Charities have long been the backbone of South Africa, playing a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering positive change. Amid numerous challenges, the efforts of dedicated organisations often ignite hope, drive progress, and promote sustainability.

The GOBY Foundation is one such grassroots initiative making significant waves—both figuratively and literally—toward a healthier and more sustainable environment.

One of the most pressing issues of our time is the overwhelming presence of plastic in our oceans. The numbers are staggering and deeply concerning: by 2025, the amount of plastic in the ocean is set to increase tenfold, and by 2050, we might see more plastic in the sea than fish. This is not just a problem for marine life; it’s a threat to ecosystems, food chains, and even human health. With plastic pollution found as deep as 11 kilometres underwater, it’s clear that no corner of the Earth remains untouched by this synthetic plague.

This is where the principle of reducing, reusing, and recycling becomes more critical than ever. By embracing these practices, we can start to reverse some of the damage done to our planet. It’s not just about managing waste—it’s about rethinking our approach to consumption and sustainability. It’s about educating the next generation to be stewards of the environment, ensuring that the legacy we leave behind is one of regeneration, not destruction.

Enter the GOBY Foundation, a non-profit organization with a mission as big as the 5-meter fish structure that symbolises its cause.

This initiative is not just about picking up litter—it’s about inspiring a generation to care for their environment. Partnering with the Department of Basic Education, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, and Hitachi Construction Machinery Southern Africa, the GOBY Foundation aims to meet the United Nations Global Sustainable Development Goals. These goals include creating opportunities for children to play, all while learning about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic waste.

But the GOBY initiative goes beyond traditional environmental education by incorporating ‘Purposeful Play.’ This innovative approach uses sport as a medium to teach children about sustainability and social responsibility.