Sibaya Casino helps foster environmental resilience

November 9th is International Day of Climate Action, a worldwide movement initiated by young people concerned about climate change and global injustice. Learners from Phoenix Secondary School participated in the day alongside staff from Sibaya Casino and environmental NGO, Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA). 

Waste management and climate change formed part of the two-year eco-schools programme being run nationally by Sun International and WESSA to build environmental resilience in schools and their communities.  It also forms part of the Ethekwini Municipality’s strategy to keep Durban clean.

“Sun International’s Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom sponsored Phoenix Secondary as it is one of the schools within our community,” said Karen Hammond, Sibaya’s HR Manager. As part of the partnership with WESSA, Sibaya has invested R215 000 across Sterngrove Primary School, including Glenhaven, Waterloo, Phoenix, and Palmview secondary schools. 

The day saw a handover of recycling bins sponsored by Sun International, a school ground clean-up campaign, and the planting of indigenous trees said to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. 

“WESSA facilitated an awareness programme on the impact of litter on human health and the environment,” said WESSA Senior Project Manager Nomfundo Ndlovu. “Through this event, we will mobilise and educate the community of Phoenix Secondary School to work towards keeping their environment clean. We hope these teachings will impact their behaviour and see learners take what they learnt at school and apply it at home.”