Southern Africa Environment Page
A service of the Southern Africa Environment Project
On Saturday 7th October 2001, about 60 students from Sinethemba Secondary School, members of the SAEP women's group, and other members of the Philippi community, together with SAEP staff, visited the West Coast National Park. The park is 20 000 ha and is one of only two marine national parks along the South African coast. It is home to significant populations of the world breeding populations of the great crested grebe and the black oystercatcher, and contains the Langebaan Lagoon which represents almost half of South Africa's salt marshes. For these reasons the park is important in international, as well as South African, conservation.
Entrance sign to the National Park
At the park we were met by our guide, Edward, who took us for a walk to some sand dunes. Edward told us a little about the history of the area in relation to changes in sea-level and climate changes, and he showed us pictures of some of the animals, including the three-toed horse, that would have lived in the area in prehistoric times. We were encouraged to slide down the largest dune and listen for the deep noise caused by electrostatic interactions between sand particles of the same size.
Boys enjoying the day out.
From the dunes we drove down to the seashore where the students spent time working in groups. They identified local birds and plants and completed a worksheet about the area. Kelp gulls, black oystercatchers and hartlaub's gulls and were all spotted.
Boyce Papu talking to the students.
The students working in groups identifying local flora and fauna.
Students completing a worksheet about the area.
Identifying one of the birds seen.
Then we ate food prepared and cooked by some of the students and Belemane Semoli, an SAEP Fellow, followed by a final group photo, before driving back to Cape Town.
Belemane cooking.
The whole group at the end of the day.
Student Feedback.
This visit showed us why it is necessary to preserve and love nature. We were among people we understand and know well, which allowed us both the freedom to be ourselves and the opportunity to think about our futures. Combining this kind environmental educational experience with a sense of self-fulfillment is when you realise indeed that nature is precious.
"I learnt that there are different kinds of birds living by the sea." (Sandiso Phaliso.)
"We walked in sand dunes and Edward, our guide, told us that long ago several different kinds of animal lived there that don't live there any more. We identified a black white and grey hartlaub's gull." (Portia Stonga, Portia Ntlabathi, Nwabisa Bebeza, Nontombi Mnyakama, Thembela, Nonkuselo.)
I learnt about plants; it was a fun and educational excursion for me. (Luyanda Bolisi.)
"Now I know that birds, like us, deserve clean areas, and I have learnt to share friendship with new people in the group." (Thandikhaya Sbonda.)
Conclusion.
The outing was important and successful in two ways: firstly it was an opportunity for the High School students from Philippi to see more of their country; and secondly it was educational - our guide explained a little about the history of the area, and the students completed a worksheet and also spent time identifying local flora and fauna.
Click here for details of ongoing wetland cleanup project in Philippi.