Strandlopers _SA

02/10/2026

🌊💚 ONE RIVER. THREE CLEAN-UP SITES. 200+ PEOPLE. 900+ KG OF WASTE REMOVED.

What a day! 🙌🏽

On 19 September, we came together to celebrate World Cleanup Day and take action for the Berg River. Communities, organisations, volunteers and partners joined forces across three clean-up sites:
📍 Paarl Arboretum — Clift College Community & Drakenstein Municipality
📍 Chris Hani Bridge, Mbekweni — Mbeko Eco
📍 Groenvlei Bridge, Oosbosch Street — Strandlopers & Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve

But this wasn’t just about picking up waste.
It was about Community, Education, Stewardship. And taking ownership of the places we call home. 💚

After the clean-ups, we gathered at Boy Louw Field to learn more about how our rivers, soil, biospheres and waste systems are all connected, and why what happens on land ultimately affects our waterways and ocean. 🌊🌱

A HUGE thank you to everyone who helped make this day possible:

💚 Paarl Rotary Club
💚 Mbeko Eco Club
💚 Drakenstein Municipality — Solid Waste & Environmental Management Department
💚 Celine Macdonald
💚 Jumper Waste Management
💚 Monte Christo Miqlat
💚 Clift College International

And a special shout-out to those who went the extra mile! 🙏🏽

✨ Boland Events — thank you for generously providing ablution facilities.
🥛 Malan’s Dairy — thank you for your generous cheese donation.
🍞 Pick n Pay Paarl Mall - thank you for your generous bread donation
🙇🏽To every volunteer, learner, organisation, community member and supporter who showed up:
THANK YOU! 🫶🏽 💙🩵💛

28/09/2026

28/09/2026

09/06/2026

Throwback to an unforgettable start to the year with our Jonk Strandlopers at De Hoop Nature Reserve!🌿

Thanks to the incredible support from the Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve, our learners had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of one of South Africa's most remarkable natural landscapes. This experience provided much more than just a visit to the coast. It was a journey of learning, discovery, connection, and well-being.

During the camp, learners explored the reserve's diverse wildlife and coastal ecosystems, experienced the significance of ancient shell middens, and visited the education centre, where they learned about the rich history and heritage of the SAN (|XAM, Strandlopers) people, who lived in close connection to the land and sea.

Beyond environmental and cultural learning, learners also engaged in wellness activities, movement sessions, and a sound healing journey with Storm Joy. These experiences created space for reflection, mindfulness, self-expression, and deeper connections with themselves, each other, and the natural world around them.

Experiences like these help young people deepen their understanding of the interconnectedness between people, culture, nature, and wellbeing while fostering a sense of stewardship for our natural and cultural heritage.

A heartfelt thank you to Cape Winelands Biosphere for making this opportunity possible and for their continued investment in Strandlopers and our Jonk Strandlopers.

21/05/2026

Meet one of our Jonk Strandlopers, Tatum Booysen 🌿, as she shares her journey with the programme and the impact it has had on her life ✨

The Jonk Strandlopers programme was successfully piloted in 2025 thanks to the generous funding support from Nature Connect and Table Mountain Fund Small Grants, as well as the unwavering support from Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve
Through this programme, we were able to identify and work with 25 Grade 9 and 10 learners from various schools across Paarl.
Tatum has stood out as one of the learners whose commitment, passion, and enthusiasm have shone throughout the programme, and we are incredibly proud to witness her growth and journey. 💙🩵💛

Footage captured by Caitlin Allison
Footage edited by Antonique Dick

12/05/2026

Strandlopers are looking for hands-on volunteers to help with educational programmes and various outdoor events. This could be you!

We are looking for volunteers from Drakenstein and the surrounding areas (Paarl, Wellington, Franschhoek etc. ) to join us in conservation-led activities, environmental education programmes, clean-ups, community events and creative storytelling projects.
Whether you are a student, creative, educator, nature lover or simply someone wanting to give back, there is space for you.

Are you passionate about the ocean and the environment? Would you like to be a part of a community and create meaningful change? To get involved contact us at [email protected] or 067 107 3372

Note: No previous experience needed, just a willingness to learn and participate!