On July 27, 2025, to raise awareness about plastic pollution, the main culprit of environmental destruction, students from the University of Pretoria and Tshwane University of Technology organized the “Zero Plastic 2040” Youth Forum at the Church of God in Pretoria. The event came just one week after ASEZ conducted a “Plastic Pollution River Cleanup” at the Apies River.
Around 12 p.m., the Church of God in Pretoria, where the forum was held, was filled with over 180 participants, including experts and university students. Distinguished attendees included Sindisiwe Chikunga, Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities; Shaun Wilkinson and Gert Visser, Tshwane City Councilors; Professor Nolwazi Nomboan of the University of Pretoria; Sabah Solaka, diplomat of the Iraqi Embassy in South Africa; and Mia Slabbert, founder of the media company C3 Creative Solutions.
Before the official program, the side event hall was bustling with panel exhibitions and participants signing online pledges of support. After learning about the Zero Plastic 2040 campaign, attendees resonated with the issue of plastic pollution in daily life, and about 110 people signed the online pledge.
Part One included an ASEZ performance and introduction video, a keynote speech, and the Zero Plastic 2040 pledge ceremony. In her keynote, Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga emphasized:
“ASEZ involves young people and helps them recognize the challenges faced by our nation and the world. They are working for future generations, for South Africa, and for the whole world. I want to thank and congratulate ASEZ because they turn issues that could remain as policies or laws into real action. I will support ASEZ so that more young people can join this important movement.”
Echoing her support, Councilors Shaun Wilkinson and Gert Visser, Professor Nolwazi Nomboan, and media company founder Mia Slabbert also signed the Zero Plastic 2040 pledge, expressing encouragement for ASEZ’s efforts.
Part Two consisted of the Zero Plastic 2040 presentation, a UNEP lecture video, expert speeches, endorsement speeches, a campaign video, and the reading of the resolution.
In their presentation, ASEZ members Nokulunga Khuzwayo and Natasha Nkadimeng stated:
“Carbon is emitted throughout the entire process of plastic production, usage, and disposal. It has harmful effects on all living beings, including humanity.”
They stressed that as university students, they must raise awareness about the seriousness of plastic pollution so that institutions can develop policies and more citizens can participate in solving the issue.
Following this, Professor Nolwazi Nomboan of the University of Pretoria delivered a lecture on “The Role of Chemistry in Preventing Environmental Pollution.” She said, “Plastic pollution will ultimately be a problem that chemists must solve. Zero Plastic 2040 begins with us. Let us reduce, reuse, and reconsider plastic use. Let us work persistently and actively.” She encouraged university students to take part in protecting the environment and expressed hope for their bright future.
Councilor Shaun Wilkinson also gave an endorsement speech, saying:
“As a councilor of Tshwane, I have worked with ASEZ for more than 10 years. They always set an example. Not only young people but all who care about the earth should join ASEZ’s efforts. This is the way to save our planet.”
Thato Lekwadu, an ASEZ member who joined the event with friends, declared:
“We university students hold the future of the earth. If we act responsibly, we can achieve Zero Plastic by 2040—or even sooner.”
Just a week earlier, on July 20, ASEZ had carried out a cleanup activity to protect the Apies River from plastic waste. Around 70 members, along with their families and peers, collected 200 kilograms of trash, including plastic, preventing it from flowing into the sea. Scientist Noloyiso Mbiza, South Africa’s National Coordinator for Rivers, Citizens, and Science in the Department of Water and Sanitation, who was present on-site, remarked:
“We wholeheartedly support the campaign you are leading and will join whenever possible. Thank you sincerely.”
ASEZ is carrying out the Zero Plastic 2040 campaign worldwide to raise awareness of the global plastic issue. Through forums, seminars, cleanup efforts, and street campaigns, they are conducting both awareness and practical activities. Much attention is being drawn to ASEZ’s ongoing steps to end plastic pollution.