The Diocese of Kimberley and Kuruman Environmental Ministry hosted its annual Eco Champions Consultation Weekend from 26–28 June 2026 at the Parish of the Resurrection in Mmabatho. Held under the inspiring theme, “Plant the Change You Want to See,” the consultation brought together Environmental Ministry representatives from parishes and guilds across the diocese for a weekend of worship, learning, fellowship, leadership development, and practical environmental action.
Coordinated by the Revd. Tshenolo Hove, with support from Ordinand Kaone Gaetsewe and Media Officer Remotshepile Ngwenya, the gathering reflected the Diocese’s growing commitment to environmental stewardship as an expression of Christian faith.
The consultation opened on Friday evening with a service of Evening Prayer, grounding the weekend in worship and reminding participants that caring for creation is an integral part of God’s mission. The evening continued with a lively Environmental Beauty Pageant, where participants celebrated sustainability by showcasing Traditional Wear, Semi-Formal Wear, and Creative Recycled Wear. The event highlighted the importance of reusing and repurposing materials while demonstrating that environmental awareness can be expressed creatively.
The evening concluded with the crowning of the Environmental Ministry ambassadors. Miss Environmental Ministry 2026 was awarded to Letlotlo Gaetsewe from St Michael’s and All Angels, while Onolo Itumeleng from St Paul, Mothibistad, was crowned Mr Environmental Ministry 2026. The first day ended with prayer and thanksgiving.
Saturday focused on faith, education, and creativity. Delegates participated in a scripture-based team-building activity that reinforced the biblical call to care for creation while strengthening relationships among participants. A conservation session presented by Pangolin Africa introduced delegates to the importance of protecting pangolins, one of Africa’s most endangered mammals, highlighting the urgent need to preserve biodiversity and protect vulnerable species.
In a symbolic act of hope and renewal, delegates enjoyed fresh naartjies before planting the seeds, reminding everyone that even the smallest actions can grow into lasting environmental change. Participants also took part in a community vision drawing exercise, creatively expressing their dreams for cleaner neighbourhoods, environmental justice, empowered young people, and united communities working together to care for creation.
The day concluded with an awards ceremony celebrating the creativity, leadership, and dedication shown throughout the consultation, followed by Evening Prayer and fellowship over supper.
Sunday’s programme centred on worship and putting faith into action. During the Holy Eucharist, the sermon reflected on the consultation theme, “Plant the Change You Want to See,” encouraging the congregation to take intentional steps towards protecting God’s creation and becoming faithful stewards of the environment.
Following the service, Eco Champions shared their message with the wider congregation by distributing naartjie seeds as a symbol of hope, growth, and environmental responsibility. Delegates also sold Green Anglicans pins and bookmarks to promote environmental awareness and encourage others to become part of the growing Green Anglicans movement.
Over lunch, participants reflected on the successes of the weekend and discussed upcoming environmental initiatives within the Diocese. These conversations reaffirmed the commitment of the Eco Champions to continue strengthening environmental ministry within their local parishes and communities.
The next Eco Champions Consultation is scheduled to take place from 12–14 February 2027 at the Molopo Archdeaconry, where participants will once again gather to share experiences, deepen their faith, and strengthen their environmental mission.
The Eco Champions Consultation Weekend was a powerful reminder that faith and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Through worship, learning, creativity, and practical action, delegates left inspired to become ambassadors for creation care within their churches and communities. As they return home carrying both seeds and renewed purpose, they continue to embody the consultation’s message: to plant the change they wish to see, nurturing hope for both people and the planet.
Special thanks to Ven Raymond Holele, Revd Mpho Chaane and the wardens for welcoming the Eco-Champions to Mahikeng and the Church of the Resurrection
Article by Eco Champions : Malebogo Loeto (St John’s, Bothithong) & Palesa Leeto (St Timothy’s, Seoding)
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