Youngsters in Khayelitsha are turning heads globally with their invasive alien plant removal initiative.
Siyanda and Akhona Sopangisa remove the problematic water invader, hyacinth, in a nearby Wetland. They transform this into multiple products to the benefit of the ecosystem and community living around it.
Speaking to Earthnews365, Siyanda Sopangisa, says the current wet weather in Cape Town is not playing along with the process of the project, which requires the removal of the hyacinth from the river then allowing it to dry up.
Funding is another challenge. Currently, volunteers work for 3 days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), but an additional injection, would allow them to work for more days.
Finances will also allow them to access a larger storage area.
” Right now we have about 25 liters full of hyacinth.”
Humble and friendly Siyanda, says their products, including biochar, will be sold once ready.
He also mentions ways they are ploughing back to the community.
“Tourists are interested in the project, so we have found a way to walk them through it from start to finish, through a tour from the removal of the hyacinth, right through the carbonization process, and drying to the final product.”
They are also planting seeds in the youngest members of the community, by targeting daycares in Khayelitsha.
Picture: BaileyZA Tours and Travel @the Khayelitsha Wetlands Park.