[Mossel Bay, 15 August 2023] To highlight environmental issues associated with single-use plastics and to encourage youths to reduce their plastic usage, the Port of Mossel Bay hosted forty (40) students from South Cape TVET College under the 2023 Plastic Free July theme “BeatPlasticPollution” on 28 July 2023.
As an educational institution that strives to reduce and eliminate the use of single-use plastics on its campuses, South Cape TVET College’s participation in this campaign came as a proactive step to promote sustainability, reduce plastic pollution, and encourage responsible waste management on campus and at home.
Plastic-free ports are a vital part of the global effort to tackle plastic pollution, protect marine environments, and foster sustainable practices of eliminating the use and presence of single-use plastics and other plastic waste within operations and port limits. Such campaigns are also aligned with TNPA’s strategy of upholding environmental sustainability and becoming a Green Port enabler.
As part of the campaign, the students had to demonstrate their understanding of the theme by creating a mural or a model without the use of any plastic products. Stakeholders such as the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), Mossel Bay Municipality, and Iconic Mossel Bay not only contributed to the success of the campaign but also took part in adjudicating the student’s innovative plastic-free demonstrations.
South Cape TVET College Principal, Mr. Abdullah Whaleed concluded the campaign by stating “I am confident that the objective of the campaign has been met and has left a long-lasting impression on my students. They have been empowered to reduce plastic usage by keeping the environment plastic-free, green, and sustainable. We are honored to have formed part of this educational campaign.”
The Port of Mossel Bay is always delighted to form part of campaigns that strengthen its special relationship with its stakeholders, academic institutions, and communities in which it operates.
About Transnet National Ports Authority
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is one of six operating divisions of Transnet SOC Ltd. The National Ports Authority is responsible for the safe, effective, and efficient economic functioning of the national port system, which it manages in a landlord capacity. It provides port infrastructure and marine services at the eight commercial seaports in South Africa – Richards Bay, Durban, Saldanha, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Mossel Bay, and Ngqura. It operates within a legislative and regulatory environment and is governed by the National Ports Act (Act No. 12 of 2005).
For more information visit www.transnetnationalportsauthority.net
