Minister of Women Youth and People with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga
By Daniel Kim
Manager of ASEZ
Global Forum for the “Zero Plastic 2040” Campaign Held in Pretoria, with 180 experts and Students in Attendance.
Plastic Pollution Clean-up Conducted at Apies River.
University students, who represent the future generation, have stepped forward to raise awareness of plastic pollution one of the leading causes of environmental degradation.
ASEZ, the university student volunteer group of the World Mission Society Church of God (General Pastor Joo-Cheol Kim), held a global forum for the “Zero Plastic 2040” campaign on 27th in Tshwane, Gauteng Province.
Some of the ASEZ members
This took place just a week after a river clean-up activity was conducted at the Apies River to combat plastic pollution.
Around 12 p.m., the Church of God in Pretoria was bustling with more than 180 participants, including students and professionals from various fields.
Dignitaries included Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga, the Honorable Minister in presidency of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities; Shaun Wilkinson, Gert Visser City Councilors from City of Tshwane; Nolwazi Nombona, Professor: Faculty of Natural Science at University of Pretoria; Sabah Solaka, Diplomat, Embassy of Iraq in South Africa; and Mia Slabbert, Journalist, Content Creator, Co-Founder of C3 Creative Solutions.
Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga, the Honorable Minister in presidency of WYPD, shared her thoughts, saying, “What ASEZ is doing is to actually make, build and create young people who love their country and to take responsibility of some of the things that are happening in their countries.”
Professor Nolwazi Nombona of the University of Pretoria with ASEZ members
She remarked, “ASEZ is actually saying over and above the subject that they are being taught at the university you are still having a responsibility as a young person to your country to intervene on issues that may necessarily not be part of your curriculum.” and added, “I think it’s a message that should go out to all our people.
We will assist them.”
She commended the students’ active involvement in environmental protection and encouraged them to continue their meaningful efforts for a better future.
This was followed by a presentation from Nokulunga Khuzwayo and Natasha Nkadimeng, members of ASEZ.
The presenter explained, “Microplastics are accumulating in groundwater, oceans, and soil, becoming part of the food chain. Furthermore, carbon emissions occur throughout the entire life cycle of plastics—from production and use to disposal.
This poses a harmful threat to all living beings, including humanity.”
As a university student, the presenter stressed the importance of raising awareness about plastic pollution and called for stronger policymaking by relevant institutions and greater civic participation.
City Councilor Shaun Wilkinson said, “I have been working with ASEZ for at least 10 years in the city of Tshwane.
They lead by example so they show people what can be done with the right level of enthusiasm, care, energy, spirit and community involvement.” and added,
“Anybody who cares about the planet must get involved with your movement.”
On the 20th, ASEZ also carried out a clean-up activity to protect the Apies River from plastic waste.
Around 70 people, including members, their families, and alumni, participated and collected 200 kg of litter in the surrounding area to prevent it from reaching the ocean.
Taehyung Kim, an ASEZ member who visited from the Republic of Korea to implement the “Zero Plastic 2040” campaign, said with delight, “The riverside, which had been suffering from illegal dumping, has now become much cleaner.”
Noloyiso Mbiza, a scientist from the Department of Water and Sanitation, encouraged the volunteers, saying, “The movement that you are driving now we fully support and we will be a part of it whenever we are available. Thank you very much.”
ASEZ is conducting the “Zero Plastic 2040” campaign in various countries including the United Kingdom, the United States, Argentina, Panama, Korea, and India to raise awareness of plastic pollution—a global environmental issue.
The campaign includes forums and seminars for awareness, as well as practical initiatives such as clean-up efforts and street campaigns.
The international community believes that if significant action is taken globally, plastic pollution can be nearly eliminated by 2040.
ASEZ is composed of university students who are members of the Church of God. The name ASEZ stands for “Save the Earth from A to Z.”
The group is active in crime prevention, climate change response, community service, and disaster relief.
It also contributes to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In South Africa, ASEZ has contributed to ecosystem preservation by planting trees and removing invasive species in Klapperkop Nature Reserve in Tshwane and Golden Harvest Park in Johannesburg.
In recognition of these efforts, the Mayor of Tshwane, City Councillors and local government officials in Emfuleni have presented ASEZ with certificates of appreciation.
Globally, ASEZ has received nearly 500 awards including the UNCCD Executive Secretary’s Award, the Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award (USA), the Green Apple Award and Green World Award, and commendations from the President of the Peruvian Congress.