The Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi will, on 6 August 2013, convene a round table discussion with mayors and municipal managers on waste management and water conservation issues at Emperor’s Palace in Kempton Park.
The mayors’ dialogue is a first of its kind and its main purpose will be the signing of a pledge between the Deputy Minister and the mayors, declaring their commitment to waste management and water conservation. The slogan of the dialogue is to “Protect Environment and Conserve Water for Socio-Economic Development, Empower Women and Youth”.
As South Africa celebrates national women’s month, the pledge will also include a commitment to working towards women and youth participation in environmental programmes. The signing of the pledge seeks to secure high level commitment and buy-in from municipalities by making mayors the ambassadors of waste management, water conservation and demand management (WCWDM), as well as gender and youth development programmes.
The strategic discussion will include focused group discussions on waste management, WCWDM and the empowerment of women and youth in this waste management initiative. The dialogue also seeks to ensure an integrated approach with programmes and key stakeholders and identify innovations to address challenges and gaps at local government level.
Women play a significant role in the preservation of water and the environment, and they are the ones who bear the brunt of its consequences if it is not preserved. This is what informed the decision to host this dialogue during Women’s Month. It is also why the Deputy Minister advocates for female Mayors and Member of Mayoral Committees to be at the forefront of WCWDM issues, including women and youth development.
It is envisaged that mayors, members of mayoral committees, executive members of SALGA or their representatives from across municipalities in the country will attend the dialogue alongside the Deputy Minister.
Media are invited to attend the dialogue as follows:
Part 1: Dialogue
Date: 6 August 2013
Venue: Emperor’s Palace, 64 Jones Road, Kempton Park
Time: 09h00
Part 2: Gala Dinner
Date: 6 August 2013
Venue: Emperor’s Palace, 64 Jones Road, Kempton Park
Time: 19h00
To RSVP contact:
Nwabisa Tsengiwe
Tel: 012 310 3198
Cell: 074 605 6149
E-mail: NTsengiwe@environment.gov.za
Raymond Ramaru
Tel: 012 310 3078
E-mail: RRamaru@environment.gov.za
For media queries contact:
Peter Mbelengwa
Cell: 082 611 8197
E-mail: mbelengwap@dwa.gov.za
