Over 3 000 people, including school children excited to “save their planet” descended at Mandeni Sports Plaza ground at Sundumbili. The day started with the removal of alien vegetation on road P445 by Izandla Ziyagezana community members, together with Champion MEC for the District, MEC Maggie Govender and Mandeni Municipality Mayor, Cllr Lindiwe Shabalala.
Significant of COP17, 17 indigenous and shade trees were planted at Sundumbili Senior Primary School which is an eco school. The children of the school lead a march and placard demonstration back to the sports ground.
MEC Govender said, “the KZN Provincial Government has taken the climate change warnings seriously, specifically the erratic weather patterns that we have seen lately. As the Department of Human Settlements we have ensured that all low cost homes that are built, are greened with a fruit tree and an indigenous shade tree to protect the houses from wind storms prevalent in the area.
A first for KZN and possibly South Africa, is the Department of Public Works Ixopo District Office which the department has applied for a green star rating with the Green Building Council of South Africa.
Children were given the opportunity to speak out on what they can do about climate change.
