22 March 2007
The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism in partnership with the
Department of Provincial and Local Government have jointly organised a two day
conference to be held at Emperors Palace in Gauteng on the 22 � 23 March
2007.
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa guarantees a right to a
healthy and clean environment to all citizens. The government is engaged in a
policy and law reform process to meet its constitutional obligations on
environmental matters in general, and waste management in particular.
The theme for the conference is waste management for a cleaner South Africa,
a local government perspective. The three spheres of government including the
private sector and civil society will deliberate on the development of the
National Environmental Management: Waste Management Bill.
The outcomes of the conference will culminate in the finalisation of the
consultation process on this Bill which would be followed by the implementation
of strategies to accelerate waste management programmes throughout the
country.
"We recognise that, due to its cross-cutting nature, pollution and waste
management is neither the exclusive preserve of the Department of Environmental
Affairs and Tourism, nor of government. The private sector and civil society
have important roles to play in promoting integrated pollution and waste
management.
The fostering of partnerships across all spheres of government, and between
government, the private sector and civil society is necessary for sustainable
and effective pollution and waste management to take place," said Deputy
Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi. The
development of new pollution and waste management legislation will address
current legislation gaps and secure ecologically sustainable development while
promoting justifiable economic and social development.
In order to achieve this, the government will encourage change of attitude
and behavioural change to promote the reducing, re-using and recycling waste
through community-based projects. Through support, community initiatives will
undergo metamorphosis from survivalists to being sustainable enterprises. Waste
management projects will add value to the Greening 2010 initiative intended to
ensure clean and safe environment for the staging of 2010 Federation
International Football Association (FIFA) World Cup.
The Deputy President of South Africa, Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka will give a
keynote address at the conference on Friday, 23 March 2007.
Award Ceremony for the Cleanest Town Competition
A gala dinner will be hosted by the Deputy Minister, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi,
on the evening of 22 March 2007 to present awards to deserving winners for the
Cleanest Town Competition.
In line with the core objectives of the Waste Management Bill, this
competition seeks to raise public awareness and educate all South Africans to
look after the environment.
Enquiries:
Moses Rannditsheni
Media Liaison Officer of the Deputy Minister
Tel: (012) 310 3899
Cell: 082 448 2450
E-mail: mrannditsheni@deat.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
22 March 2007
Source: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (http://www.deat.gov.za/)
