Hiker sets off on coastal clean-up

Video

MOSSEL BAY NEWS & VIDEO - "Oy! Pick it up."

This is the message from Antonio da Silva-Swart, the Coastal Clean-up Conservation Biodiversity Sheriff, whose efforts to clean up the coastline are endorsed by CapeNature and Plastics SA, among others.

Da Silva-Swart, who hiked from Cape Point to Mossel Bay, returned to Mossel Bay this week to continue his clean-up and awareness quest up to Plettenberg Bay.

The hike stretches over a distance of 160km and Da Silva-Swart planned to complete it in five days.

This effort is in support of Whale Coast Conservation to continue the school's education programme on marine waste.

Since Da Silva-Swart visited Mossel Bay in April, having hiked the coastline from Gouritz River Mouth, he has indeed been busy, he says.

"I have visited many schools this year, believing that we need to create awareness among the youth and then mobilise them." During his 13-minute presentation on why it is important to clean up the coast, he empowers his audience by telling them: "If you see anyone littering, even adults throwing down their cigarette butts, tell them: 'Oy! Pick it up.'"

He adds: "And the kids tell them."

En route to Mossel Bay, Da Silva-Swart stopped over in Still Bay to introduce a coastal clean-up as a Mandela Day project. The clean-up takes place tomorrow. "Wherever I go, I try to get people involved. Hiking clubs are great resources to use, since they can continue the work."

Da Silva Swart plans to arrive in Sedgefield tomorrow, Saturday 22 July. He was joined on his journey from Glentana by local hikers and survival expert, Kosie Gericke, who has been involved with the Grosvenor survival course for boys for the past 17 years.

To join Da Silva-Swart's quest, contact him on 072 462 4271. To learn more about his project, follow him on facebook at Coastal Clean-up Conservation.

Watch a video below.