ASEZ Signs an MOU With Tshwane Municipality

On August 21, ASEZ (Church of God University Student Volunteer Group) signed a Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] with the Tshwane Municipality in the Republic of South Africa. City officials closely observed ASEZ’s environmental efforts in various parts of South Africa, including Pretoria [Tshwane], and signed an MOU with ASEZ to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs].

About 70 people, including 40 ASEZ members, a Member of Mayoral Committee [MMC] Kingsley Wakelin, Speaker of Tshwane Council Mncedi Ndzwanana, City Councilor Shaun Wilkinson, City Councilor Leanne De Jager, and City Councilor Katlego Makgaleng, attended the signing ceremony held at the Tshwane City Council.

ASEZ members in South Africa have been carrying out various volunteer activities over the past five years, including cleanups, the ASEZ Blue Carbon [ABC] movement, and removing invasive species in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, and Pretoria. In April 2021, ASEZ visited University of Cape Town, where 11 buildings were damaged due to the Table Mountain fire that lasted for four days, and contributed to the library restoration efforts. Additionally, ASEZ held character education for students at the Seroto Masetlha Primary School to prevent crime.

Kingsley Wakelin, who attended the MOU signing ceremony on behalf of Mayor of Tshwane Cilliers Brink, encouraged ASEZ through his speech, saying, “You’ve brought about tangible changes in our city, demonstrating active civic engagement. I’m pleased that Tshwane and ASEZ who cooperate with many countries and organizations around the world, have joined hands,” as he signed the agreement for achieving the SDGs.

On this day, ASEZ members received standing ovations for presenting their activities through a presentation, showcasing the vision and capabilities of university students. City officials at the signing ceremony praised ASEZ for taking the lead in environmental protection globally and expressed unanimous support and encouragement. City Councilor Shaun Wilkinson, said, “I hope this MOU will serve as an impetus for public engagement in ASEZ’s remarkable environmental activities.”

ASEZ plans to continue its active initiatives throughout South Africa, collaborating with local authorities for the ABC Movement, cleanup at the World Rowing Masters Regatta 2023, and the RCT School (crime-free school), a character education for youth to prevent crime.