Anita Mbekephi, 30, is the founder and director of Eco-Troop Projects, a nonprofit in the Durban that organises clean-up drives, educational programmes and policy advocacy campaigns. Her work not only addresses immediate environmental issues but also fosters a culture of sustainability and responsibility. Anita says she would describe her organisation as “a beacon of hope, driving meaningful change and empowering individuals to take action for a cleaner, healthier planet”. She forges partnerships with community groups and environmental agencies. A major achievement in her journey as an environmental activist was Anita’s work with the department of forestry, fisheries and the environment’s nationwide Good Green Deeds campaign in 2019. She organised her first major clean-up event at the Durban Harbour, which incorporates local ecosystems and commerce. Part of the event’s success was the diverse group of volunteers it attracted. Anita says she is motivated by seeing the increase in the number of volunteers and in the work that transforms places into clean spaces. Her latest initiative is the Capitec Partners for Possibility programme, which brings business leaders and school principals together to identify ways to improve schools, and thus educational outcomes.
In 2019, I had the privilege of collaborating with the department of environmental affairs on the Good Green Deeds campaign, a nationwide environmental initiative aimed at encouraging citizens to take proactive steps for a cleaner and greener country. This collaboration marked a major milestone in my journey as an environmental activist.
My contribution to this national effort began with the mobilisation of my first major clean-up event at Durban Harbour. This location, critical to both local ecosystems and commerce, presented an ideal starting point for our efforts. The clean-up at Durban Harbour was a resounding success, drawing a diverse group of volunteers and demonstrating the power of community action in tackling environmental problems.
My role model is my grandmother, who I grew up with in Flagstaff in the Eastern Cape. She is incredibly resourceful, able to make something out of nothing. Her ability to overcome challenges inspires me and makes me believe that anything is possible. Her resilience and creativity in the face of adversity have profoundly shaped my outlook on life, teaching me that with determination and ingenuity, any obstacle can be surmounted.