Umzimvubu Local Municipality has been affirmed as the 3rd Greenest Local Municipality in South Africa. This announcement was made by the Department of Environmental Affairs, Fisheries and Forestry during an official handover ceremony held in KwaBhaca earlier today. The Municipality was awarded 2.5 Million for contributing a 60% support system towards the National GMC criteria used for the following categories:
– Clean and Green initiatives – Budgetary support and equipment’ – Climate change & Energy recovery – Awareness and Education – Monitoring and enforcement mechanics
The Cleanest Town Competition (CTC) was initiated in 2001 with a primary focus in implementing the National Waste Management Strategy. The key elements were reducing, recycling and reusing waste materials. Although the Cleanest Town Competition was fairly successful in achieving its primary objectives, developments within the greening movement require the modifications of the concept to embody other elements which are outside the waste management category.
The incorporation of new elements is justifiable within a new name, hence the Greenest Municipality Competition (GMC). The Greenest Municipality Competition enhances Cleanest Town Competition by incorporating new elements and providing a broader focus. The Greenest Municipality Competition will link to other global and national initiatives, e.g. green goal, greening the nation, reducing greenhouse gases, amongst others. The Greenest Municipality Competition consists of five core elements, namely:
– Waste Management; – Energy Efficiency and Conservation; – Water Management; – Landscaping, tree planting and beautification; – Public Participation and Community Empowerment; and – Leadership and Institutional Arrangements.
The Municipality has won the prestigious award regionally and provincially in three consecutive years as 1st place contenders in the Eastern Cape Province.
“This competition is aimed at encouraging and ensuring sustainable development by creating jobs while promoting best practices in environmental management. The competition also seeks to promote a clean & healthy environment in municipalities through greening, cleaning and beautification” said Mr Sello Phuroe from the Department of Environmental Affairs, Fisheries and Forestry.
“As one of the most developing areas in the Eastern Cape Province, we are pleased to be recognised among the Greenest Local Municipalities in the country. Let me also acknowledge this achievement by saluting those who worked tirelessly in ensuring that we win this prestigious national award.” said Umzimvubu Mayor, Sobane Mnukwa.
Participation in this annual competition is open to all South African municipalities. The overall winners of the competition are as follows:
1. City of Mbombela Local Municipality – Mpumalanga Province
2. Umhlathuze Local Municipality – KwaZulu-Natal Province
3. Umzimvubu Local Municipality – Eastern Cape Province
For any enquiries or more information kindly contact:
Mrs Nokhanyo Zembe HOD: Communications and SPU Umzimvubu Local Municipality Zembe.Nokhanyo@umzimvubu.gov.za 039 255 8508 / 072 091 3952
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