CAPTION: From left to right: John Aritho, GM Beverly Hills Hotel, Antony Larsen, GM uMhlanga Sands, Vaughn Bishop of Goby, Barend Olivier, GM Cabana Beach Resort and UIP precinct manager Dewet Geldenhuys.
The GOBY Environmental Project, symbolised by a 5 metre fish structure, launched in 2019 aims to address the issue of plastic waste on the KZN coastline, while educating children and families on the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling waste and removing plastic waste from our beaches.
Endorsed by UNICEF South Africa, FIFA Beach Soccer Worldwide Foundation, Hitachi Construction Machinery Southern Africa and the Durban Regeneration Project 2022, GOBY addresses the broader UN Global Sustainable Development Goals and facilitates priority sport development interventions for children, including the making of sports equipment from re-purposed plastic.
Recently the Goby Team engaged with learners from 49 Primary schools in the Umlazi, Isipingo and Umbumbulu Districts introducing Goby and the impact of plastic on our oceans and environment, with emphasis on solutions to plastic pollution plus safety protocols for COVID-19.
“I believe that play in every form is the right of every child. Safe and inclusive play and sports are tools for improving children’s lives. They contribute to health, child development and foster peace and tolerance. Above all educating families on the importance of reusing, reducing and recycling plastic waste is vital,” said Vaughn Bishop, Founder and Director of the GOBY initiative.
From the 8th January until mid-April, Goby has partnered with the uMhlanga UIP to create awareness around plastic waste management and get the public involved in being part of the solution. “uMhlanga UIP is committed to waste management and awareness, specifically around plastic waste on our beaches” says Dewet Geldenhuys the uMhlanga UIP Precinct Manager. “We encourage uMhlanga residents to ‘feed’ Goby with plastic when heading down to the beachfront – let’s be part of the change, not the problem”, says Geldenhuys.
