By: Tina Shabalala

Democratic Alliance (DA) supporters will gather their clean-up gear for the annual International Coastal Beach Clean-up in Isimangaliso Wetland Park beach, northern Kwa-
Zulu Natal.

The International Coastal Beach Clean-up is celebrating their 30th anniversary this year.

On September 19th, people from all over the world come together to help fight marine debris.

DA activist, Annacletah Mabika said, “The main reason is to clean and protect the marine turtles and any other animal in the environment.

We urge everyone to join the International Coastal Beach Clean-up in their area to keep our beaches clean, and researching possible things we find on the surface of the sea,” said
Mabika.

The whole purpose of the International Coastal Beach Clean-up is to protect beaches and educate, involving the community and encouraging young children from the surrounding

areas and educating them about the importance of preserving the beaches and animals – not only for today but for the future.

However, some of the St Lucia residents are not as optimistic about political parties participating as this could be a tool for publicity.

A resident of St Lucia, Phindile Gumede, believes otherwise about political parties participating in the beach clean-up.

“This is not a platform for political parties but it the coming together of people with a common goal to help save our beaches,” said Gumede.

Despite the negative opinions of some residents, other are surly looking forward to the beach clean-up.

Information coordinating officer of Isimangaliso Wetland Park, Thandi Shabalala, said that Isimangaliso welcomes everybody to join the clean-up.

“I believe everyone should be participating in this, whether it’s major companies, private businesses or anyone. At the end of the day it’s a problem that will affect all of us,” said
Thandi.

The DA is hoping for a large turnout for the clean-up and a successful day.

They are planning to participate annually.