance of correctly layering compost materials and shared tips on how to tell when compost is ready to use. “Composts are very important in our environment because they reduce waste, improve soil health, and support plant growth,” he emphasised. He encouraged attendees to explore composting as a means of supporting organic gardening and sustainable food production. Ikaelelo Madikgetla then shifted the conversation to the Five Marks of Mission of the Anglican Church, linking them directly to environmental justice. She challenged the group to embrace their role as young Anglicans and to rise as a prophetic voice in a time of ecological crisis. “We are the first generation to feel the effects of global warming, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we are the last to do so,” she declared passionately. When delegates broke into small groups, a recurring concern emerged: “When will the Federation take a stand?” Many felt that while environmental education is important, it must ultimately be translated into action. As one attendee noted, “Green Anglicans is doing its best to ensure that we are educated, but it remains up to us to take care of the world God has entrusted to us.” Another voice added, “God gave us authority over creation—not to exploit it, but to care for it. Have we not failed to obey God?” This powerful question opened up a deeper and somewhat unexpected conversation around eco-theology. Participants agreed on the need for more sessions focused on understanding scripture through an environmental lens. In a collective activity, the house was asked to create a theme around the Five Marks of Mission, and one theme resonated deeply: “Greening Our Faith.” Drawing on the familiar saying “cleanliness is next to holiness,” participants explored how spiritual values naturally connect to environmental ethics. The group agreed on a practical way forward: embracing sustainable living—reducing waste, using eco-friendly products, and becoming conscious stewards of God’s creation. This gathering was more than a conference; it was a call to action, rooted in faith, driven by knowledge, and led by passionate young eco-disciples. by : Ikaelelo Madikgetla        

The parish of St Margaret’s (Margate) celebrated Environmental Stewardship Sunday organised by Eco Champ mam’ Elizabeth Luthuli in collaboration with Mzimkhulu Archdeaconry Mother’s Union #EcoChamps and parishioners. This is a continuation of the workshop they attended in March 2025, where the diocesan Mothers’ Union met to activate the program. The speaker Ms Mandisa Gumada (Diocesan Youth Coordinator and Green Anglican’s rep) spoke about the Catechism which highlight the human nature (APB, pg 423) and Christian Stewardship (APB, pg 435) and edged congregants who came dressed in shades of green to live our all 5 marks of the mission inclusive of the one to safeguard the integrity of creation; to be involved in advocacy when an injustice is experienced and to further take time to reflect, realise and act for change on what are the traits that each person does which contributes towards climate change. Revd. Mzo Sibiya who is the Priest in Charge shared his view and motivation of how we should try by all means not to continue with our nature of “throw away” where we see things been thrown away all the time, papers, plastic, food etc. After the service a “fish tail” palm tree was planted amongst other trees surrounding the church. This was indeed symbolic as Palms are what Anglicans use annually as they remember Jesus’ walk at Jerusalem and also being a coastal parish overlooking the sea. At tea fellowship, congregants were treated to a poem by young people of the church admiring mother nature. “Join in, MU is changing lives…” -by Mandisa Darkie Gumada        

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