2011-11-22 KZN PROVINCIAL CLIMATE CHANGE ROADSHOW HELD AT JOZINI SPORTS GROUNDS
As part of build up events to the upcoming COP 17, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government is hosting a series of road shows in different Districts of the Province. The aim of these road shows is to create awareness about Climate Change and its impacts; to highlight climate change issues facing KwaZulu-Natal; as well as to educate communities on ways they can contribute towards efforts to mitigate climate change. Today, Mr. Mike Mabuyakhulu, the Champion of UMkhanyakude District was joined by the Mayor of Jozini, Amakhosi, and thousands of community members in UMkhanyakude road show which took place in Jozini sports grounds. The event started by a parade around Jozini town where the MEC, Amakhosi, Local & District Mayors, delegates and community members were carrying placards with information about Climate change and distributing information brochures. The parade was then followed by a clean up campaign in Jozini civic centre, which was followed by a visit to a local recycling project and the planting of trees at Ezibukweni High School and at Ejozini sports ground. There was also a stage play by well known KZN comedians and the theme of their play was on COP 17, the play was very informative. During his address to the community, Mr. Mike Mabuyakhulu emphasized on what the community at large can do about Climate change. He clearly explained what climate change is and what causes climate change. He mentioned that it is mostly caused by the increase in the atmospheric concentrations of gases known as greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases are emitted when oil, coal, petrol and diesel and natural gases are burnt. Proper procedure should be followed when field fires are lit on communities authorized by traditional leadership. He emphasized that government institutions and the community at large should embrace the initiative of planting trees in their institutions and homes because plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and use it as their energy source, producing oxygen for us to breathe. He also talked about the importance of recycling, saying that recycling paper saves trees and reduces the energy used in paper manufacturing. The community was also encouraged to save water, save electricity, to fit a solar water heater instead of a geyser as it uses too much energy, to use gas for cooking instead of stoves. He also touched on transport, advising people to reduce the amount of journeys on private cars and encouraged them to use public transport, and use lift clubs when going to work. We can conclude that the overall road show was a success and the message was well delivered to the community. Issued by COP 17 Office â€" Office of the Premier Contact Person: Mandisa Shelembe COP 17 Office â€" OTP Cell: 0833896370 E-mail: shelembm@premier.kzntl.gov.za Add Comment |
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