Recycling building rubble in Griffiths Mxenge, Khayelitsha
As part of the Indawo, Abantu, Injongo E Khayelitsha initiative, we have begun the process of recycling building rubble in order to create concrete benches. The project demonstrates the importance of finding creative ways to reduce waste in the area.
The Five Reservoir Geo-Heritage Hiking Trail: the importance of reflecting on our heritage for the future
This Heritage Day we celebrate the abundant overflowing of our dams, as the rainfall appears to have returned to what Capetonians refer to as the “normal cold and wet winter of the past”, leaving many of us puzzled about the riddle of climate change. However, the 2015/17 drought and the consequent shortage of water, which […]
Transforming a community one mural at a time: A Local Artist’s inspiration
Alongside local artist Seth, we have recently completed one of our projects in Khayelitsha – an art mural. This forms part of the Indawo, Abantu, Injongo E Khayelitsha initiative started by Busiswa Nomyayi. We got the opportunity to interview Seth about the role that art can play in this initiative.
Groundwater in pursuit of achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 6.4
We know that climate change will, and is already, impacting the hydrogeological cycle. Although the longer term (50 to 100 year) predictions remain unclear, with future models suggesting both a drier and a wetter Western Cape, what is clear is that that mean annual rainfall has become less over the last three decades, and this […]
Community involvement in climate change adaptation
Sustainable Development Goals Community involvement in climate change (CC) adaptation is an important tool to ensure the longevity and sustainability of incorporating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into everyday life. The Umvoto Foundation is currently involved in a community initiative that incorporates SDG 5.5 (ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities […]
Khayelitsha Pavement Improvement Project
The Khayelitsha Pavement Improvement Project began in 2019 when a group of concerned residents from the Khayelitsha area decided to take pro-active approaches to improve their streets. Help Up has also contributed to this initiative by providing tools/materials and a weekly stipend to Busi and her team. Busi tells us more about where this all […]
Edith Stevens Nature Reserve visit
Edith Stevens Nature Reserve Also known as Edith Stevens Wetland Park, the Reserve is situated between Philippi North, Hanover Park, Manenberg, and Gugulethu on the Cape Flats. It is a prime location to centralise and gather communities, which the team at Edith Stevens are doing daily. Reserve Education Officer, Stacy Michaels promotes citizen science, and […]
Introducing the Henno Martin Geotrail: Naukluft Mountains Symposium
Umvoto Africa’s research and innovation director, Dr. Chris Hartnady, recently presented at the virtual Naukluft Mountains Symposium on one of the planned geotrails, The Henno Martin Memorial Trail, that TUF is developing for their new trail series. The symposium was a celebration of the rich history of the Naukluft Mountains, of which Dr. Hartnady has […]
The Umvoto Foundation Guided Hikes & Trail Series
Geo-tourism that links to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals The Umvoto Foundation (TUF) is currently involved in a geo-tourism initiative that incorporates the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 8.9 (devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products). TUF is further embarking on a […]
Place, People and Purpose in Khayelitsha: An interview with Busi
Stewardship Training In November 2019, Busiswa Nomayi (Busi), from Khayelitsha, participated in The Umvoto Foundation’s Stewardship Training Course, delivered in partnership with the Edith Stephens Nature Reserve and Communitree. Inspired by the week-long workshops on water systems, environmental rehabilitation, and stewardship, and seeing the environmental challenges in her own community, Busi decided to act. On […]