Mpendulo Mbulawa is a visionary environmental activist and the founding chairperson of the Green Chapter Foundation, a registered nonprofit based in Ngwelezane Township, KwaZulu-Natal. His work centers on environmental sustainability, community restoration, and social entrepreneurship — turning neglected, dangerous spaces into vibrant community assets.
In 2020, inspired by the rise of illegal dumping and municipal service gaps during the COVID-19 lockdowns, Mpendulo launched the Adopt-a-Spot Campaign. The initiative mobilizes residents to reclaim bushy or abandoned public areas by transforming them into community gardens, recreational parks, bus shelters, and safe zones for learners and vendors. One of its hallmark projects turned a dumping ground near a primary school into a functioning bus stop and informal market space.
Green Chapter has spearheaded projects including:
• Tree planting and One Home, One Garden campaigns
• Environmental education in schools
• Stormwater drain clearing and flooding prevention
• Partnerships with SAPRO, UCTO, and the City of uMhlathuze
Mpendulo’s work has been featured in Zululand Observer, Mail & Guardian’s Greening the Future series, and The Citizen. His leadership earned Green Chapter associate membership with the South African Plastics Recycling Organisation (SAPRO), and high praise from ward councillors and city managers alike.
What sets Mpendulo apart is his ability to unite ordinary citizens around collective responsibility and action. His mission is simple but powerful: build green, safe, and dignified communities — one spot at a time.
