Between the Namibian and Mozambican borders, where the great desert meets the succulent Karoo, and where the Indian Ocean’s coastal vegetation creeps between countries, lies the southernmost coastline of Africa. Here, over 3,000 km of ocean thrashes against mountain cliffs, laps on sandy beaches and rocky shores, and meanders into the estuaries to meet towering coastal forests. Each stretch is home to an array of life, a rainbow nation of aquatic life.  

A growing feature of our coastline is plastic waste, a major threat to marine life. In 2020, South Africa generated 1,546 kilotonnesi of plastic waste. Of this, an astonishing 196 kt was left uncollected, while most of the rest found its way into landfills. Only 301 kt was recycled that year. These numbers alone reveal the deep issues that arise from our dependence on plastic, with only a small fraction being recycled (Figure 1). 

 

The plastic crisis does not go unacknowledged. Many organisations are at the forefront of promoting the reuse, repurposing, and reduction of plastic products. One such example is Plastics SA. Between 2024 and 2025, Plastics SA donated over 15 waterbags to Shark Spotters. These 20-litre bags, created as part of the Project Butterfly initiative with Dow in 2017, have become a valuable resource for our team. 

 

Our education team and Cape Baboon Partnership rangers now carry these waterbags which act as a reminder to refill reusable bottles instead of resorting to single-use plastics. For teams working in remote environments, these bags offer a sustainable alternative that actively reduces plastic waste while supporting hydration needs in the field. 

At Shark Spotters, we recognise the threat that plastic pollution poses to marine life, and we are deeply grateful for Plastics SA’s kind donation. For our ocean community to thrive, it is vital that organisations work together to protect it, and this is where Plastics SA’s determination stands firm. 

Written by: Jamila Janna