Bino Teboho Makhalanyane

The Mothers’ Union of St. Michael’s Anglican Church in Hoopstad is putting faith into action through a creative recycling initiative that helps reduce waste while supporting the local community. Through these members of the Mothers’ Union, together with congregation members, collect used soap bars that would otherwise be thrown away. Using soap preservation and recycling techniques, the collected soap is processed into new bars. The newly made soap is then sold at an affordable price, making the project both environmentally friendly and beneficial to the wider community. The Mothers’ Union of St. Michael’s is showing that when communities work together, waste can become a resource, small ideas can create impact, and caring for creation can become part of everyday ministry.

On Saturday, the 8th of August 2026, Mothers’ Union(MU) in the Archdeaconry of Sasolburg, was gathered at St. Peter Parish in Zamdela. The purpose was to commemorate Mary Sumner Day in collaboration with MU members who were doing the same in other Archdeaconries across the Diocese The event was graced by the presence of Revd Sefatsa, who celebrated Eucharist and led the spiritual aspects of the event. It is with utmost humility and gratitude that we reflect on his servanthood throughout the event. The event was a beautiful combination of faith, community and environmental stewardship. The third aspect of the 5th Mark of Mission (renew the life of the earth) was at play throughout the day. Mothers showcased their talent with beautiful crafts made from recyclable materials, including innovative floor mats crafted from recycled plastic bags. The GBFS Archdeaconry Chairperson, who also serves as the Anglican Youth Ministries (AYM) Archdeaconry Eco-champion, namely Eco-champ Sister Retshepile Kutoane, gave an inspiring talk. She expanded her knowledge of the Jade plant (also known as the money plant) by sharing practical steps for planting and nurturing it. Eco-champ Retshepile further expanded on the plant’s environmental benefits. To spread the green initiative even further, the MU Archdeaconry Deputy Presiding, Ecochamp Mme Manibijara Pule, distributed air-purifying devices. She gifted mothers with a variety of succulents, including Spekboom and Jade plants. Eco-champ Mme Manibijara educated mothers on the importance of sharing succulents as they’re easy to replant and require minimal water.   Lastly, the MU Archdeaconry Recording Treasurer, Mme Mamokete Kutoane blessed our elderly mothers with lovely hats. Most of these were lovingly hand-knitted with fcare and generosity by dedicated MU members. Thank you to everyone who made this day a purposeful and blessed celebration! By: Eco-champ Mme Manibijara 

The FLEAT South Africa III workshop was held from 28 to 30 July 2026, in Cape Town, to strengthen participants’ understanding of Climate Justice and the Just Energy Transition (JET), with a focus on promoting equitable and sustainable responses to climate change. Tshegofatso Lekgetho, a member of the Green Anglicans team from the Diocese of Free State, participated in the workshop as part of ongoing capacity building in environmental sustainability and community development. The workshop explored the principles of climate justice, highlighting how climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable and marginalised communities. Discussions also focused on the concept of a Just Energy Transition, emphasising the need to move towards cleaner energy systems while ensuring that workers, communities, and vulnerable groups are not left behind. Key themes included community participation in climate action, renewable energy opportunities, policy and governance, social equity, and strategies for building climate-resilient communities. Participants also examined the links between environmental sustainability, economic development, and social justice. The knowledge and skills gained from the workshop will strengthen Tshegofatso’s contribution to environmental management, community engagement, and sustainability initiatives. The workshop outcomes are expected to support future work in climate change awareness, renewable energy advocacy, and the promotion of inclusive, community-led environmental solutions. Overall, the workshop provided valuable practical and theoretical insights into climate justice and the Just Energy Transition, reinforcing the importance of collaborative approaches to achieving sustainable and equitable development. By: Tshegofatso Grace Lekgetho Photo Credit: SAFCEI

From 3–7 August 2026, the Diocese of Mbhashe, in partnership with the Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development Institute (TARDI), equipped women from different Guilds and members of the clergy with practical food-processing skills during a training programme. The five-day capacity-building programme focused on turning locally available produce into nutritious, value-added food products. Participants received hands-on training in making a variety of products, including watermelon and strawberry jam, orange and pineapple jam, vegetable atchar, tomato chutney, frozen vegetables and stir-fry mixes. The training provided more than just practical cooking skills. It encouraged participants to see food processing as an opportunity to reduce food waste, improve household food security and potentially develop small income-generating activities within their communities. The programme continued to bear fruit during the Mary Sumner Celebrations on 9 August, as participants graduated from the training and TARDI joined the Diocese in celebrating their achievements.

On Saturday, 1 August 2026, members of the Anglican Student Federation (ASF), Girls and Boys Friendly Society (GBFS) and Green Anglicans staff participated in the Green Pop Stellenbosch Provincial Hospital Living Landscape Project. The project brought together  young people, community members , NGO’s and other environmental partners to restore and transform the hospital grounds into a healthier, more beautiful, vibrant and sustainable space for the hospital community. Over the two days volunteers rolled up their sleeves and took part in a range of practical landscaping task. Together they managed to : The participation of ASF and GBFS demonstrated the ongoing commitment from young Anglicans to practical environmental action. Such initiatives are examples of of how, young people are helping to create spaces that can support biodiversity, improve the well-being of all creation and contribute towards more climate-recielent communities. Photo Credit: Green Pop, And Anitha

On 27 June 2026, young people from Green Anglicans and Climate YES joined the South African Council of Churches (SACC) National Youth Prayer Walk and Youth-Led Service in commemoration of Youth Month. The event began with a prayer walk from the Hector Pieterson Museum to Grace Bible Church in Pimville, Soweto, honouring the courage and legacy of the youth of 1976 while inspiring today’s generation to lead with faith, courage and purpose. Through prayer, worship and inspiring messages, young people from across different communities came together in unity to reflect on faith, hope, healing and their responsibility to help shape a better future for South Africa. The participation of Green Anglicans and Climate YES youth highlighted the importance of young people’s active involvement in climate advocacy and environmental action. Their presence also demonstrated the value of collaboration between youth-led movements and faith-based organisations working to create positive change in communities. Beyond the prayer walk and service, the gathering provided a valuable space for fellowship, networking and meaningful conversations among young leaders. It was a reminder that today’s youth carry the responsibility of building on the legacy of those who stood for freedom and quality education in 1976, while responding to the challenges facing their generation, including the climate and environmental crisis. For Green Anglicans, the event was also an opportunity to affirm that young Christians have an important role to play in caring for God’s creation and in building resilient, just and sustainable communities. BY: Boipelo Mojapelo