In the early hours of October 26, 2024, the Dwars River Valley echoed with the sounds of laughter, teamwork, and dedication as volunteers from across the Ceres region gathered for a common purpose: to restore and preserve the beauty of our natural environment. The Dwars River Clean-up Project, organized by the Khoi San E Foundation in partnership with the Witzenberg Municipality, brought together students, teachers, community members, and local organizations in a collaborative effort to clean and protect the Dwars River and its surrounding areas.

This project was not just about collecting litter—it was about igniting awareness and inspiring environmental stewardship, a cause close to the heart of the Khoi San E Foundation.

A Historic Gathering in a Historic Place

Ceres, the largest town in the Witzenberg Municipality and a well-known agricultural hub of South Africa, holds rich significance in both its fertile lands and vibrant community. It’s a region where nature, culture, and history intersect, embodying the very spirit of the Khoisan legacy. The Dwars River, flowing through the valley and connecting communities from Kylemore to Pniel, has long been a source of life and connection.

Guided by the core principles of the Khoi San E Foundation, the Dwars River Cleanup Project emphasized the importance of respecting and preserving our environment. With each volunteer embodying the spirit of the Khoisan people—a culture renowned for its harmony with nature—the event marked another step towards a more sustainable future.

Community Collaboration and Efforts

The clean-up was a community-wide effort, supported by volunteers and contributors from every corner of Ceres and beyond. School principals, teachers, and students turned out in force, while members of the Green Fingers Association and representatives from the Witzenberg Municipality provided resources and support. The success of the Dwars River Cleanup was made possible by generous contributions from local donors, who provided fruit and refreshments to keep our volunteers energized. A heartfelt thank you goes to Patrick de Wet of De Wet Fruit & Cartage CC and Stewart de Wet of SP de Wet and Sons Fruits for their invaluable support. Their contributions demonstrate how local businesses can play a vital role in community-driven environmental initiatives.

Volunteers gathered at several meeting points along the river, equipped with gloves, bags, and other supplies, ready to tackle waste and restore the riverbanks.

By 11 a.m., dozens of bags filled with waste lined the gathering spots, a powerful symbol of what can be achieved when a community comes together. Volunteers shared stories, laughter, and a sense of pride in their accomplishments, knowing their efforts would make a tangible difference to their environment.

Celebrating Environmental Stewardship

The Dwars River Cleanup is part of the Khoi San E Foundation’s larger mission to empower individuals and foster eco-consciousness. The foundation believes that awareness and education are key to protecting our environment for generations to come. By hosting events like this, the Foundation aims to honour the Khoisan people’s legacy and promote sustainable practices within South African communities.

The event aligns with Khoi San E Foundation’s three interconnected pillars:

1. Preserving Nature’s Legacy: By educating participants about the impact of pollution on ecosystems and wildlife, we raise awareness of the interconnectedness of all life and inspire a deeper respect for the natural world.
2. Championing Eco-Consciousness: The cleanup provided hands-on experience in environmental conservation, empowering each volunteer to make mindful lifestyle choices and adopt sustainable habits.
3. Illuminating Minds in Marginalized Communities: By including schools and community leaders, the event emphasized the importance of education and engagement, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards in Ceres and the surrounding areas.

Looking Ahead: Building a Movement

As the bags of collected waste were loaded for disposal, volunteers took a moment to reflect on what they had accomplished and what more could be done. The Dwars River Clean-up Project served as a reminder that protecting our environment requires consistent effort and collaboration. But more than that, it showed that every individual, no matter their age or background, can make a meaningful impact.

The Khoi San E Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to every volunteer, contributor, and partner who helped make this event a success. Together, we are carrying forward the Khoisan tradition of environmental stewardship, honouring nature as a precious resource to be cherished, preserved, and passed down.

Get Involved with the Khoi San E Foundation

At the Khoi San E Foundation, we believe in collective strength—the idea that real change is possible when we work together. If you share our passion for environmental harmony and historical preservation, we invite you to join us. Whether through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading awareness, your support helps us achieve our vision of a world that respects and protects the environment for future generations.

To learn more about the Khoi San E Foundation’s projects and how you can contribute, please visit our website or contact us directly. Stand with us in honouring the Khoisan legacy and preserving our planet.

Together, we can make a difference.