Making Africa great sustainably and responsibly involves looking at the vital role of ocean conservation and climate change. Practical initiatives, like the beach cleanup led by the Hotlane Organisation on July 6, 2024, at Sunset Beach, exemplify this effort. The COVID-19 era in 2020 sparked ideas for change within the founder of the Hotlane Organisation, resulting in steady progress toward this vision.
“During covid 19, the ozone layers were- fresh, and the oceans became clean, and the animals could breathe without us disturbing them, it was just perfect, so I needed that,” says Khotso Mogotlane.
Approximately 80% of plastic introduced to the ocean environment has originated from land – based sources through wind and water from larger coastal cities. Poor waste management and waste management structures are increasing the degradation of coastal marine ecosystems.
Nonetheless, a hero in gloves and green plastic bags for waste removal came in the form of Khotso, the founder of the non-profit organisation, Hotlane Organisation. “I have always been part of sustainability, I just did not know how to formalise it”, says Khotso Mogotlane.
Khotso Mogotlane – Founder of the Hotlane Organisation
The organisation has been involved in climate change initiatives focusing on ocean conservation since 2021, the year of its establishment. The aim of the organisation is to make Africa great sustainably and responsibly. Khotso’s vision, which began from a young age, learning about recycling and sustainability from his grandparents, is to grow the impact of this cause on a global scale. Though their beginnings may seem humble, the organisation is actively working towards this vision, one initiative at a time.
On the 6th of July 2024, the beach cleanup at Sunset Beach in Milnerton included collecting waste that accumulated on the beach. Numerous locals joined to support the initiative and share in the similar goal of sustainability.
When asked why they were spending their Saturday morning in this way, one of the participants, Nkululeko, shared “it is the small things that make a bigger difference. Also, it sends out a message, it raises awareness “
The collective efforts of the participants, despite having various 8-5 working jobs, were connected by a similar goal and purpose: saving Africa, saving the ocean, and helping make a change.
Despite the challenges of finding funding and resources to accommodate the vision of the organisation, they continue to formalise it and bring it to life. They are driven by the desire to make sustainability a lifestyle.
Through events like the beach cleanup, it fosters a collaboration between like minded people both locally and internationally, to tackle the issues of plastic waste within the ocean environment. The steady results of the cleanup include preventing marine life from getting entangled or ingesting debris which can be toxic or suffocating. This also protects human beings as polluted beaches contaminate water and seafood.
By one small action but a few individuals, a small but significant change will occur through their actions. One participant shared “if you don’t think about it, you won’t know”. Hence, because they began to think about the environment and the need for change, they knew to put into action in order to see that change – for the sake of ocean conservation and Africa at large.
At heart, Khotso envisions a society in which the youth can be more involved in environmental conservation, collectively contributing towards sustainability for all mankind. With emphasis on the need to get involved and spread the word, he continues to engage and attract as many volunteers and supporters as possible. He encourages, “You’re giving back, stop taking, taking, taking. Give back”.
To find out more and get involved, check them out on social @hotlane_organisation.
