24 November 2024
Echo Champs Report Updates
Overview
Eight Echo Champs from Stulwane, Emajwetha, Eqeleni, and Ezibomnvini are involved in this
iniave.
Introducon
The work of the EchoChamps began in November at Ezibomnvini. Their focus includes gully
rehabilitaon, alien plant clearing, wetlandmanagement, and spring protecon. This work
will also extend to Stulwane and two new villages in the upcoming season.
To prepare for these acvies, we conducted a site walk with Lucky Hlongwane, one of the
Echo Champs, to idenfy areas in Ezibomnvini that require maintenance. This report provides
an update on the progress made so far.
The picture above showing Echo champs working on the boom galley at Ezibomvnini
Progress Update
The team has started with stone line packing at Ezibomnvini. Over ve working days within
the month, they managed to complete 11 stone lines. Addionally, they planted three lines
from the boom to upward, replanng nutsedge grass on plain land to stabilize the soil.
During monitoring, we observed posive results. Silt and sediment accumulaon was evident
in four of the packed stone lines, demonstrang theeecveness of their work. However, we
idened areas where the stone lines needextensions at the edges topreventwater from
escaping sideways.
Next Steps
For the upcoming month, we plan to:
1.Spend one day working alongside the Echo Champs to assess and address
problemac stone lines.
2.Use brush packs to stabilize areas where the gully is at risk of further degradaon.
3.Focus on planng in areas where soil accumulaon is noceable, starng from the
top and working downward.
Visual Evidence
The following pictures showcase the progress made so far.
The pictures above showing stone line packed and soil catchment on top
The pictures above showing the Paches of grass planted
Management Team Tasks
•Leader: Nomfundo Jali (assisted by Lizzy)
•Timesheet and Recording: Neliwe Buthelezi
•Chemical Handling and Applicaon:Lucky Hlongwane and Lizzy Buthelezi