About Us
Discover the Mbekweni Ecological Club, a passionate community-driven organization dedicated to fostering environmental education, conservation, and sustainable practices in Mbekweni township and beyond.
Who We Are
Eco-friendly actions, global satisfaction
The Mbekweni Ecological Club, established in 2019 (Mbeko Eco Club), is a non-profit organization (NPO: 231-259, PBO: 930069896) located in Mbekweni township, Paarl, Western Cape, within the Drakenstein municipality. We are dedicated to championing environmental education and awareness through place-based outdoor learning, enriching the life orientation curriculum. Our mission aligns with the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, focusing on inclusive and equitable quality education, clean water and sanitation, inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements, climate action, and partnerships for goals. Through public-private partnerships, we aim to achieve scalable localized impact, working towards sustainable development, net-zero emissions to mitigate climate change, and protecting water quality, biodiversity, and nature-based solutions.
Why Water Is Important
-Water is life and health. It is a source of our wellbeing through biodiversity and livelihoods for socio-economic benefits, thus essential for job creation.
-Water is a scarce resource, and it is depletable. Climate change and polluted water exacerbate its scarcity.
-Water is a human right and access to clean quality water should not be determined by our status in society.
-Water is expensive to harvest, store, distribute, and treat after usage.
-Water consumes lots of energy to have it accessible for human consumption and it is treated before its disposed back to nature (Berg River) for reuse downstream.
-Water has an economic value in the agricultural for food security supply chain and the people of the Cape Winelands and coastal towns depend on clean water quality for our livelihoods and jobs creation.
Our Vision, Mission, Goals, Aims & Purposes
Our Vision
To improve access and protect the water quality of the Berg River waterways, watersheds within Berg River catchment in Mbekweni township to the Atlantic Ocean and other urban and rural areas in South Africa.
Our Mission
To facilitate environmental education and awareness with youth and women through outside classrooms (Outdoors Education) and Eco-tours excursions (Place Based Learning) workshops to learn about sources of water quality, climate change, biodiversity conservation and protection through regenerative agriculture.
Aims And Purposes
We aim to serve as a community voice for nature conservation, promoting sustainable use and the equitable sharing of biodiversity benefits. Additionally, we strive to facilitate eco-tourism within the community, raising awareness of nature’s contributions to our health and well-being. Through inclusive participation, we support local communities in benefiting from ecosystem services for food security, human health, and clean air and water, all crucial for sustainable development. Our activities are aligned with local government integrated development plans, such as those of the Drakenstein Municipality, in accordance with national priorities.
Our Goals
Our goals include establishing eco clubs in three primary and secondary schools in Mbekweni township and beyond, engaging stakeholders in the Cape Winelands District, focusing on the Berg River Catchment and nationwide. We also aim to organize workshops and excursions to biodiversity sites, watershed sources, storage dams, and water treatment facilities responsible for quality water distribution and disposal. Additionally, we seek to promote solid waste recycling and reuse education to combat illegal dumping and soil pollution. Moreover, we strive to integrate green economy principles and 4th industrial technologies to innovate solutions for improving and protecting….
Meet Our Team
Champions of Sustainability
Get to know the passionate individuals behind the Mbekweni Ecological Club, dedicated to making a difference in environmental education and conservation. Our team brings a diverse range of skills and expertise, united by a shared commitment to sustainability and community empowerment.
Phiwe Mtwebana
Chairman
Ms Nomalanga Tisana
Secretary
Vincent Nteta
Treasurer
Partnerships
We are proud to collaborate with a network of partners who share our vision for environmental education and conservation. Through these partnerships, we are able to amplify our impact and create meaningful change in Mbekweni township and beyond.
