The Mosselbank River Conservation Team (MRCT) in Fisantekraal and Greenville won gold as the best resident-performance team or project at the 10th Service Excellence Awards of the Western Cape this past Saturday night at GrandWest.
The MRCT had collected more than 12 000 kg of waste and has presented a total of 61 educational clean-up events since 2019.
The organisation was one of five shortlisted in this category, which recognises a team of residents working on a project in the community, providing a service aimed at improving the lives of residents.
The MRCT had its origins when in 2016, when Elizabeth Maans, one of the first residents to receive the keys to her new house in the Greenville Breaking New Ground housing development, saw shortly afterwards the severe impact pollution had on the nearby river. The following year the MRCT was founded with just five volunteers.
Taking action
How it transpired was that, determined to take action, she gathered a few residents to carry out clean-ups. Their grassroots efforts soon caught the attention of the developer Garden Cities, who had a mandate to rehabilitate the wetlands. The developer approached Maans to help mobilise the community, together with co-founder Danielle Cronje, leading to the formation of the Mosselbank River Conservation Team (MRCT).
Their focus was to address environmental issues directly linked to the wetlands, including water quality, littering and invasive plant species.
By 2021 the group had grown to 14 members and was registered officially as a non-profit organisation. Today the group has 26 registered members who help plan and coordinate the environmental event and community clean-ups in Greenville and Fisantekraal.
Education
The MRCT’s mission centres on education, conservation, participation and connection, said Cronje.
“Our vision is to ensure the well-being of both the local community and the environment through sustained education and conservation efforts, to restore the eastern tributary of the Mossel Bank River and wetlands to benefit the Greenville and Fisantekraal communities as well as maintain a clean and healthy river system.”
Furthermore, its aim is to strengthen environmental education through partnerships with schools, churches, conservation organisations and the media, and has hosted 61 environmental events up to now.
Monitoring
“The MRCT plays an active role in monitoring and maintaining the river,” said Cronje. “Our work further includes the reporting of pollution and fire incidents, the monitoring of river health using MiniSASS and field water-testing kits, litter clean-ups, the clearing of alien and invasive vegetation, vegetation surveys and revegetation and erosion control.
“From a small team of volunteers to a registered non-profit organisation, the Mosselbank River Conservation Team has grown into a vital force for environmental protection in the area, demonstrating the power of community action in tackling ecological challenges.
“It was many, many late hours, behind the scenes planning, coordinating and teamwork that make us resilient. Thank you to my team members, to the Fisantekraal community, our partners and my family for supporting our dreams to create a thriving river while uplifting our community.”
Francois Berry, councillor for Ward 105, congratulated the MRCT on its achievement on its Facebook page. “Your tireless commitment to protecting the Mosselbank River and safeguarding its natural surroundings is truly inspiring. This recognition is a testament to the countless hours of hard work, passion and dedication you have invested in protecting this precious ecosystem. Thank you for setting such a high standard for environmental stewardship and for showing what can be achieved when a community comes together to care for our natural heritage. I will always support you. Thank you for all that you do in our ward.”
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