Capetonian teen commended for commitment to conservation

Posted by Tsoku Maela on 11 May 2023

South Africa has an abundance of youthful talent, teeming with astounding abilities. One Capetonian learner Athule Mazane (14) has shone particularly brightly and was cast as a presenter on the National Geographic pan-African children’s conservation programme Team Sayari. Recently, the Acting US Consul-General to Cape Town, Stacey Barrios, visited his school to not only commend the young man for being selected for the production, but also for the role he is playing in encouraging other youth to defend the planet.

‘Older generations have not always made the best decisions when it comes to looking after the planet,’ said Barrios. ‘So this collaboration by Disney, National Geographic and the US government through USAID is our way of sharing important lessons about our world and how to care for it with the next generation. We have faith that we can learn from our mistakes and continue the struggle to preserve and protect our Earth for future generations. Congratulations, and thank you to Athule for choosing to be an artist-activist, sharing his talent to educate and advocate for the environment,’ she added.

‘For over 130 years, National Geographic has been showcasing the wonder of the natural world and urging viewers to explore it further. Team Sayari embodies this mission, encouraging kids and families to learn more about the planet and become the next generation of conservationists,’ said Christine Service, General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa. ‘Athule is a bright and shining example of this, bringing his love for the environment to viewers across the continent.’

Athule is currently in the eighth grade at Star College Bridgetown. His hard work and ambition have led him to win academic awards in mathematics, English and life skills. In his free time, he enjoys gardening and football. Wildlife fascinates him, and he loves learning about various species.

Led by the programme’s goal to inspire meaningful, impactful behavioural change in young viewers across the continent and create the next generation of environmental conservation leaders, Team Sayari takes children on adventurous journeys, in which the wonders of the natural world, and the need to live more lightly on the planet, are revealed. Viewers enjoy fascinating journeys through wild spaces such as mountains, forests and nature reserves, and encounters with wild animals from elephants to bees, from sharks to snakes, and everything in between. The second part of the first series of Team Sayari will premiere on Disney Channel (DStv 303) on Monday 29 May at 4pm (CAT).

An outreach programme, led by WildlifeDirect is currently extending the reach of the series to schools in East Africa. Dubbing is currently underway so that children in Rwanda and Tanzania will be able to watch it in Kinyarwanda and Kiswahili later this year.

Additionally, the Team Sayari web-based app is now available for youth to continue their conservation journey and learn more about the various topics covered in the show. Educational games, fun activities and interactive rewards-based learning devices are sure to keep children enthralled. Visit the Team Sayari app here.

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