The environment has always been a foundational part of my life, shaped profoundly by parents who devoted their lives to conserving and protecting our planet. In 2024, I completed my Master's degree in Climate Science and Sustainable Development, determined to bring the critical issue of waste management to the forefront. My mission is to elevate awareness, foster understanding, and share practical solutions to address one of our most pressing yet often overlooked problems—how we handle our rubbish.

My journey into action began with an impactful collaboration at AfrikaBurn 2024, where I was involved with a vibrant camp known as 8doc (The Eighth Day of Creation). This experience inspired me deeply, igniting my desire to spearhead a project integrating waste management, community development, upcycling, and awareness-building. It became clear that I wanted to blend my academic knowledge with tangible actions.

The vision was to build an art piece entirely from recycled and reclaimed materials sourced primarily through community-driven cleanups. This piece would complement the existing 8doc mother sculpture—a magnificent wooden structure depicting a woman in a birthing position, symbolizing creation.

On March 28th, 2025, just a month before AfrikaBurn, we conducted our first of two cleanup and art-build sessions in Gugulethu at an old agricultural training facility. Over 1,000 plastic bottles were collected and transformed into what became the ‘ Cosmic Jelly’. The cleanup involved participation from a youth group mentored by Masitemba, whom I met through my Master's research. Masitemba generously dedicates his time and resources to teaching these youths valuable skills like organic gardening, composting, and hydroponics, empowering them to envision and build a brighter future.

Each cleanup session began with an educational briefing, detailing the types of waste collected, how to properly sort and prepare it for upcycling, particularly for creating the jellyfish tentacles. Situated in the heart of Gugulethu, these cleanups directly addressed the pervasive litter issue facing many impoverished communities in South Africa, demonstrating the power of localized, community-driven solutions.

In collaboration with artist Reece Brice, the jellyfish head was brought to life. I stumbled upon his work at Bazique, a music & art festival, and was mesmerized at first site. Plastic bottles had been shaped and formed into an illuminated mushroom garden. I was instantly hooked, and I knew that I wanted to get in touch with him. Reece immediately resonated with the project vision, and our collaboration brought the jellyfish head to life, using over 600 individually molded plastic bottles mounted on a frame crafted from reclaimed plastic crates.

Thanks to the immense physical and emotional support from countless dedicated individuals, the Cosmic Jelly became a reality, embodying the spirit of the Burning Man community’s saying—"The playa provides." While not everything unfolded exactly as planned, each challenge offered invaluable lessons, significantly enriching my personal growth and underscoring the boundless possibilities of collective effort.

As I reflect on this journey, my gratitude for everyone who contributed is immense. This website not only chronicles our ongoing story but also invites collaboration and collective action. Together, let's continue fostering awareness, promoting sustainability, and building a healthier planet, one project at a time.

Thank you for being part of our story. Let's grow this circle of impact together. <3