Coming Together for a Cleaner Kafue: Over 180kg of Plastic Removed in Zambia
- James Clark
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
On Thursday, 28 August 2025, the banks of the Kafue River were the site of Zambia’s contribution to the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Plastics Campaign. Organised by the Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia, the day of action included help from Kafue townspeople, Zambian athletes, and teachers and students from a local school.
By the end of the day, more than 180 kilograms of plastic had been cleared from the riverbank, roughly 3,000 pieces.
Speaking at the event, Secretary General of the Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia, Boniface Kambikambi, reflected on the symbolism of the Baton:
“As we celebrate the Baton, we also want to show our commitment to a better future through this plastic clean-up activity. Keeping the environment clean is part of sustainability and helps protect communities, wildlife, and the next generation.”
Whiscals Kasimu, representing the District Education Board of Kafue, highlighted the deeper meaning of the Games:
“The Commonwealth Games is more than a sporting event; it is a celebration of diversity, friendship, and solidarity. Sport is a platform that provides opportunities for our learners and athletes to showcase their talent and inspire others.”
This was echoed by British Council Country Manager, Ackim Banda, who praised the collaboration:
“Such initiatives create a lasting impact and play an important role in shaping a cleaner and healthier future for communities.”
Local head teacher representative, Charity Kasele, underlined the importance of keeping plastics out of the river system, stressing how collective action can make a real difference.
The clean-up carried added significance because of the vital role the Kafue River plays in the life of Zambia. Stretching 1,576 kilometres, it is the country’s longest river lying wholly within its borders. As the largest tributary of the Zambezi, the Kafue is central to both the environment and the economy: it powers hydroelectric stations, irrigates farmland, and supports more than half of Zambia’s population, who live within its basin.
ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN
The Royal Commonwealth Society’s Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign will prevent one million pieces of plastic from entering Commonwealth waterways.
The campaign will combine education and local action to encourage people to reduce their plastic waste, highlight alternatives, and reduce pollution across the Commonwealth.
For the action component of the campaign, the Royal Commonwealth Society has partnered with Commonwealth Sport to deliver the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign as a core component of The King’s Baton Relay. This newly envisioned King’s Baton Relay will focus on sustainability and environmentalism and was launched by His Majesty The King at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day 2025, beginning a 500-day journey to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July 2026.
Journeying through every Commonwealth nation and territory, this partnership will bring together young people, athletes, conservation groups, and the local community for a week of activities, including a plastic clean-up.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.