In a powerful celebration of Youth Day, the Mosselbank River Conservation Team (MRCT) hosted a wetland planting event along the Mosselbank River.

The event brought together more than 100 young people from Fisantekraal to actively contribute to environmental restoration and conservation efforts in their community.

It was supported by the City of Cape Town’s water and sanitation department, the Fisantekraal Grow With Us children’s gardening group, and Fisantekraal’s Youngstars United Soccer Club, demonstrating the strength of local youth partnerships in creating positive environmental change, said Danielle Cronje, director and co-founder of MRCT.

Indigenous wetland plants

During the planting day, participants rehabilitated a 130 m section of the Mosselbank River wetland by planting a total of 740 indigenous wetland plants. Species planted included Bolboschoenus maritimus, Cyperus textilis, Zantedeschia aethiopica, Watsonia meriana and Monopsis lutea. These plants were carefully selected to enhance biodiversity, stabilise riverbanks and assist in erosion control along the river corridor.

Vital role

The event highlighted the vital role that young people play in protecting and restoring the natural environment.

“By involving youth in hands-on conservation activities, MRCT is helping to cultivate environmental awareness, stewardship, and a sense of responsibility for local natural resources. Youth participation in environmental projects not only contributes to immediate conservation outcomes but also helps develop future leaders who understand the importance of sustainable environmental management,” Cronje said.

Barbara Clarke of Mercy AIDS added: “Planting to help river rehabilitation along with the MRCT team was fun for us, and we learned new things about river plants.”

Sincere appreciation

The MRCT extended its sincere appreciation to all participants, volunteers, and partner organisations who contributed to the success of the Youth Day planting event. “Through continued collaboration and community involvement, MRCT remains committed to restoring the Mosselbank River and creating a healthier, more resilient environment for future generations,” Cronje concluded.

She invited people to join the MRCT for their upcoming events: Mandela Day on 18 July and World Cleanup Day on 19 September.

• Anyone who wants to partner or volunteer must contact MRCT management at mosselbankconservationteam@gmail.com.

ALSO READ: MRCT celebrates World Wetlands Day with community clean-up of river