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Media Statement
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
THURSDAY, 22 MARCH 2007:
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa guarantees a right to a healthy and clean environment to all citizens. The government is engaged in a policy and law reform process to meet its constitutional obligations on environmental matters in general, and waste management in particular.
The Dept. of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) in partnership with Dept. of Provincial and Local Government (DPLG) have jointly organized a two day conference to be held at Emperors Palace in Gauteng on the 22nd – 23rd March 2007. The theme for the conference is Waste Management for a cleaner South Africa – a local government perspective. The three spheres of government including the private sector and civil society will deliberate on the development of the National Environmental Management: Waste Management Bill. The outcomes of the conference will culminate in the finalization of the consultation process on this Bill which would be followed by the implementation of strategies to accelerate waste management programs throughout the country.
“We recognize that, due to its cross-cutting nature, pollution and waste management is neither the exclusive preserve of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, nor of government. The private sector and civil society have important roles to play in promoting integrated pollution and waste management. The fostering of partnerships across all spheres of government, and between government, the private sector and civil society is necessary for sustainable and effective pollution and waste management to take place. ,” said Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi.
The development of new pollution and waste management legislation will address current legislation gaps and secure ecologically sustainable development while promoting justifiable economic and social development. In order to achieve this, the government will encourage change of attitude and behavioral change to promote the 3Rs or reducing, re-using and recycling waste through community-based projects. Through support, community initiatives will undergo metamorphosis from survivalists to being sustainable enterprises. Waste management projects will add value to the Greening 2010 initiative intended to ensure clean and safe environment for the staging of 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The Deputy President of South Africa, Ms Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka will give a keynote address at the conference on Friday the 23rd March ’07.
Award Ceremony for the Cleanest Town Competition
A Gala Dinner will be hosted by the Deputy Minister, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi, on the evening of 22nd March ’07 to present awards to deserving winners for the Cleanest Town Competition.
In line with the core objectives of the Waste Management Bill, this competition seeks to raise public awareness and educate all South Africans to look after the environment.
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