Empowering Rural Communities
Champions of the Environment Foundation (Champions) is effective in rural areas working with traditional leaders (Chiefs) and Headmen who are able to bring immediate relief to the community. Assisting people who are often last in the supply chain to receive goods and services. To date we have brought assistance to approximately 31 institutions including clinics, hospitals, and centres of care in the Eastern Cape. As the schools reopen in the winter months and the restrictions are eased, social distancing, hygiene and nutrition takes on a new importance not only to the vulnerable but learners, teachers, and all admin staff.
Investing in Tomorrow
Champions is actively involved in distributing food parcels and PPE in addition to raising funds on a continuous basis. However, this practice is unsustainable post COVID-19. Our mandate is to create capacity for sustainable food, water, and energy security, especially in under-resourced provinces. Due to the extreme need for food security, vulnerable areas in Gauteng have been added to the list. The initial area of emphasis is partnering and training youth activists in permaculture and plant propagation. We are confident that in the medium-term this strategy will advance constructive behaviour towards the health and nutrition of local communities. Especially women and children.
Our Aim
Considering the importance of food security in South Africa, it is a priority to raise the populations levels of nutrition.
Outcome
Champions believes that appreciation of nature often starts when people have a chance to see things grow.
Impact
Emphasis is on people as the key role players, reducing poverty, transferring skills, and environmental education.
Communities
Creating a sustainable impact on the most vulnerable people in South Africa i.e. single mothers with children.
Our Story
Champions of the Environment Foundation (Champions) was formed in 2008 to address South Africa’s need for an all-inclusive, apolitical body driving ethics, justice, and transformation. Our aim is to involve stakeholders from each sector of society to support and protect all living things for the benefit of the whole community and future generations.
Steered by executives who work towards building stakeholder trust and confidence, bespoke projects advance the National Development Plan (NDP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Partnerships include Department of Environmental Forests and Fisheries (DEFF), Department of Arts and Culture (DAC), National Lotteries Commission (NLC), individual Traditional Leaders and international foundations.
Our Background
A long and rich history of researching and designing complex projects focusing on:
- Establishing ecologically sustainable communities by implementing effective systems of governance
- Creating employment opportunities in the field of conservation, land rehabilitation, and protecting the natural environment.
- Promoting public awareness and respect for South Africa’s diverse and rich cultural, religious, and natural heritage.
- Preserving and protecting the environment to ensure the sustainable development for current and future generations.
- Recognising the balance between the environmental, economic, and social components for sustainable living with an emphasis on food, water and energy security.
“When we invest in the youth, education and the environment we are guaranteed that our returns will be celebrated in a world that we can all be proud of tomorrow” – Terry Pheto
Meet the Team
Bantu Holomisa
Parliamentarian, proud architect of the Foundation and Non-Executive Chairperson
Thandi Nontenja
Appointed to the board of Champions of the Environment Foundation in 2016
Stella Helwick
Over 25 years of experience in marketing and new business development
What We Do
Champions of the Environment Foundation raise and disburse funds promoting socioeconomic transformation and the Green Economy
Assisting Change
Build sustainable communities with effective governance for conservation, rehabilitation, and protecting the natural environment.
Promoting Awareness
Foster awareness and respect for South Africa's diverse heritage through education and skills development.
Encouraging Conservation
Preserving and protecting the environment to ensure the sustainable development for current and future generations.
Completed Projects
Why Sustainable Development Matters
Our Blog
A Human Rights Outrage
In the heart of the COVID-19 crisis, the stark reality persists that access to water remains a distant dream for the most vulnerable communities in South Africa. As a representative of the Champions of the Environment Foundation and the United