College partners with TNPA to reduce plastic use

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - To highlight environmental issues associated with single-use plastics and to encourage young people to reduce their use of plastic, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) in Mossel Bay engaged with 40 students from the South Cape TVET College campus in Mossel Bay in an awareness programme, according to the 2023 Plastic Free July theme, “BeatPlasticPollution”, on 28 July.

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, according to a media statement from TNPA.

TNPA noted that 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, TNPA stated

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) and the Mossel Bay Municipality not only contributed to the success of the campaign but also took part in adjudicating the student’s innovative plastic-free demonstrations, TNPA said.

South Cape TVET College principal Abdullah Whaleed concluded the campaign by stating: “I am confident 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.

South Cape TVET College students who took part in the initiative.