By Ncamiso Dlamini
Etwatwa Waste Services, together with the EnviroServ Waste Management, made World Wetland Day a day to remember at Quantum Secondary School on Monday, February 3, 2025. From 8:00 to 13:00, the school was buzzing with activities to teach learners and the community about the importance of wetlands and how to live sustainably.
The event, called “Nurturing Nature, Sustaining Communities,” was all about action and learning. Students got their hands dirty by planting vegetables and flowers in the school’s new garden, showing their commitment to keeping their environment green and clean.
One of the big moments of the day was the opening of the school’s Recycling Centre. This new facility will help teach learners how to recycle and manage waste properly. There were also fun workshops where experts talked about things like pollution, saving water, and why wetlands are so important for the planet.
Mr. Vusi Matladi, Director of Etwatwa Waste Services, said, “World Wetland Day is not just a celebration; it’s a chance to teach our children how to care for the environment. If we start with them, we can build a better future for everyone.”
The event also had special guests, including Enhle Mdakane, a Miss Teen Grand 2025 finalist, who spoke about her love for the environment. Members of the Etwatwa Greening Team and school officials also shared their thoughts on why it’s important for everyone to work together to protect nature.
Learners enjoyed hands-on activities like planting, recycling, and exploring educational displays. The excitement was clear as they learned how small actions, like recycling or planting a tree, can make a big difference.
By the end of the day, it was clear that the World Wetland Day celebration had inspired everyone at Quantum Secondary School. The event not only taught valuable lessons but also showed that young people can lead the way in creating a cleaner, greener community.