The Two Oceans Aquarium is set to kick off 2025 with renewed energy and purpose at its first event of the year.
The Trash Bash initiative has become a cornerstone of the Aquarium's efforts to combat marine pollution, drawing community members together to clean up Cape Town’s beaches and protect marine life.
Since its inception, the Trash Bash has significantly impacted reducing plastic pollution along the coastline. In 2024 alone, the initiative saw thousands of kilograms of plastic and other waste removed from beaches, thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers.
This collective action not only beautifies the local environment but also plays a crucial role in safeguarding marine species, which are increasingly threatened by the proliferation of plastic waste.
The Two Oceans Aquarium’s commitment to marine conservation extends beyond clean-up events. Their Turtle Conservation Centre has been at the forefront of rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles affected by plastic ingestion.
In 2024, the centre received 606 turtle hatchlings, many of which showed signs of ingesting plastic debris.
This alarming trend underscores the importance of preventative measures like the Trash Bash event, which aim to reduce the volume of plastic reaching the ocean in the first place.
Devon Bowen, marketing manager at the Two Oceans Aquarium, reflected on the initiative's success and future aspirations.
He said: “The Two Oceans Aquarium is proud of what the Trash Bash team achieved with Capetonians’ support throughout 2024.”
“We are excited for the year ahead as we are reinstating Trash Bash events on the third Saturday of each month. We encourage all Capetonians to join us and make 2025 the best Trash Bash year yet!”
The Aquarium’s efforts are not confined to clean-up activities alone. Plans are also underway to establish a standalone turtle hospital as part of the Granger Bay development, further enhancing the facility's capacity to care for marine life.
Talitha Noble-Trull, the turtle conservation centre manager, highlighted the importance of these combined efforts: “The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation is thrilled to be planning for a bigger facility soon to help support the rehabilitation work that the Turtle Conservation Centre is doing.”
“However, while we wait for the doors to open, much work can be done to ensure that the oceans are safer for turtles, circumventing the necessity of rescue and rehabilitation. This is where education and beach clean-ups like Trash Bash work hand-in-hand with protecting our turtles.”
For those keen to contribute to this cause, the first Trash Bash of 2025 offers an excellent opportunity to get involved.
What to bring: Weather-appropriate clothing, a bucket for trash collection, water in a reusable bottle and reusable gloves.
Where: Sunset Beach.
When: Saturday, January 18, from 9am.
Entry: Free.
Alan Committie’s “Comedy Gold”
If you know Alan Committie, you know he’s the guy who loves to kick off the year with a show that leaves everyone in stitches.
Last year, he had Mzansi cracking up with his “Fast and (Reasonably) Furious” show.
Now, Committie is back, bringing the laughs home with his latest stand-up special, “Comedy Gold,” at Theatre on the Bay. After the year we’ve all had, a good LOL is just what the doctor ordered, right?
In “Comedy Gold,” Committie’s serving up his signature take on all the hilarious quirks of modern life. From elections and dodgy decisions to Airbnb fails and those buzzing neighbourhood WhatsApp groups, nothing’s off-limits.
And you can bet he’ll throw in some Olympic shenanigans and dietician dilemmas too. With his usual mix of witty wordplay, physical comedy and those unexpected twists, Committie is sure to have you rolling in the aisles.
Where: The Theatre On The Bay in Camps Bay.
When: Runs until January 31.
Cost: Tickets range between R220 to R280 and be purchased through Webtickets.
Calabash South Africa 2023
Green Day is making their long-awaited debut at Calabash South Africa 2025 and it’s going to be a night to remember!
The punk rock legends will be headlining the event alongside The Offspring and local rock royalty, Fokofpolisiekar.
If you thought you’ve seen it all in rock concerts, think again. This is a game-changer, bringing iconic punk vibes straight to the heart of South Africa.
After the monumental success of cape, it’s clear that the festival is setting the bar high. But get ready – 2025 is coming in hot.
If you’ve ever screamed your lungs out to “American Idiot” or belted out “Basket Case” on a late-night drive, you know what we’re talking about. With over three decades of punk rock greatness, this Grammy-winning trio is no stranger to setting the stage on fire.
Their debut at Calabash South Africa 2025 is going to be legendary and trust us, their mix of old-school anthems and fresh hits will have the crowd going wild.
Where: The DHL Stadium.
When: Thursday, January 18, at 6pm.
Cost: Tickets range between R630 to R850 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.