The day concluded on a joyful note, particularly for the children, who enjoyed activities including jumping castles and received party packs. Parents and guardians also received nutritious food parcels to take home, extending the day's support beyond the event itself.

WILDTRUST’s Women and Children Support Manager Nomusa Nxumalo, commented that the Health and Wellness was a huge success with over 80 elderly women receiving reading glasses and referrals for advanced care where needed.

These services enabled community members to access important information and assistance in a familiar and accessible community setting.

Health and social service practitioners were available throughout the day, with designated areas at the hubs offering primary health screenings, physiotherapy, dietary advice, and SASSA support.

The event gave community members access to basic health services, information on primary healthcare, and practical ways to support their overall health and well-being.

The initiative brought essential healthcare services and wellness support closer to community members, with a particular focus on women, children and families.

The evening also marked a special milestone for the 2026 Ocean Stewards, who received their certificates before the floor opened for guests to mingle and celebrate.

Ocean Stewards from previous years then shared heartfelt reflections on their journeys with the programme, offering the new cohort a glimpse into the connections and opportunities that continue beyond the programme.

The evening opened with one of the co-founders of the Ocean Stewards Programme, Prof Ursula Schaler, who encouraged the new cohort to embrace the opportunities and experiences that their Ocean Stewards journey will bring.

The evening provided an opportunity for the 2026 cohort to step away from the sessions, enjoy good food and entertainment, and connect with fellow Ocean Stewards and members of the wider ocean conservation community in a relaxed setting.

Last night, following the second day of the Ocean Stewards Science Session, Ocean Stewards and friends gathered at the Royal Natal Yacht Club for the annual Dinner on the Dock.

The day concluded with WILDTRUST’s Dr Shannon Hampton unpacking the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement and the protection of biodiversity on the High Seas, followed by an interactive BBNJ simulation co-facilitated with Samkelisiwe Danisa.

Several Ocean Stewards also took centre stage with engaging Speed Talks, sharing their research and experiences as emerging ocean professionals.

Participants then put theory into practice through an interactive MPA activity led by Dr Harris and Dr Jennifer Olbers, developing and defending proposals for or against the expansion of a mock MPA.

followed by Dr Cloverly Lawrence from South African National Parks (SANParks), who explored the effectiveness (and limitations) of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

The programme continued with Ms Yonela Mahamba from Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), who unpacked the legislative framework supporting marine biodiversity protection,

Dr Jean Harris, Strategic Lead of the WILDOCEANS Programme, kicked off the day with an inspiring keynote on Africa’s unique opportunities and responsibilities within the marine conservation space, encouraging young people to use their voices, take action and actively participate in decision-making.