Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental affairs Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi to lead World Wetlands Day celebrations in Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal
The Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi, will lead South Africa’s World Wetlands Day 2014 celebrations at Mbongolwane Sports Field, Eshowe, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal on Friday, 31 January 2014.
World Wetlands Day is an annual event that commemorates the signing of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971 in the Iranian City of Ramsar. The annual celebration aims to amongst others raise awareness on the benefits of wetlands as a natural resource in communities. The theme, for this year’s celebrations is: Wetlands and Agriculture and the slogan: Partners for Growth.
The celebration is significant as this year marks twenty years of the country’s freedom and democracy. The environment sector has made great strides over the past 20 years as we have worked tirelessly towards our vision of a prosperous and equitable society living in harmony with our natural resources.
The Deputy Minister will be joined by the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Agriculture and Environmental Affairs, Dr BM Radebe, Executive Mayor of Uthungulu, Thembeka Mchunu and Executive Mayor of Umlalazi, Thelumoya Zulu.
The Deputy Ministrer will be handing over a Ramsar certificate to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife for the designation of uMgeni vlei Nature Reserve as a wetland of international importance. The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
There will also be a site visit to the Mbongolwane Wetlands.
The media is invited to the event:
Date: Friday, 31 January 2014
Time: 09h00 – 13h00
Venue Details: Mbongolwane Sports Field, Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal
To RSVP please contact:
Banele Mabena
Cell: 073 297 9409
Tel: 012 395 1607
E-mail: SMabena@environment.gov.za
Raymond Ramaru
Cell: 084 412 5626
Tel: 012 310 3901
E-mail: RRamaru@environment.gov.za
For media queries:
Peter Mbelengwa
Cell: 082 611 8197
E-mail: Mbelengwap@dwa.gov.za
