The serene coastal landscape of Richards Bay’s Commodore Island transformed into a hub of environmental action on Friday, 7 November 2025, as the Sivananda World Peace Foundation, in collaboration with Green Chapter Foundation, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, and the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, hosted a landmark event under the banner of the Save Our Rivers and Trees Campaign.
The event formed part of the Foundation’s 17th Anniversary Celebration, marking nearly two decades of peacebuilding, humanitarian service, and environmental stewardship in South Africa and beyond.
The Save Our Rivers and Trees Campaign is a nationwide initiative by the Sivananda World Peace Foundation aimed at raising awareness around river conservation, reforestation, and sustainable community development.
“We are at a critical juncture in human history, where the choices we make today will determine the health of our planet for generations to come,” said Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu, President of the Sivananda World Peace Foundation. “Our campaign is a call to action, urging individuals, communities, and governments to unite in protecting our precious natural resources.”
The initiative focuses on two key priorities:
Keeping Our Rivers Clean through community clean-ups, education, and collaboration with local authorities to improve waste management.
Protecting Our Natural Environment by supporting reforestation, preserving biodiversity, and encouraging sustainable land-use practices.
The Green Chapter Foundation, known for its environmental advocacy and community greening initiatives, played a central role in mobilizing volunteers and leading tree-planting activities during the event. Founder Mpendulo Mbulawa highlighted that the partnership demonstrates how collaboration between civil society, government, and traditional leadership can accelerate change.
“Each tree planted represents hope, unity, and accountability,” Mbulawa said. “When organizations like Parliament, Ezemvelo, and Sivananda work hand in hand, we prove that sustainability is not just a dream, it’s a collective responsibility.”
The Parliament of South Africa’s participation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting public participation in environmental education and policy advocacy, while Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife offered ecological guidance to ensure the activities aligned with biodiversity conservation standards.
The Sivananda World Peace Foundation’s mission to promote peace, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability found tangible expression in this campaign. Volunteers spent the day removing waste from sensitive coastal areas and planting indigenous trees, symbolizing renewal and interconnectedness between people and the planet.
The campaign not only raised awareness but inspired real change, reminding all South Africans that the environment’s wellbeing reflects the wellbeing of society itself.
As the campaign continues across KwaZulu-Natal and beyond, both Green Chapter Foundation and Sivananda World Peace Foundation are calling on individuals, schools, and local organizations to join the movement and become custodians of nature.
Together, these partners are shaping a new narrative, one where peace, sustainability, and development grow from the same soil.
