King’s Baton Relay tours Kafue riverbank for a plastic cleanup

The Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia Thursday, 28 August 2025 took the King’s Baton Relay to the Kafue Riverbank, where a plastic clean-up activity was conducted.

A match-past at Kafue mall

Speaking during the event, Secretary General of the Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia, Boniface Kambikambi, said the Baton connects people and brings them together under the values of respect, teamwork, and care for one another. He added that these are values Zambia shares with the rest of the Commonwealth family.

“As we celebrate the Baton, we also want to show our commitment to a better future through this plastic clean-up activity,” said Kambikambi.

Participants pose for a photo as they pick up plastics along kafue Riverbank

He further noted that keeping the environment clean is part of sustainability and helps protect communities, wildlife, and the next generation.

Meanwhile, Representative from the District Education Board of Kafue, Whiscals Kasimu, said the Commonwealth Games is more than a sporting event; it is a celebration of diversity, friendship, and solidarity.

“Sport is a platform that provides opportunities for our learners and athletes to showcase their talent and inspire others,” said Kasimu.

British Council of Zambia (BCZ) Country Manager, Ackim Banda, thanked the Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia for partnering with his council to promote sustainability.

Showcasing the King's Baton Relay as they pick up plastics in the Riverbank

Banda disclosed that such initiatives create a lasting impact and play an important role in shaping a cleaner and healthier future for communities.

And a representative of the Head Teachers of Kafue, Charity Kasele, thanked the organizers and emphasized the need to keep plastics from entering the river.

Kasele said the exercise not only protects the environment but also brings people together in unity, showing that collective effort can make a real difference.

The participants collected more than 180 kilograms (KG) of plastic waste from the Kafue Riverbank, a significant step in promoting environmental conservation.

The clean-up exercise brought together athletes, learners from Kafue town, education representatives, and community members, all working side by side to restore the river’s natural state. By removing such a large amount of plastic, the initiative not only protected aquatic life and the surrounding ecosystem but also raised awareness on the importance of collective

responsibility in keeping the environment clean.