Bino Teboho Makhalanyane

On 19 March, the Diocese of Mbashe hosted an important information-sharing session under the theme “Anglican Women on Sustainable Development,” bringing together women and key stakeholders to explore opportunities for empowerment, environmental stewardship, and sustainable livelihoods. The session was attended by representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Nedbank, BKB, Chris Hani District Municipality and Dr A.B. Xuma Local Municipality. The gathering created a valuable platform for members of the Mothers Union to receive practical information, build partnerships, and engage with programmes that support sustainable development. The Department of Agriculture shared opportunities available through Ilima/Letsema and other support programmes, including livestock improvement, branding certificates, and infrastructure development. Mothers were encouraged to apply for assistance and benefit from government support initiatives. The department also raised awareness of the Foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and shared guidance on protecting livestock health. Representatives from Nedbank introduced work in the green economy, focusing on food gardening initiatives for women and schools, and highlighted how sustainable agriculture can strengthen household food security and community resilience. BKB presented on responsible livestock care, especially relating to sheep farming, wool quality, meat production, mating seasons, and lamb care. Participants also heard about ongoing plans for wool sorting training, which may create additional skills and economic opportunities. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment focused on forest development and fire protection, emphasising the importance of preventing veld fires between April and September, establishing fire breaks, improving fire safety awareness, and accessing funding support through Fire Protection Associations. These sessions demonstrated how faith communities can play a meaningful role in promoting sustainable development by connecting women with knowledge, resources, and partnerships that strengthen both livelihoods and care for creation. Through initiatives such as these, the Mothers Union continue to show leadership in building resilient communities and advancing environmental stewardship.

On Wednesday, 15 April, members of the Anglican Women’s Fellowship and the Mothers’ Union from the Diocese of Christ the King carried out the second phase of their “Serve the Earth, Serve the Lord” cleanup campaign in Finetown, Johannesburg. Working alongside local community members, the team focused on clearing an illegal dumping site situated near residential homes, helping to restore dignity to the area and reduce environmental and health risks. Their collective efforts led to the removal of significant waste, with PikitUP later collecting a total of 80 rubbish bags from the site. The campaign reflected a shared commitment to caring for creation through practical action, demonstrating how faith communities can respond to environmental challenges while serving their communities. It was also a witness to the power of partnership between the church and residents in building cleaner, healthier neighbourhoods. The event concluded with prayer and worship, grounding the day’s work in faith and thanksgiving, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by President Veronica and Revd Agnes Makume, who affirmed the importance of continuing this ministry of environmental stewardship.

On Saturday, 28 March 2026, the Archdeaconry of the Vaal in the Diocese of Christ the King gathered for a meaningful Green Anglicans workshop to equip Parish Coordinators for effective environmental ministry. The workshop created a dynamic space for learning, collaboration, and the sharing of practical ideas to strengthen climate action at the parish level.The meeting was both fruitful and inspiring, as participants engaged deeply with the realities of environmental justice in their communities while exploring faith-based responses. Partnerships began to take shape as representatives from key organisations contributed valuable insights. A representative from the Vaal Environmental Justice Alliance (VEJA) highlighted ongoing efforts to address environmental injustices in the Vaal, particularly those linked to large industrial activities such as ArcelorMittal. Their input shed light on the lived experiences of communities affected by pollution and the importance of advocacy.In addition, a representative from WaterCAN spoke on the pressing water challenges facing the Vaal region and the broader Gauteng province. The discussion emphasised the urgency of water stewardship and collective responsibility in safeguarding this vital resource.The workshop was further enriched by the presence of Ven. Mpho, who presented on the vision and mission of the Green Anglicans movement. Participants were guided through practical steps to develop parish-based action plans, ensuring that environmental care becomes an integral part of church life. By : Ven Mpho Mohale 

Having attended the 2025 Climate YES Bootcamp in Johannesburg, Gontse Ramagaga, a member of the St Bernard Mizeki Men’s Guild at St Lawrence Anglican Church Small Farm in the Diocese of Christ the King, launched a recycling project on 8 February 2026. After sharing his vision and raising awareness about environmental wellbeing at his home parish, he received a donation of recycling bags from a parish member. Since then, the initiative has gained strong support from fellow church members. Funds generated from recyclable materials are being used to provide food for Sunday school children. This responds to a real need, as some children arrive at church without anything to eat. Through this initiative, the parish is addressing hunger in the community, ensuring that every child leaves church nourished and that both their physical and spiritual needs are cared for. When asked to reflect on his journey, Gontse shared:“It’s been an honour and a privilege to be part of this great movement of eco-champs and to take part in making a difference in this world. For us to see change, it needs to start with ourselves. God has given us a lovely, beautiful home we call Earth, and no one wants to live in an untidy home. Earth is our house; Earth is our home.”

From 20–22 March 2026, the South African Council of Churches hosted its Young People’s Faith & Development Seminar on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) in Boksburg. The gathering brought together young leaders from across the country under the powerful theme: “Young People as agents towards a healed, transformed and violence-free society.” The seminar created a sacred and courageous space for young people to reflect, connect, and grow. Through honest conversations and deep storytelling, participants engaged the harsh realities of GBVF in South Africa, recognising it not only as a social crisis but as a justice issue that intersects with inequality, poverty, and environmental vulnerability. For many, this was a moment to name pain, but also to reclaim hope and agency. GBVF affects vulnerable communities, often worsened by environmental stressors such as displacement, resource scarcity, and economic instability. It is therefore important for us to always remind our eco-champions that climate justice, gender justice, and social justice are interconnected, and that we should work together for a better future for all. A key highlight of the seminar was an address by Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, who encouraged young people to continue playing an active role in shaping a society rooted in dignity, safety, and justice. Her presence affirmed the importance of youth voices in national conversations and decision-making spaces. The three-day gathering concluded with a moving Service of Remembrance marking the Sharpeville Massacre. This moment of reflection honoured those who lost their lives on 21 March 1960 and reminded participants of the ongoing struggle for Human Rights and justice in South Africa today. It also grounded the seminar within the broader history of resistance, resilience, and the call to build a more just and peaceful society. In attendance were delegates from the Anglican Church of Southern Africa and the Anglican Youth of Southern Africa (AYSA), including Ofentse Kwapeng, Tumiŝo Mohlahlane, Lencoe Selebano, Mandisa Darkie Gumada, Rev’d Canon Seipati Ngcobo, Teboho Bino Makhalanyane from Green Anglicans, and Lulama Ntuta, who serves as the SACC 1st Vice President.

On Saturday, 21 March 2026, as South Africa commemorated Human Rights Day, the Grahamstown Diocesan St Mary Magdalene held a special Rededication Service at St Bartholomew Parish in Alice. The service, conducted by Bishop Mcebisi Pinyana, brought together members of the church for a powerful moment of spiritual renewal. A unique and meaningful highlight of the day was the gifting of spekboom cuttings to every attendee. These were distributed by the Diocesan Mothers’ Union Eco-Champion, Mrs Hombisa April. More than just a simple gift, the spekboom carried rich spiritual symbolism and practical significance. Known for its resilience, the spekboom plant serves as a powerful reminder of the strength needed in one’s spiritual life. It symbolises renewal, growth, hope, and restoration, values that closely align with the spirit of rededication. Just as the plant takes root and flourishes with care, so too are individuals called to nurture their faith. Attendees were encouraged to see the growth of their spekboom cuttings as a reflection of their spiritual journey. If the plant thrives, it is a sign of a growing, nourished faith; if it struggles, it is a call to reflect and reconnect more deeply with God. The message was clear: faith, like the spekboom, requires nurturing through prayer, love, and a strong foundation rooted in Jesus Christ. Through this simple yet profound act, the service left a lasting impression on all who attended. The Rededication Service was not only a moment of spiritual renewal but also a reminder of the connection between faith and caring for creation. By : Hombisa April ( Diocesan Mothers Union Eco-Champ)