Since November 2023, The Litterboom Project (TLP) has proudly partnered with Corona and Oceanic Global, who sponsor eight River Wardens working across four key sites on Cape Town’s Black and Lotus Rivers. This support forms the backbone of our daily interception efforts and underpins much of the progress we’ve made in tackling plastic pollution at source. 

 

Tangible Impact Through Daily Interception 

Our river teams have been working relentlessly to intercept waste before it reaches the ocean, collecting a total of 170, 319 kgs from the Lotus and Black Rivers from Oct 2023 - May 2025. In addition, another 142,155 kgs was cleared through supplementary clean-ups, including coastal and targeted strike efforts. 

 

Improving Systems for Long-Term Impact 

Reclaimers remain vital to our environmental recovery strategy. Cape Town’s context poses unique challenges compared to our work in Durban, but we’ve made strong progress: by March, we’d reached 80% of our monthly reclaimer collection goal. April saw a new group of reclaimers onboarded, supported by improved local systems and partnerships tailored to Cape Town’s needs. 

More than just meeting goals, we’re focused on building something meaningful with the community. 

 

The Innovation Hub: Circular Solutions in Action 

In February, we celebrated the launch of the Cape Town Innovation Hub at Rondebosch Golf Club, right beside the Black River. Housed in a converted shipping container, the hub now operates as both a production space and sorting facility. 

Plastic recovered by our River teams is cleaned, separated, and either sent for recycling or repurposed into functional products like plant support stakes, coasters, combs, spin tops, and hooks—all made locally from environmental waste. 

Even more exciting, our e-commerce site has launched purchase these upcycled goods and directly contribute to our impact. Visit our online store www.tlpshop.co.za 

 

Wastepreneur Programme: Building Skills for the Future 

Launched in January 2025, our Wastepreneur Programme is creating pathways for local entrepreneurship in the circular economy. Our first Cape Town trainees, Fabian Lebron and Nathan Rooi, have made strong progress through a curriculum blending personal development with hands-on experience. 

Their training covers: 

• Personal branding, teamwork, and communication 

• Plastic sorting, shredding, and injection moulding 

• Community involvement through clean-ups and audits 

• Introductory digital literacy using Microsoft Office tools 

They’re learning through action—spending time across collection, production, and theory—preparing for future opportunities in the waste economy. 

 

A Story of Transformation: Meet Marco 

Every phase of this project is powered by people like Marco Kemp. Before joining TLP as a River Warden, Marco had been unemployed for six months, struggling to support his family of eight, including his mother who is wheelchair-bound. 

Through TLP, Marco has developed skills in recycling, waste management, and pollution prevention. Access to a work phone has improved his efficiency and confidence. But more importantly, the stability of the role has brought dignity, purpose, and a renewed sense of hope to his life. 

For Marco, this isn’t just a job—it’s a way to protect his environment and uplift his community. 

 

Looking Ahead 

From river interception to circular innovation, and from community training to personal growth, this phase of our Cape Town journey shows the power of shared vision and hands-on collaboration. 

With the support of Corona and Oceanic Global, we’ve turned plastic pollution into a platform for transformation—and we’re only just beginning. 

 

We’re grateful for your continued investment in our mission, and we look forward to building on this momentum together.