On Monday, 18 November 2024, the Jozini Local Municipality hosted a pivotal Integrated Environmental Management Workshop at Jozini Tiger Lodge. The workshop was held in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), the KZN South African Local Government Association (SALGA), & National Department of Forestry and Fisheries & Environmental Affairs (DFFE). This initiative aimed to address pressing challenges related to waste management; Environmental Empowerment; Climate Change, fostering collaboration among municipalities and stakeholders.
The event saw attendance from all Councilors of Jozini Local Municipality, as well as officials from the neighboring Umhlabuyalingana Municipality. The Acting Municipal Manager, Mr. LB Mpontshane, opened the workshop by outlining its purpose, emphasizing the critical need to equip communities with knowledge and tools to address environmental challenges. This was echoed by the Speaker, Mr. DP Mabika, and the Deputy Mayor, Ms. NR Zulu (on behalf of His Worship the Mayor Cllr Mfananaye Mathe), who both highlighted the importance and timeliness of the workshop in preparing local communities for the severe weather conditions forecasted this summer.
A key milestone of the workshop was the announcement by these Stakeholders of a number of funding opportunities available for Municipalities to apply to implement various environmental management initiatives in the Jozini Local Municipality. These resources promise to significantly benefit Jozini and similar municipalities, ensuring improved waste removal and environmental sustainability.
The workshop brought together diverse stakeholders, including recyclers from across Jozini Local Municipality, municipal staff responsible for waste management, and members of the extended Management Committee (MANCO). The discussions provided a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and the development of strategies to address the municipality’s environmental challenges.
This workshop reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to fostering a cleaner, healthier, and more climate-resilient community. With the insights and the presented resources; Jozini Local Municipality is poised to strengthen its waste management programs, collaborate effectively with recyclers, and improve its response to the impacts of climate change.
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