The Mayor’s annual Evening of Excellence once again paid tribute to outstanding achievements by the people of the Overstrand.
The prestigious Environmental Award and floating trophy is especially valued. Three people were honoured for their contributions to protecting the environment.
Sheraine van Wyk, WCC’s Eco-Learning Manager, was honoured for her work in the educational field.
She
- Established the Eco-Learning function at WCC
- Introduced the WESSA Eco-Schools Programme, now running in 30 schools from Gansbaai to Pringle Bay
- Oversees educational content and relevance to school curriculum of WCC’s educational Expos
- Initiated schools’ participation in events that illustrate practical aspects of environmental education, such as International Coastal Clean-up, Earth Hour, World Oceans Day, Arbour Day, Rhino Conservation, etc.
- Provided the environmental education component of the Blue Flag Beach programme – a critical factor in getting this accreditation for three Overstrand beaches.
- Runs citizen-science projects that inspire understanding of environmental issues and contribute scientific data.
Duncan Heard, former WCC Board Member, and Chairman of the Fernkloof Advisory Board, has worked tirelessly to ensure the best possible future for the reserve by developing an excellent Management Plan for the reserve.
And the winner (and custodian of the penguins for the next year) was Jack Bold, Manager of the Fernkloof Indigenous Nursery. Jack has perhaps done more than any other to propagate and supply indigenous flora at affordable prices to the local gardeners to enable them to plant water-wise and ecologically appropriate gardens. Jack’s extensive knowledge and willingness to advise and assist has been a feature of his contribution to sustainable gardening.
Thank you Jack, your lovely wife Cathy and the whole nursery team.