Pic: MEC Moeketsi planting vegetables at Zikhetheleni Secondary School
By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe
At Sakhile Community Stadium, World Environment Day wasn’t just speeches and posters. It was elders learning about indigenous trees, learners demonstrating water-saving tips, and one clear message: climate action starts at home.
The event was led by the MEC Mpumalanga DARDLEA(Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs), Khethiwe Moeketsi, in collaboration with various stakeholders on Tuesday 23 June 2026.
Earlier in the day, the MEC and her entourage visited Zikhetheleni Secondary School to monitor progress made after Smart Agriculture Boxes were donated to the school.
MEC Moeketsi donated more boxes and helped establish a food garden, to help support and augment the school’s nutrition programme.
DARDLEA said MEC Moeketsi linked climate adaptation to daily habits as province pushes for local solutions.
“ MEC Khethiwe Moeketsi emphasised how localised adaptation strategies can protect both livelihoods and community health against Climate Change. She said through interactive educational showcases, community members can be empowered with actionable eco-friendly habits, such as reducing waste, planting indigenous trees, and practicing water conservation,” said DARDLEA.
The entourage also visited an AQMS(Air Quality Monitoring Station) at the local Gugulabasha Primary School.
“ The AQMS helps the surrounding environment in Identifying Pollution Sources, Protecting Public Health by issuing alerts when air safety levels drop, and Tracks Climate Trends by collecting long-term environmental data to measure the success of local greening and carbon-reduction initiatives,” said DARDLEA.
