The Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) commemorated World Environment Day in Standerton on June 23, with a series of activities focused on environmental conservation, climate change awareness, and community empowerment.
The celebrations were led by MEC for DARDLEA, Khethiwe Moeketsi, under the theme, “Taking Action Against Climate Change.” The provincial event sought to encourage communities to make informed and responsible environmental decisions while promoting accelerated and coordinated responses to climate change.
The programme brought together representatives from government, communities, business, and labour sectors, with a focus on practical environmental interventions, awareness creation, sustainable development initiatives, and community empowerment.
Moeketsi, has emphasized the importance of collective action in protecting the environment and addressing pressing environmental challenges.
“This initiative aims to promote the participation of individuals, groups, and organisations in the protection and conservation of the environment, while raising awareness on climate change, deforestation, pollution, waste management, and biodiversity loss,” she said.
The day’s activities were divided into three key sessions.
The first session: took place at Zikhetheleni Secondary School in Thuthukani, where learners and educators received smart agricultural boxes, seedlings, and a JoJo tank with borehole infrastructure to support food production and water security.
The second session: was held at Igugu Labasha Primary School in Sakhile. The school received 30 smart agricultural boxes and seedlings. The visit also included an oversight tour of the Air Quality Monitoring Station in Sakhile, highlighting the province’s efforts to monitor and improve air quality.
The final session was held at the Sakhile Community Stadium, where residents, farmers, and stakeholders gathered for an environmental awareness and conservation dialogue. Discussions focused on the impact of climate change, as well as progress and challenges related to air quality monitoring in the area.
During the engagement, smart agricultural boxes and recycling bins were handed over to local farmers and community members to encourage sustainable farming practices and improved waste management.
The event reinforced the province’s commitment to environmental sustainability and highlighted the critical role communities play in safeguarding natural resources for future generations.
