Community-oriented beverage brand aQuellé-KHULA teamed up with the KZN Sharks Board to raise awareness on the far-reaching negative impact of littering and poor environmental conservation through an educational clean-up along the Inanda Dam this World Environment Day.
Representatives from aQuellé, KZN Sharks Board, Woza Enanda and Umsinsi Resorts were joined by volunteers and community members as well as media, in an extensive clean-up along the shore of the dam and parts of the township near the dam. S’khu the KHULA clean-up mascot was also there to keep the teams entertained while they were hard at work.
The KHULA clean-ups have gained significant momentum over the last two years and have become famous for spreading cheer while promoting cleanliness and health in communities beyond the KZN midlands where the brand’s products are made.
Commenting on the significance of the initiative, Gladson Songelwa of aQuellé said, “As a community-based brand, we are passionate about the clean-up initiative and the positive impact it is making in communities. We are proud and excited to work together with municipalities and communities to continue extending reach and impact.”
“We are especially pleased that this activity provided us with the platform to empower young people and the greater community of Inanda with important information that will help them make choices that will promote not only environmental conservation but the socioeconomic spin offs that come from keeping our communities clean, healthy, and happy such as tourism and sports events which are major local economic drivers for the township. Thank you to the KZN Sharks Board and EThekwini municipality for joining us in such a good cause.” He added.
Speaking on behalf of the KZN Sharks Board during the clean-up program, Mr Babalo Mpaka said that “raising awareness of the negative impact that littering has on the ocean and tourism economies is an important element of the work that we do as an entity mandated with bather protection against sharks, shark preservation as well as research.”
“When people litter along riverbanks, the litter which ultimately travels to sea puts life at sea and the environment at risk and can kill sharks who swallow it- effectively taking away from the oceans economy as it means dirtier beaches and less sharks for research purposes. It then becomes vital for us to drive awareness in communities about the dangers of littering as it has far-reaching negative economic and environmental impact.” He added.
The aQuellé KHULA clean-ups continue to expand and could be coming to a town near you in the future. Communities are encouraged to join the aQuellé KHULA clean-up movement and promote clean, healthy, and happy spaces.
To find out more about the KHULA clean-ups and how you can become involved, visit www.aquelle.co.za/KHULA or www.facebook.com/aQuelleKhula
