near
2 August 2006
"As we prepare to honour the women icons of the historic march to the Union
Buildings 50 years on, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism in
keeping with the spirit of the age of hope will address critical issues around
women and our environment during the second annual Women and Environment
Conference in White River, Mpumalanga from 6 to 8 August 2006," said Mava
Scott, spokesperson for the Department of Environmental Affairs and
Tourism.
The second annual Women and Environment conference sees Deputy Minister of
Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Honourable Rejoice Mabudafhasi, opening the
gathering under the overarching theme of "Empowering Women for Environmental
Action".
Guest of Honour, Her Excellency Thandi Shongwe, Minister of Tourism and
Environment in Swaziland, will address delegates on the role of African Women
in Environmental Management and poverty eradication while also looking at the
challenges faced by women in Africa.
"The conference seeks to bring together prominent women from various
organisations, professional bodies, government departments and community
organisations," added Scott.
Dignitaries expected to address the conference this year include Deputy
Minister of Public Works, Ntopile Kganyago, Deputy Minister for Trade and
Industry, Elizabeth Thabethe, Mumsie Gumede, CEO of the Wildlife and
Environmental Society of SA (WESSA) and Chief Executive of the National African
Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC), Buhle Mthethwa.
Key themes to be explored during the conference include, Environmental
Governance, Policy Making and Participation as well as Economic Development and
the Environment.
"Pollution and health, food security as well as water and sanitation will be
addressed under the theme of Social Development, Sustainable Livelihoods and
Environment," said Scott.
The conference will adopt a declaration that will reflect achieved
objectives and outline the way forward.
Venue: Ingwenyama Lodge, White River, Mpumalanga
Date: 6 - 8 August 2006
Enquiries:
Mava Scott
Cell: 082 411 9821
Tel: (012) 310 3379
E-mail: mscott@deat.gov.za
Roopa Singh
Cell: 082 225 3076
Tel: (012) 310 3566
E-mail: rsingh@deat.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
2 August 2006
