As the world moves towards a future filled with unknowns, the importance of environmental protection becomes increasingly apparent. In South Africa, a country known for its breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife, the need for environmental preservation is especially crucial. Fortunately, there are numerous organisations in the country that are dedicated to making a difference and securing a greener tomorrow.

These organisations are tackling various issues, ranging from pollution and climate change to habitat destruction and the conservation of natural resources. With their tireless efforts, they are setting an example for the rest of the world on how to approach environmental protection. Their work is a testament to the power of collective action and how small steps can lead to significant change. In this article, we celebrate South Africa's top environmental organisations and their contributions to creating a sustainable future.

Food & Trees for Africa

Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA) is a prominent non-profit organisation in South Africa that addresses food security, environmental sustainability, and greening. Since 1990, they have been actively running a diverse range of programmes, which aim to enhance the lives of South Africans while making the planet healthier. With a commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficiency, FTFA runs their non-profit like a social enterprise. This approach has enabled them to become one of the top social development organisations on the continent.

FTFA's thirty years of experience have provided them with a deep understanding of what it takes to achieve real, long-term sustainability that positively impacts the lives of all South Africans. Their dedication to innovation in the space and running their non-profit like a business have allowed them to make a significant impact on food security and environmental sustainability in South Africa.

Ecologi

Ecologi was founded by a group of passionate environmentalists in Bristol, UK, who recognised the need for more meaningful ways to address the looming climate crisis. The idea behind Ecologi was born when Elliot, one of the founders, pondered the impact of his daily coffee purchase on the environment. He realised that even small contributions from billions of people could make a significant difference in reducing global emissions.

Through Ecologi, individuals can set eco goals and fund climate projects that are directly reflected on their profile. The platform's success is measured by the positive impact it creates, and 80% of the funds go towards planet-saving projects, including transaction fees. The remaining amount covers costs such as attracting new subscribers, staff, and licenses. By compensating for their carbon footprint, Ecologi users can be part of the solution to the climate crisis.

Earthlife Africa

Earthlife Africa, established in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1988, is a non-profit organisation that champions the cause of a better life for all without compromising the environment or exploiting other people. Their vision is to create a society that operates within the ecological boundaries of sustainable development, with a just distribution of resources for all, reverence for all living beings, and an end to social, economic, and environmental exploitation.

The organisation's mission is to motivate and support individuals, businesses, and industries to reduce pollution, minimise waste, and safeguard our natural resources. Through their initiatives, Earthlife Africa strives to promote sustainable living practices that contribute to a greener and healthier planet.

ACDI

The African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI) was established in 2011 at the University of Cape Town to expand research and education on climate change in Africa. By 2018, ACDI had achieved formal institute status and earned the prestigious 'Centre of Excellence' designation for 'Climate and Development' from the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA).

As a leading climate change institute on the continent, ACDI collaborates with ARUA and other partners to promote inter- and transdisciplinary research and learning in the pursuit of sustainable development across Africa and beyond. With a focus on achieving impactful, climate-compatible and resilient development pathways, ACDI aims to expand its influence and shape the future of climate action on a global scale under the ARUA-CD banner.

African Climate Reality Project

The Africa Climate Reality Project (ACRP) is a Johannesburg-based organisation founded in 2014. Working alongside volunteer Regional Coordinators across East, South, Central, and West Africa, ACRP supports local initiatives and mobilises communities in the fight against climate change. The organisation collaborates with African climate leaders, NGOs, scientists, and governments to develop resources and tools for a network of active citizens spanning Algeria to South Africa, advocating for greater action and awareness of the issue.

As a member of The Climate Reality Project, founded by former US Vice President Al Gore, ACRP is a leading global organisation committed to tackling climate change. With over 5 million members worldwide and a network of trained Climate Reality Leaders, the Climate Reality Project empowers individuals and communities to confront the climate crisis and effect lasting change.

Black Girls Rising

Black Girls Rising, founded by Xoli Fuyani in 2020 in South Africa, is a non-profit organisation that aims to inspire and empower black girls from marginalised communities. Although it has been in existence since 2015 under Earth Child Project, the organisation's mission remains steadfast - to help young black girls rise beyond their circumstances to be in the forefront of climate action.

Through various programmes, Black Girls Rising creates a safe community for girls to amplify their voices and realise their dreams. Their work goes beyond traditional education and focuses on an embodied journey from girlhood to womanhood. With mindfulness, sharing circles, yoga, and other techniques, they help girls to listen to their bodies and balance their emotions. By owning their power and trusting their inner wisdom, these young women can be in a healthy relationship with all aspects of life.

Clean Creatives

Clean Creatives is a community of PR and ad professionals committed to building a safe climate future. With a focus on strategy, creativity, and leadership, Clean Creatives seeks to challenge the notion that fossil fuel clients are necessary for success in the industry. They firmly believe that the future of creativity is clean, and they strive to direct their skills and expertise towards clients that are doing good for the planet, rather than those that pose a threat to it.

As leaders in their industry, Clean Creatives understands the power of shaping public opinion and steering profits towards socially responsible clients. They are passionate about working with brands that prioritise purpose and making a positive impact on the world, and they refuse to work with fossil fuel companies, which they consider the biggest polluters on the planet.

Greenpop

Greenpop, a Cape Town-based registered non-profit organisation, has been working tirelessly since 2010 to restore ecosystems and promote environmental stewardship throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. With a focus on forest restoration, urban greening, food gardening, and environmental awareness projects, Greenpop has already planted over 200,000 trees and inspired more than 356,000 active citizens in South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania.

Greenpop was founded by Misha Teasdale, Lauren O'Donnell, and Jeremy Loops after a successful campaign to plant 1000 trees in Cape Town's marginalised communities during Arbour Month. The project garnered widespread attention and support, prompting the trio to establish an organisation dedicated to connecting people with the planet, each other, and themselves. Today, Greenpop continues to empower individuals and communities to become environmental stewards and champions sustainable urban greening and forest restoration initiatives across the region.

Regreening Africa

Regreening Africa is a visionary project that collaborates with diverse partners to promote the integration of trees into agricultural systems. The goal is to reverse land degradation across Africa and enhance the resilience of 500,000 households in sub-Saharan Africa. The project focuses on scaling up evergreen agriculture and implementing sustainable land management interventions such as tree planting and Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration, as well as utilising agroforestry techniques.

The project's second core objective involves working across eight countries to collect and apply evidence in multi-stakeholder engagement and policy processes, enabling strategic decision-making for scaling. Through technical advisory and engagement processes, Regreening Africa equips these countries with surveillance and analytical tools for monitoring and managing land degradation. Agroforestry techniques are central to the sustainable management of land and the maintenance of healthy landscapes, and Regreening Africa adapts these techniques to suit the needs of farmers in varying socio-ecological contexts.

African Climate Alliance

The African Climate Alliance is a grassroots movement that advocates for Afrocentric climate justice. Led by a dynamic team of young people, the organisation has established a vast network spanning across Africa. Despite its small size, the African Climate Alliance has already made significant strides in promoting climate education and organising peaceful protests.

Notably, the African Climate Alliance has become the first youth organisation to be involved in a climate-change court case in South African history. Through this landmark case, the organisation aimed to halt the construction of new coal infrastructure in the country. Beyond advocating for policy change, the African Climate Alliance has also taken practical steps towards climate adaptation by implementing solutions that promote food security and socio-environmental justice.

Oxpeckers

The Oxpeckers Center for Investigative Environmental Journalism is a pioneering investigative unit that is solely dedicated to covering environmental issues. They integrate traditional reporting techniques with modern tools such as data analysis and geo-mapping to expose eco-offences and track organised crime syndicates. As a non-profit organisation, Oxpeckers aims to enhance the quality and impact of environmental journalism globally.

Their mission is to provide a platform for investigative journalists who are passionate about environmental reporting. They also host geo-narrative platforms that utilise cutting-edge mapping techniques and forensic data tools to enhance their reportage. Oxpeckers shares investigative resources, specialist tools, and skills through manuals, workshops, and curated environmental research projects. Additionally, they publish their exclusive environmental investigations through legacy and new media, as well as eBooks and other channels.

Roving Reporters

Roving Reporters is dedicated to launching environmental writing careers through their training projects. Their primary focus is on training young journalists and environmental science graduates, providing them with the necessary skills to write impactful stories about key environmental, social, and justice issues for the media.

As an organisation, Roving Reporters believes in shedding light on the facts to empower decision-makers and ensure the greatest public good. By mentoring over 50 young journalists and environmental writers since 2011, they have successfully published stories on diverse media platforms, with a reach of up to 45,000 readers per published story. Their close to 100% track record in guiding first-time writers to publication in the media industry is a testament to their success.

Protect the West Coast

Protect the West Coast (PTWC) is a collective of passionate South Africans, comprising scientists, journalists, activists, and media experts. They work tirelessly as a not-for-profit organisation to ensure that mining activities on the West Coast of South Africa comply with fundamental environmental rights enshrined in the country's constitution and relevant mining statutes.

PTWC is dedicated to advocating for the correct oversight and fulfillment of authorisations granted to mining companies operating in the sensitive and bio-diverse region. PTWC utilises media advocacy, legal challenges, and community partnerships to carry out their watchdog role, ensuring that the communities of the West Coast are not impoverished in pursuit of short-term benefits touted by mining companies.

SANParks Honorary Rangers

The SANParks Honorary Rangers boast of a long and illustrious history, with its first volunteers dating back to 1902. These volunteers, who initially operated in the Kruger National Park, provided much-needed support to the full-time rangers. It was only in 1964 that the organisation was formally established, while the Association of Honorary Rangers was created in 1987 with 301 members. Today, the group has over 2,000 volunteers spread across 31 regions and 19 national parks in South Africa.

Their vision is to become a world-class volunteer organisation and a critical partner to the South African National Parks. To achieve this, the SANParks Honorary Rangers aim to support the development, management, and promotion of sustainable national parks that highlight the country's biodiversity and heritage assets through innovation and best practices. They strive to ensure that their efforts benefit current and future generations in a just and equitable manner.

I am Water Foundation

The I Am Water Foundation is a community of ocean enthusiasts dedicated to protecting our planet's oceans. Each member has a unique story to tell about why they are passionate about this cause. Despite the oceans dividing our world's continents, they unite us in a shared responsibility to protect them.

Since 2010, the foundation has been providing opportunities for people around the world to experience the beauty of the underwater world and understand the importance of ocean conservation. By building emotional connections to the aquatic environment and promoting healthy ocean behaviours, I Am Water hopes to inspire a global movement of blue minds. The foundation is particularly committed to working with under-resourced coastal communities, where young people often have limited access to the underwater world. I Am Water believes that by changing our behaviour and protecting nature, we can ensure a sustainable future for both humans and the natural world.

Adaptation Research Alliance

The Adaptation Research Alliance (ARA) was established during the 26th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26) to address the urgent need for an action-oriented approach to adaptation research. Comprising a global community of researchers, the ARA is committed to working with governments, vulnerable communities, and other stakeholders to generate solutions that reduce the risks from climate change.

The ARA Secretariat is hosted by SouthSouthNorth, a non-profit organisation operating in Cape Town that assists governments, the private sector and research institutions in understanding the economic, social and environmental choices that climate change presents. At the heart of the ARA's mission is the promotion of equitable collaboration and user-centred design in research. By highlighting the critical role of research in informing effective adaptation action at local, national, and global levels, the ARA aims to mobilise the research community to work together towards a sustainable future.

Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa

The Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) brings together a diverse group of civil society actors dedicated to promoting food sovereignty and agroecology in Africa. With 30 active members, AFSA represents smallholder farmers, pastoralists, hunter/gatherers, indigenous peoples, faith-based institutions, environmentalists, and consumer movements from across the continent. As a network of networks, AFSA serves as a powerful platform for consolidating issues related to food sovereignty and advocating for African solutions.

At its core, AFSA seeks to influence policies and promote sustainable solutions that prioritise local food systems and the well-being of African communities. By marshaling a collective voice and promoting clear, workable solutions, AFSA is helping to shape the future of food and agriculture in Africa.

Oranjezicht City Farm

The Oranjezicht City Farm (OZCF) is a celebrated educational non-profit project situated in Cape Town, South Africa. Founded in 2012, this 0.25ha community food garden on a heritage site has grown to become the most widely recognised project of the SA Urban Food & Farming Trust. OZCF offers a wide range of educational programmes, including workshops, internships, mentoring, and hands-on learning for people of all ages and interests, making it a hub for urban agriculture and innovation.

With over 60,000 social media followers, two published books, and more than 10,000 volunteer hours per year, the OZCF Market is now an independent legal entity. As a leading voice in the urban farming movement in South Africa, OZCF's success has informed the direction of the SAUFF Trust and has inspired further projects to strengthen urban communities and the ecosystems that sustain them.

Kusini Water

Kusini Water is a social enterprise committed to providing clean drinking water to rural and informal settlements across Africa. Founded in 2016, they use nanotechnology and locally sourced macadamia nut shells to build water treatment systems that are modular, affordable, and mobile-enabled. Kusini Water's mission is to ensure that 5 million people have access to sustainable and safe water by 2025.

Using locally sourced materials, expertise, and renewable energy, Kusini Water brings a customisable and durable solution to communities in need. Their systems are designed to provide clean and safe drinking water to anyone, regardless of location, while also prioritising the importance of sustainability. Kusini Water is dedicated to their goal of achieving universal access to safe water and making a positive impact on the African continent.

Soil for Life

Soil for Life is a non-profit organisation dedicated to teaching individuals and groups how to cultivate their own food, improve their health and well-being, and protect the environment. They provide training and support to people interested in growing food at home, as well as to gardeners involved in community and school-based projects. Soil for Life's approach emphasises the importance of nurturing healthy, nutrient-rich soil that can produce high-quality crops, even in small spaces, and their gardeners are taught how to sustain their gardens with minimal expense.

Beyond gardening and food, Soil for Life is committed to cultivating well-rounded individuals who are resourceful, creative, and confident. They promote community networks among gardeners, creating opportunities for exchanging produce and building support systems. Their vision is a healthy world where people work together to cultivate healthy soils, grow nutritious food, and heal the planet. Soil for Life's mission is to teach people how to create sustainable food gardens that build healthy, fertile soils and promote maximum production of nutrient-rich crops in any available space.

GreenCape

GreenCape is a non-profit organisation that champions the adoption of economically viable green solutions from South Africa. By collaborating with businesses, investors, academia, and government, GreenCape aims to unlock the full potential of green technologies and services, promoting a shift towards a resilient green economy. Established in 2010, GreenCape strives towards its vision of a thriving and prosperous Africa, mobilised by the green economy.

In the next 5 years, GreenCape aims to achieve global recognition for its role in driving the uptake of green economy infrastructure solutions in developing countries. Through working at the interface between business, government, and academia, GreenCape identifies and removes barriers to economically viable green solutions, catalysing their replicable and large-scale uptake. Ultimately, GreenCape's efforts enable each country and its citizens to prosper.

African Centre for a Green Economy

The African Centre for Green Economy (AfriCGE) is a non-profit think tank specialising in research and advisory services for the transition towards a green economy in Africa. As a multi-disciplinary organisation, AfriCGE offers green enterprise development and investment services to government, business, and civil society.

With a mission to provide thought leadership, raise awareness, and build capacity, AfriCGE aims to promote a new and inclusive economy that promotes both human well-being and environmental sustainability. Their vision is to help Africa transition towards a brighter future through the adoption of green technologies and practices, ultimately creating a more prosperous and sustainable society.

Oh-lief

Oh-lief is a brand that was founded by two sisters, Christine Buchanan and Louiza Rademan, in 2010. Their passion for nature and their commitment to creating products that are safe for both the skin and the environment was the driving force behind the brand's creation. Oh-lief's name is a nod to their love for olive oil, the main ingredient in all their products, and their dedication to using only natural ingredients.

Christine's desire to find a skincare range that was safe to use during pregnancy led her and Louiza to develop a range of natural and organic baby and body care products. Oh-lief's complete range of products is certified natural and organic, and made from 100% natural and organic, raw ingredients sourced locally. Their products do not contain any harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, petroleum, parabens, artificial colours, or synthetic bases. With a focus on clean cosmetics, Oh-lief is a brand that's all about loving your skin and the environment.

SKOON

SKOON is a brand rooted in the rich beauty traditions of Africa. Drawing on centuries of ancestral knowledge, they have created a range of nourishing and replenishing beauty products that are both effective and kind to the earth. SKOON's lab, located on a farm near Cape Town, sources potent natural ingredients sustainably harvested from across Africa. And with a pledge to donate 1% of gross sales to environmental non-profits and support the Baobab Foundation in South Africa, every purchase of SKOON is a meaningful contribution to a better world.

SKOON believes that beauty should be clean and kind, both to your skin and your conscience. They are committed to using sustainable packaging and ingredients that do no harm to Earth, people, or animals. But SKOON goes further than just eco-friendly formulas and packaging; they are also dedicated to giving back. By supporting small farmers and environmental non-profits, SKOON creates a kinder, more beautiful world for us all.

SiyaBuddy

SiyaBuddy is a waste management company based in South Africa that collects, sorts, bales and resells waste materials to recyclers. Their mission is to promote environmental protection and conservation while creating job opportunities for the community. By offering waste awareness and separation training, they teach community members how to store waste and turn it into a source of income. SiyaBuddy has employed 28 young people and supports over 1000 indirect jobs through waste collectors who sell to them regularly. Their efforts have resulted in the redirection of 200 tons of waste from landfills each month, contributing to the sustainable goal of responsible consumption and production.

SiyaBuddy not only addresses environmental concerns but also social issues such as unemployment and poverty. They provide direct and indirect job opportunities, supporting the community and preventing social exclusion. By cleaning up the surroundings and contributing to public health, SiyaBuddy creates a waste-free environment for everyone to enjoy. With their innovative waste management strategies and dedication to sustainability, SiyaBuddy is a valuable asset to South Africa's economy and environment.

WasteWant

WasteWant is a pioneering trash and recycling pickup company that has been transforming local communities for over a decade. With a passion for sustainable waste management, they have been actively cleaning up the environment while also contributing to the local economy. From humble beginnings on the Cape Flats, WasteWant has become the preferred supplier for waste management services in the Western Cape.

Their services include recycling, waste removal, garden maintenance, project management, facilities management, and cleansing services. WasteWant prides itself on its commitment to providing efficient and reliable services that go above and beyond the expectations of its clients. With WasteWant, you can trust that your waste will be managed responsibly, and that your community will be cleaner.

The Refillery

The Refillery is a revolutionary planet-friendly grocer that provides a unique, plastic-free shopping experience. With a 'weigh-and-pay' approach, customers can fill their pantries with high-quality, ethically-sourced products without any wasteful packaging. The founders' passion for the environment led them to create The Refillery as a small way to contribute to reducing plastic pollution. The Refillery also offers home delivery, refilling services, and a call-and-collect facility for added convenience.

This fast-growing global trend caters to environmentally-concerned and convenience-seeking customers alike. By offering single-use plastic-free, responsibly sourced, and refillable products, The Refillery aims to help reduce South Africa's and the world's plastic pollution crisis. Join The Refillery and stock your pantry package-free.

Nude Foods

Nude Foods is leading the charge in the plastic-free shopping revolution. Their old-school grocery store with a modern twist provides a unique shopping experience that is both eco-friendly and sustainable. With their "fill, weigh and pay" system, customers can stock up on high-quality, local, and delicious foods and eco-friendly home & body products without creating any wasteful packaging.

Nude Foods is committed to supporting local suppliers and waste-reducing initiatives while making plastic-free shopping accessible to the everyday consumer. Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond their products, as they strive to create a plastic-free shopping experience that is both easy and accessible for all. With their passion for sustainability and dedication to supporting local suppliers, Nude Foods is revolutionising the way we shop and live.

Waste-Ed

Waste-ED, founded by Candice Mostert in 2014, is dedicated to promoting a zero-waste lifestyle through the implementation of waste-to-resource systems. Offering interactive zero-waste setups, consulting, research, workshops, and presentations, the organisation focuses on developing and applying environment-based waste management solutions and education. Waste-ED also collects Ecobricks and utilises them to build much-needed, well-insulated structures, teaching the skill of natural clay building along the way.

Mostert's inspiration for starting Waste-ED came from meeting Upcycle Santa Fe's director, Jo Stodgel, in 2012. For three years, Candice and Jo worked with Greyton Transition Town (GTT) in South Africa, transforming the local dumpsite into a Green Park, a resource centre for the community to turn "trash into treasure." During this time, Candice built the first known South African Ecobrick outdoor classroom at the Green Park and worked with local schools and businesses to revive the concept of valuing wasted resources. Waste-ED's mission is rooted in this experience, and the organisation continues to utilise the Ecobrick as a primary tool for waste education, empowering individuals and communities to better understand the materials they use and where they end up.

Mpact

Mpact is a leading paper and plastics packaging and recycling business in Southern Africa. With 44 operating sites across South Africa, Namibia, and Mozambique, Mpact has established a unique integrated business model that focuses on closing the loop in plastic and paper packaging.

As South Africa's largest collector of recyclable packaging, Mpact collected over 620,000 tonnes of paper and plastic recyclables in 2021, contributing to reduced landfill waste and local beneficiation of raw materials. They also support the development of over 50 small businesses and operate a liquid packaging recycling plant that can recycle 24,000 tonnes of used liquid cartons annually, saving 65,240m3 of landfill space.

EcoPack

EcoPack offers eco-friendly alternatives to traditional single-use packaging, with a mission to promote environmental responsibility. As the premier sustainable packaging solutions company in South Africa, they provide a wide range of biodegradable and compostable food and beverage containers, cartons, and other packaging consumables that add value while reducing environmental impact. The team is committed to their core values of integrity, stewardship, quality, and harmony, and their goal is to create positive environmental change through sustainable and eco-efficient business practices and products.

EcoPack is a member of the Earthly Directions Group of Companies and actively participates in promoting eco-efficiency in packaging choices. They strive to maintain a customer-focused approach in all their business dealings and remain dedicated to advancing the development and use of environmentally sustainable packaging solutions. Their vision is to be socially responsible corporate citizens who supply superior quality products manufactured according to high standards while actively participating in society.

uYilo

uYilo is a national electric mobility programme in South Africa that has been actively promoting the electric mobility ecosystem since 2013. As a multi-stakeholder programme, uYilo engages in government lobbying, industry engagement, pilot projects, capacity and enterprise development, and thought leadership. The name "uYilo" is derived from the local Xhosa language, meaning "to create," reflecting the programme's mission to create an enabling environment for the eMobility industry in South Africa and Africa.

In support of the ecosystem technologies, uYilo's technical facilities include ISO 17025 accredited battery testing, materials testing, electric vehicle systems, and a live testing environment providing inter-operability between electric vehicles and the smart grid. uYilo is an initiative of the Technology Innovation Agency, a public entity of the national Department of Science and Innovation. The programme's impact aligns with the required outcomes of various national and international development plans, strategies, and agreements for economic and social transformation.

350 Africa.org

350 Africa.org is a movement dedicated to combating climate change and building a collective response to the crisis. Founded in 2008 by a group of university friends in the U.S. and author Bill McKibben, 350.org aims to mobilise grassroots activists across the globe to take action on climate change.

At 350Africa.org, a small team of paid staff supports independent organisations and campaigns run by passionate activists throughout the continent. By harnessing the power of people and facilitating public actions, 350 Africa.org seeks to counter the influence of the fossil fuel industry and create a more sustainable, livable planet for future generations.

Plentify

Plentify is a smart energy company committed to providing affordable, clean and dependable electricity to all. Their expert team blends cutting-edge technology, artificial intelligence and intuitive design to develop smart home products that satisfy customers and strengthen global energy systems. With a diverse group of specialists in energy, data science, hardware, software and business, Plentify serves clients from around the globe while reinvesting most of their earnings towards their mission.

Plentify's founders, who grew up in South Africa, created the company out of necessity during the 2008 rolling blackouts. The energy system's rapid deterioration made power supply both unreliable and unaffordable, spurring the Plentify team to combine their skills to tackle the critical energy challenges. The team firmly believes that an intelligent, cleaner and more economical energy system is essential for enhancing societal and planetary resilience.

weADAPT

WeADAPT provides a virtual hub for climate adaptation issues, offering practitioners, researchers, and policymakers access to high-quality information and a platform to share their experiences with the community. It is an open space that enables learning, exchange, and collaboration, while fostering a professional community of research and practice on adaptation issues. The platform is specifically designed to promote knowledge integration and provide policy-relevant tools and guidance for adaptation planning and decision-making.

With a focus on the synergies between adaptation and mitigation, WeADAPT is committed to facilitating the development of effective climate policies. By providing a space for discussion and the exchange of ideas, the platform aims to create a dynamic community of individuals who are dedicated to finding practical solutions to the challenges posed by climate change.

Umgibe

Umgibe Farming Organics is a Level 1 B-BBEE, 100% black-owned vegetable-growing system based in South Africa. Their mission is to provide a sustainable, carbon-saving, and income-generating platform for grassroots farmers to market their organic vegetables. They are committed to delivering high-quality, reasonably priced products that are grown without harming the environment, and that provide balanced nutrition.

The story of Umgibe began with Ma' Joye, a cancer patient who started growing organic vegetables in her backyard to provide food for her family. After losing her crops to chickens, she developed a growing system using plastic bags that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. This innovation not only protected her crops but also saved water and fed her family and neighbours. Umgibe has since grown into a platform where underserved communities can grow and sell their own vegetables, providing hope and opportunities for those in need.

Earthrise Trust

Earthrise Trust is a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to creating a sustainable and self-sufficient community. Their projects and enterprises are designed to give previously marginalised populations a human voice and enable social participation and local growth. By developing skilled entrepreneurs and artisans who own and manage competitive small-scale agroecology enterprises, Earthrise Trust is paving the way for a just, sustainable, and peaceful world.

Through collaboration with village leaders and residents, Earthrise Trust has formulated four goals with achievable objectives: eco-farming, rural development, built environment, and retreat & activism. They aim to attract a community of socially conscious supporters committed to becoming an active part of a local and global learning movement, working to build a positive legacy for future generations. Additionally, the organisation is dedicated to the rebuilding and guardianship of the historic Rustlers Valley Farm in Ficksburg as a pilot "collaborative development space," where the ideals of the Earth Charter can be put into action.

Website

Eco Atlas

Eco Atlas is a comprehensive platform that empowers individuals, families, and businesses to make sustainable lifestyle and travel choices. By utilising its unique search function, users can easily locate eco-friendly places to eat, shop, stay and play in South Africa. The platform showcases businesses that are dedicated to achieving sustainable goals, from recycling to supporting local communities with profit-sharing. Eco Atlas is the first platform of its kind in South Africa to highlight the social and environmental achievements of businesses, and anyone can be listed as long as they meet at least three of the Eco Choice criteria.

Knowledge is power, and Eco Atlas puts the power of choice back into the hands of conscious travelers and active citizens. Users can easily find what they’re looking for with the help of the twenty Eco Choice icons, or recommend a place they love to help grow the eco-ethic movement. With Eco Atlas, individuals can make informed decisions about where to go and source locally produced and earth-friendly goods. The platform is a beacon for positive change, highlighting the efforts of those who walk the talk of social justice and regenerative practices.

Regenize

Regenize is a recycling collections company based in Cape Town that is driven by sustainability and innovation. Its name was created by combining three words that describe the company: "Re" representing reduce, reuse or recycling; "Gen" representing generation; and "Nize" for its catchy sound.

Regenize not only rewards people for recycling, but also educates the youth through its Regenize Education programmes. The company spends time researching and designing new ways to reuse waste and turn it into products that can benefit many. As evangelists of recycling, Regenize collects, educates, and transforms waste, striving to make a positive social impact and get Africa recycling.

WakaWaka

WakaWaka, a social enterprise established in 2012 by Maurits Groen and Camille van Gestel, aimed to bring portable solar products to individuals living without access to electricity. The name WakaWaka, derived from Swahili, translates to "shine bright." With the purchase of each WakaWaka product, the company donates a solar light to a family in need.

The inspiration for WakaWaka originated in 2010, while Maurits and Camille were working to offset carbon emissions from the World Cup championship held in South Africa. Witnessing the numerous individuals without access to electricity, the duo resolved to create a solution. In 2012, WakaWaka launched their first product, a solar flashlight named the WakaWaka Light. Two years later, through successful Kickstarter and OnePlanetCrowd campaigns, the company developed the WakaWaka Power, a solar charger and flashlight, and the WakaWaka Base, a solar home kit, raising over $1 million combined.

Heinrich Böll Foundation

The Heinrich Böll Foundation has been a staunch supporter of democracy, human rights, gender justice, ecological justice, and constructive dialogue in Southern Africa for over four decades. Through strong partnerships and networks, the Foundation has become a reliable funding partner and collaborator for progressive civil society and non-state actors in Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Their focus areas include four programmes: Democracy & Social Justice, Human Rights & Gender Justice, Ecological Justice, and International Dialogue & African Perspectives. The Foundation also contributes research and analyses of contemporary political events in the region, on the continent, and worldwide.

As a think tank for green visions and projects, the Heinrich Böll Foundation is part of an international network of over 100 partner projects in about 60 countries. They maintain a worldwide network with 30 international offices and closely cooperate with 16 state-level Böll Foundations in each of Germany's federal states. The Foundation supports talented, socio-politically engaged undergraduate and graduate students in Germany and abroad. Following Heinrich Böll's exhortation for citizens to get involved in politics, the Foundation wants to inspire others to do the same, while maintaining a spirit of intellectual openness and independence.

PETCO

PETCO, also known as the PET Recycling Company, was founded in 2004 with the mission of improving the management and recycling of post-consumer PET products in South Africa. Through their efforts, PETCO has significantly reduced CO2 emissions, created income opportunities, and prevented a significant portion of landfill space from being used. PETCO operates with the belief that plastic bottles are not trash and continuously spreads this message throughout South Africa.

As a registered Producer Responsibility Organisation, PETCO is financed by mandatory EPR fees paid by Producer members based on identified PET products placed onto the South African market. PETCO works with the entire PET value chain to implement EPR and promote environmental responsibility. With offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg, PETCO is committed to providing a cradle-to-cradle solution for post-consumer PET and advancing a circular economy for PET plastic.

CL Trading

CL Trading has been a prominent player in the recycling, waste management, and steelworks industry for 26 years. Their commitment to delivering efficient and high-quality results has earned them a loyal clientele, and they pride themselves on consistency in service. As a rising leader in the business, CL Trading is confident in their ability to provide top-notch waste management solutions to businesses of all sizes in the Western Province.

CL Trading has forged partnerships with numerous small and large businesses in the Western Province, and they are dedicated to enhancing the customer experience. Their focus on convenience, accuracy, and timely delivery and pick-ups sets them apart in the industry.

Project 90 by 2030

Project 90 by 2030 is an organisation dedicated to achieving social and environmental justice in South Africa. Their goal is to inspire and mobilise the country towards a sustainable, low-carbon future through a Just Energy Transition. The organisation works with stakeholders and decision-makers to identify policies and actions that support climate justice, with a particular focus on developing environmental leadership among young people and increasing public engagement to address climate change, energy poverty, and social injustices.

Project 90 by 2030 is a change-focused organisation committed to bringing about significant, positive change in the way people engage with the earth and with each other. Their vision is a South Africa that is sustainably developed and equitable, with a 90% reduction in the country's impact on earth systems by 2030. To achieve this, they apply five key principles to their work: people-centered leadership, practical action, partnerships, research, advocacy, and communication. Through their efforts, Project 90 by 2030 hopes to create a better future for all South Africans.

The Green Connection

Established in 2000, The Green Connection has been actively working towards contributing to sustainable development goals through the efforts of a dynamic and multidisciplinary group of individuals and organisations. In 2021, the civil society organisation was restructured to become an NPC with a board of directors, while still retaining its section 18A tax benefit status. At the core of The Green Connection's philosophy is the belief that empowering people to participate in decision-making about their environment is the only way to achieve truly sustainable development.

The organisation recognises that our environmental resources are limited and that it is our responsibility to protect them for future generations. The Green Connection aims to provide practical support to both the government and non-government sectors, which are integral to sustainable development. Their work has involved collaborating with diverse funders and partners, as well as national and local government, on various initiatives to foster understanding and awareness about the different aspects of sustainable development.

Climate Justice Charter Movement

The Climate Justice Charter emerged from six years of tireless campaigning by the South African Food Sovereignty Campaign and the Cooperative and Policy Alternative Centre. The Charter was informed by input from a diverse range of groups, including water-stressed communities, climate scientists, women's organisations, and leading activists. It was finalised and launched in 2020, with demands for adoption by parliament and plans for just transitions in communities and workplaces.

The Climate Justice Charter Movement was officially launched in October 2020, following a lengthy process of drafting and community input. The Charter has been widely supported by a range of organisations and activists, and its demands for climate justice and deep transitions are grounded in the South African Constitution. The movement aims to bring about meaningful change in the fight against climate change, and to create a more just and sustainable future for all.

Love Our City Klean

Love Our City Klean is a forward-thinking waste management company that prioritises the diversion of recyclables away from landfills. Through education, community awareness, and effective collection and sorting methods, they aim to reintroduce materials back into the economy. The LOCK Recycling Hub is a prime example of this commitment, offering weekly collection days for recyclables and educating the community on the importance of "separation at source". Members are rewarded with points for their recyclable contributions, which can be redeemed at the Swop Shop every Friday for essential items like food, clothes, and toiletries. Additionally, the collected materials are creatively repurposed through various upcycling initiatives, including the innovative "Trash to Art" projects.

Originally launched as a response to the food crisis during lockdown level 5, Love Our City Klean's project has received an overwhelming response from the community. As a result, the project will continue and will also serve as a model for other communities looking to launch their own recycling hubs. With Love Our City Klean's guidance, more and more communities will be able to divert waste from landfills, educate their residents about recycling, and create a more sustainable future.

Don’t Gas Africa

The Don't Gas Africa campaign is a movement led by African civil society to break Africa's reliance on fossil gas production. The campaign calls for an end to fossil-fuel-induced energy apartheid in Africa, which has left over 600 million Africans without access to modern, clean, and renewable energy. Instead, the campaign advocates for cost-effective, clean, decentralised, and appropriate energy systems that can deliver renewable energy assets to people and communities across the continent. The campaign also calls for a transformative, people-led process that involves rapid social, economic, and political change to achieve energy democracy and ensure governments serve the interests of the people, not corporate fossil fuel polluters.

Through Don't Gas Africa, movements across Africa join forces to demand an end to fossil gas and other dirty, dangerous, and obsolete energy systems. The campaign believes that scaling up clean, renewable energy is the fastest and most effective way to end energy exclusion and meet the energy needs of Africa's people. Supported by allies around the world, the campaign calls on governments to prioritise renewable energy and deliver it into the hands of people and communities across the continent, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Power Shift Africa

Power Shift Africa is a dynamic think tank that offers cutting-edge analysis, innovative policy ideas, and comprehensive media engagement from an African perspective. With a strong focus on climate action, PSA seeks to mobilise and amplify African voices by increasing their visibility in media and public communications, both on the continent and internationally. As part of its work, PSA is actively building dedicated platforms for African civil society organisations, technical experts, and high-level leadership to drive transformative, Africa-led efforts towards harnessing the continent's vast renewable energy potential. Through its bold actions, PSA aspires to empower governments, businesses, groups, and communities in Africa with innovative ideas and options for accelerated low emissions and climate-resilient development, all towards a green and prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development.

PSA's mission is to foster climate action in Africa, promote a paradigm shift where renewable energy is viewed as a systemic source of poverty alleviation across the continent, and enable African voices to shape the global discourse on climate change and energy policy. To achieve this, PSA is dedicated to strengthening engagement by African officials and civil society organisations on climate and sustainable energy issues, establishing a strong network of African media professionals, and providing content for advocacy and campaigning that amplifies the work of African groups to enhance climate ambition and shift investments away from fossil fuels. Ultimately, PSA envisions a future where Africa thrives on renewable energy, and where its people are empowered to lead the world towards a sustainable and prosperous future.

SACAN

As a proud member of the Climate Action Network (CAN), SACAN joins forces with over 1300 NGOs across 130 countries. SACAN is committed to driving climate justice in South Africa by mobilising and supporting partners in the development of effective strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With a people and policy-oriented approach, SACAN seeks to promote renewable energy, reduce deforestation, and ensure sustainable water use. Their ultimate goal is to facilitate low-carbon development in South Africa and empower the community through public dialogues.

SACAN’s mission is to ensure that effective national policies, strategies, and actions are implemented in response to the impacts of climate change in South Africa. To achieve this, SACAN undertakes scientific research and brings the international climate agenda into the local context of South Africa, embracing Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement. SACAN's vision is to become the vanguard of climate action coordination in South Africa, fostering a national voice in the climate change discourse and promoting climate-resilient behaviour. SACAN is committed to the accurate operation and socio-economic development of South Africa, making it an essential partner in the fight against climate change.

As we celebrate the incredible work of South Africa's top environmental organisations, one thing becomes clear: we all have a role to play in shaping the future of our planet. Whether you choose to support conservation efforts, advocate for sustainable policies, or simply make small changes in your daily life, every action counts. But above all, we must come together to confront the urgent and pressing reality of the climate crisis. It's not a choice, it's a necessity. Let's take inspiration from these organisations and work together to create a better, greener, and more sustainable world.

Is anyone missing from our list? Pop us an email at hello@treeshake.com to let us know, so that we can continue celebrating South Africa’s top environmental organisations.

50 South African Organisations Creating a Greener Tomorrow