On World Cleanup Day on 20 September 2025, Sentinel Ocean Alliance stepped up to unite the Hout Bay community with purpose, passion, and a whole lot of grit for Uniting the Valley 2.0. This ongoing initiative is designed to bring the valley together through environmental action, youth upliftment, and culture.
Sentinel Ocean Alliance rallied the community to bring volunteers together across four key locations in Hout Bay. The collective effort of an estimated 350 participants, who filled over 300 bags, served as a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved through shared action. This shared vision for a cleaner future was supported by Protect Our Paths and its mission to mobilise communities for a waste-free South Africa.
This year’s effort spanned across:
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Hout Bay Beach: The flagship cleanup site led by Sentinel Ocean Alliance.
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Hout Bay Harbour: Hosted by Oceano Reddentes, clearing marine waste near the fishing village.
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Disa River: A closed-site cleanup led by Friends of Hout Bay Rivers.
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Eyethu Skatepark: This youth-focused zone blended skate, fun, and environmental education.
Putting Community in Motion
The jam at Eyethu Skatepark transformed the space into a playground of movement and mentorship, giving kids a chance to skate and feel part of something bigger. The Vans x Sealand Skate Jam lineup featured introductions and warm-ups, a skate-centric take on the Red Light, Green Light game, and a race around the park for prizes.
Behind its success was a dedicated crew of Vans and Sealand brand team members and team riders, Thalente Biyela, Marcelino Rodrigues, Ziyaad Davis from Ziyaad’s Skate School, and community members who rolled up to support, guide, and inspire the next generation.
This kind of hands-on participation highlights how Vans’ commitment to community is rooted in showing up, giving back, and creating spaces where the community feels seen and supported. The success of Uniting the Valley 2.0 is proof that when brands, NGOs, and communities come together with a shared vision, real impact happens.
