Lesotho helping from source to river mouth in the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign
- William Bolton
- Oct 5
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
In a display of community spirit and environmental responsibility, volunteers in Lesotho gathered along the banks of the Mohokare (Caledon) River for a major clean-up event held as part of the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign on the 6 October 2025. The initiative brought local organisations, youth groups, sports representatives, and environmental advocates together in a collective effort to tackle plastic pollution and preserve one of the country’s most vital waterways.
The clean-up was led by ReNOKA, a national programme of Lesotho dedicated to restoring and protecting the country’s land and water resources. With invaluable support from the Commonwealth Games Association of Lesotho, the event emphasised the integral link between environmental stewardship and the values of teamwork, leadership, and community championed by sport. Additional local partners joined the effort, contributing volunteers, including Lesia Primary School and the British High Commissioner, Her Excellency Mrs Martine Sobey.
The Mohokare River, also known as the Caledon River in English, is one of the largest and most important rivers in Lesotho. A a key tributary of the Orange River, which flowers through Lesotho, South Africa and Namibia, it is a lifeline for communities, ecosystems, and livelihoods throughout its drainage basin. However, like many waterways across the Commonwealth, it faces increasing pressure from plastic waste and human activity.
Volunteers spent the day clearing plastics, bottles, packaging, and other debris washed up along the riverbank. Enough bags were collected to fill 2 trucks, which were provided by Maseru City Council.
Rivers are a key part of ocean plastic pollution, with an estimated 1.15 to 2.41 million tonnes of plastic flowing into the ocean from rivers each year[1]. This means that even land-locked countries, such as Lesotho, have a part to play in the issue of ocean plastic. We all share the same ocean, and it is our collective responsibility for keeping our oceans clean and protected for future generations.
A highlight of the event was the strong involvement of young people, including local students and sports teams mobilised by the Commonwealth Games Association, including Moroke Mokhotho, a Sotho Olympic boxer. Their commitment and enthusiasm illustrated the critical role youth play in addressing environmental challenges and shaping a sustainable future for Lesotho. Many of the students in attendance had already taken part in ReNOKA’s previous campaign, focused on plastic pollution from the source to the mouth of the Orange River, which educated about the impact of plastics on freshwater ecosystems, how waste travels downstream into the ocean, and what communities can do to reduce pollution at the source.
Renoka is an active citizen movement that aims to engage, unify and inspire all communities living and working within the Orange-Senqu River Basin to act together to protect and restore land and water for the shared prosperity of the basin and its people. It is driven by the Government of Lesotho, with support from the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation (BMZ).
During the week in Lesotho, the King’s Baton also had a royal reception, as it was presented to His Majesty King Letsie III and Queen Masenate by Her Excellency the British High Commissioner, Mrs Martine Sobey. The event was attended by the Minister of Tourism, Sport, Arts and Culture, Hon. Motlatsi Maqelepo, IOC Member Matlohang Moiloa-Ramaqopo, Commonwealth Games Association President Mr Letsatsi Ntsibolane, Commonwealth gold medallist Mr Thabiso Mokhali, Commonwealth Points of Light Award recipient Mr Litsitso Motseremeli, and Chef de Mission to Glasgow 2026, Ms Mamotsabi Lekhabunyane.
The clean-up along the Mohokare River demonstrated what is possible when communities join forces with purpose and pride. While plastic pollution remains an ongoing challenge, events like this help shift the tide by inspiring new habits, building awareness, and strengthening community-led conservation across Lesotho, ensuring rivers and wetlands remain healthy for generations to come. As part of the wider Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign, Lesotho’s efforts highlight how everyone must come together on the issue of plastic pollution, as rivers connect across borders, and a clean environment is our shared responsibility.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.
