The Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA)'s Eastern Cape branch in conjunction with the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) are eager to announce that entries for their bi-annual Top Green Organisation awards are now open. Organisations across the Eastern Cape, large and small are encouraged to enter this prestigious green competition before 29 June 2012.
The aim of the Top Green Organisation awards is to promote and recognise responsible Environmental Management Practises in the Eastern Cape while fostering better relationships between government, industry, business and other organisations.
"Hosting the Top Green Organisation awards in the Eastern Cape showcases our relentless efforts to foster partnerships with all sectors towards restoring the integrity of the environment. The deliberate focus of prioritising the green economy sector as one the strategic thrusts will yield positive results through our active participation on creating awareness about the green revolution as one of the levers for socio-economic transformation in the province", says DEDEAT MEC, Mcebisi Jonas.
DEDEAT has been at the forefront in galvanising the industry to embrace the importance of environmental sustainability through initiating the green awards which have been held consecutively over the past three years in the Eastern Cape.
"The competition is essential if we are to have a progressive industry with the vision to meet future challenges and skills for the waste industry for organisations in the Eastern Cape," says Deidre Nxumalo-Freeman, Vice President of the IWMSA.
"We want to recognise organisations that are acting efficiently and effectively in the realm of responsible environmental management, and are challenging all the organisations across the province to enter, we want to set the example for the rest of South Africa to show them that we are the cleanest, greenest province."
"This competition focuses on excellence in any aspect of innovative practices relating to waste management or resource recovery. Entrants will have to articulate how they have approached an issue through original thinking and demonstrate the successful outcome thereof, it is also a great opportunity for companies to share best practice ideas." adds Nxumalo-Freeman.
The judging includes a site visit and audit by professional members of the IWMSA, as well as by employees of the DEDEAT and other government departments.
The awards ceremony will be hosted by the Members of the Executive Council for Economic Development and Environmental Affairs during WasteCon2012, which is taking place in East London from 9 - 12 October 2012.
Companies in the Eastern Cape can download the entry form and requirements for the competition from the IWMSA's website (www.iwmsa.co.za). The closing date for entries is 29 June 2012 and adjudication will take place in July 2012 when the shortlist will be identified.
The IWMSA focuses on providing education and training for its members, as well as other interested parties, whether private individuals or government entities.
The IWMSA is a non profit organisation comprising a body of dedicated professionals in their respective fields, who give freely and voluntarily of their time and expertise in order to effectively educate, promote and further the science and practice of waste management.
For enquiries and interviews please contact:
Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Mr Sixolile Makaula
E-mail: sixolile.makaula@deaet.ecape.gov.za
Tel: 043 605 7117
Cell: 072 751 5001
Fhulu Nekhavhambe
E-mail: fhulu@reputationmatters.co.za
Cell: 071 113 8505
Tel: 043 721 0003
E-mail: easterncape@iwmsa.co.za
