MEC Johnson took to the streets of Ntuzuma Township in Durban in an awareness drive about climate change as the province gears itself to host United Nations member states during the all important global gathering on climate change from the 28 November to 9 December 2011.
KwaZulu-Natal has been affected by some climate change disasters such as drought, floods and lightning. The black township of Ntuzuma was abuzz with activity today as MEC Lydia Johnson of the Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development together with enviro-women cooperatives talked to locals about climate change.
Today’s roadshow started in earnest with the motorcade moving from the Bridge City mall to KwaNozaza taxi rank, Roman Catholic Church in Ntuzuma F to the final destination which was Ntuzuma G sports ground. MEC Johnson was flanked by eThekwini’s Deputy Mayor Cllr Nomvuzo Shabalala, National Assembly Mrs Madlopa, Ntuzuma local ward Councillor Mr Nqaba Ngwane members of the Ntuzuma Cooperative, Bhukula Mfazi Cooperative from Umlazi and Departmental officials in creating awareness.
The motorcade which included a Rickshaw bus bearing a big banner with a key messages on environmental management, moved around the township stopping at the aforementioned sites for interaction with the locals. MEC Johnson and her entourage spoke to the locals at length about sound environmental management and the creation of environmental sustainable livelihoods.
“Our objective is not to speak just about the upcoming conference but rather what people can do right here in their communities in order to avoid hazardous climate disasters. Impacts of climate change are global phenomenon which can only be managed through concerted and structured efforts at local levels” said Johnson
She painted a picture of climate change effects on agricultural food production that communities may be subjected to anytime if nothing is done to address the challenge. “We are here to seek your involvement in programmes and activities that do not only curb the effects of climate change, but enhance food security and environmental management. One good example of that is the food security campaign that we have in this province, the One Home One Garden, One Indigenous tree and One fruit tree campaign.
What this campaign conveys to us is very practical even for urban settlements like our townships. If all households here in Ntuzuma can have food gardens to fight hunger and malnutrition at a household level, have trees to serve as windbreakers, which can assist you as a community. Although it will not render you immune to disastrous weather patterns of climate change but it will assist you somewhat in minimising the effects” said Johnson.
Environmental activists from the two cooperatives Ntuzuma and Bhukula Mfazi shared information on the importance of taking good care of the environment. The cooperatives are involved in initiatives like removing alien plants and rehabilitating local streams. They encouraged other women to follow suit and pledge solidarity in ensuring sound environmental management. They also hailed the department for supporting their initiatives.
MEC Johnson will take the road shows to other communities across the province as preparations for the December gain momentum.
For all your queries contact:
Ncumisa Mafunda
Tel: 033 343 8063
Fax: 033 343 8255
Cell: 079 515 7187
