Tsogo Sun employees in Durban joined forces with local residents in May to fight a tide of plastic pollution strewn across the Blue Lagoon beachfront in the wake of severe floods.
Staff from the operator’s Southern Sun Elangeni and Maharani, alongside thousands of volunteers, helped clear the shore of plastic debris washed down the Umgeni River.
“We are pleased to join this clean-up operation as we are committed to continuous environmental improvement initiatives,” said KZN hotels operations director Samantha Croft.
“Our staff are dedicated to assisting in such campaigns since it is very close to our hearts. By participating in this initiative, we know we have made a positive impact to our ocean.”
The clear-up came after heavy rains hit KwaZulu-Natal, swelling the Umgeni to devastating effect, with local nonprofit organisations Breathe Ocean Conservation and Durban Green Corridor among the first to respond.
Social media manager for Durban Green Corridor Sifiso Mngoma told the Overport Rising Sun “after the beach cleanup, the next step is to re-install the litter booms in the Umgeni River,”
“The booms are used to stop plastic and litter from flowing into the river. Unfortunately, because of the heavy rains these booms got washed away so we have to install them again.” As well as providing a stark reminder as to the damaging potential of single-use plastics, the beachfront clear-up added an extra spur to the state’s resorts and hospitality operators to continue protecting the beautiful surroundings that form a significant part of their appeal.
“Due to the major issues of plastic pollution both on and around these beaches, we feel it is our responsibility,” said Croft, adding KZN hotels will “support the mobilising of community, government and corporate entities within the area to become active citizens and engage in environmental protection and improvement activities.”
