South Africa marked Youth Month and National Environment Month. The City of Cape Town is investing in the next generation of environmental leaders.
City learners in the Junior River Wardens Programme visited the Two Oceans Aquarium on Thursday, June 25, 2026. There they discovered how protecting rivers, wetlands and oceans begins with the choices made in every community.
Deputy Mayor and Member of the Mayoral Committee for Spatial Planning and Environment – Alderman Eddie Andrews stated that as they honour the courage and legacy of the youth of 1976, this year’s Youth Month theme ‘RESET@50 – The Future Calls’ challenges them to equip young people to actively shape South Africa’s future.
The freedoms won by previous generations must now be matched by action that builds resilient communities, protects the natural resources and creates opportunities for generations to come. He added that the Junior River Wardens Programme invests in young people as future environmental leaders. Through practical learning and hands-on conservation experiences, learners developed the knowledge, skills and confidence to become ambassadors for biodiversity in their schools, homes and communities.
At the Two Oceans Aquarium, learners participated in the Life in Rock Pools educational programme, where they explored the meeting point of South Africa’s two oceans and discovered the remarkable biodiversity of rocky shore ecosystems. They learnt how marine species have adapted themselves to survive in changing environments and explored the impact of pollution on marine life.
This experience reinforced an important lesson: the health of the oceans begins upstream. City learners gained a deeper appreciation of how everyday actions can either protect or pollute the environment by understanding how rivers, wetlands, stormwater systems, estuaries and oceans are interconnected,
Visit by the officials concluded with an exploration of the aquarium’s exhibits, that included a diver feeding in the Kelp Forest exhibit, transforming classroom learning into real-world discovery and strengthening learners’ understanding of biodiversity and conservation.
Alderman Andrews further stated that the Junior River Wardens programme encourages young people to understand environmental challenges, and to become part of the solution. Just as the youth of 1976 showed that young voices can shape the future of a nation, the Junior River Wardens are discovering that they too can influence South Africa’s future through environmental stewardship, responsible citizenship and community leadership.
National Environment Month reminded them that protecting biodiversity and building climate resilience requires collective action. Government, businesses, communities and individuals all have a role to play in reducing pollution, restoring rivers and wetlands. They have to support conservation initiatives and create opportunities for young people to connect with nature.