From 26 to 28 May, Ocean20 South Africa hosted a groundbreaking three-day programme in Mbombela, Mpumalanga. It included an outreach event which brought the ocean to inland communities and continued the emphasis on South Africa’s G20 2025 theme of solidarity, equality and sustainability.

The event combined community engagement with important policy conversations, all built around a simple message: the ocean affects everyone, even those far from the coast.

Connecting inland communities with the ocean 

The community outreach sessions on 26 and 27 May welcomed people from local communities in Mbombela. Through storytelling, science and hands-on activities, local communities connected with the ocean in new and meaningful ways.

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, opened the proceedings. His keynote speech highlighted the importance of involving everyone in taking care of the ocean: “Our oceans are not only a resource but a responsibility. We need a national effort, from coastal to inland communities, to make sure our oceans remain healthy for future generations.”

The event was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms Nomalungelo Gina, who closed the proceedings on the first day.

The SAEON Science Engagement team led fun and interactive activities under the theme “Exploring the Crocodile River and Your Influence on the Ocean”. These sessions helped people see how rivers connect their everyday actions to the health of the ocean. Ocean scientists Dr Ramontsheng Rapolaki (South African Weather Service) and Dr Moagabo Ragoasha (University of Cape Town) shared how climate change and inland weather are influenced by the ocean. Many attendees were surprised to learn that rainfall and temperature changes are linked to ocean systems.

Career talks by Mr Malcolm Alexander (Transport Education Training Authority) and Ms Thando Mazomba (OceanHub Africa) revealed new ideas about working in the ocean economy – from maritime transport and fisheries to innovation and business. People from the community also shared their own stories about environmental change, showing both concern and interest in being part of the solution.

This outreach effort formed part of Ocean20’s bigger goal – to connect inland communities with ocean knowledge, amplify local voices and include everyone in the journey toward sustainable oceans.