This is a competition organised by the National Department of Environmental Affairs. The ceremony was held in Durban recently.
EMM’s member of the mayoral committee (MMC), Clr Vuyelwa Mabena, said this was proof that the systems and strategies the municipality has employed on environmental management and greening initiatives, are bearing results.
She said the Greenest Municipality Competition (GMC) was started as the Cleanest Town Competition (CTC).
“Its primary focus was implementing the National Waste Management Strategy. The CTC’s pillars were the principles of reducing, recycling and re-using waste materials.
“Although these principles are still relevant, other elements related to sustainable development and various greening interventions have been added. The GMC focuses also on efforts to get municipalities to be central to the green economy,” Clr Mabena said.
She said the GMC awards are judged in two categories: metropolitan municipality and local municipality.
“The prize money has to be utilised for projects that promote environmental-related projects and green economy initiatives. The cash prize will be channelled to other green projects.
“We are pleased to have successfully met the National Department of Environmental Affairs’ criteria for assessment.
“This includes good waste management plans, policies and strategies, institutional arrangements and political support within municipalities on environmental programmes, greening initiatives including landscaping and planting of trees and community involvement on environmental projects and programmes,” Clr Mabena said.
“The Ekurhuleni Metro is known to be a city of firsts, including being the first Aerotropolis in Africa, the first metro to host the World Airport Cities Conference and Exhibition and also the four times winner of the blue drop award. This latest accolade the metro has received is due to the dedicated efforts of various departments within the municipality which include waste management dervices, health and social services, water and sanitation department, energy and electricity department, communications and brand management and environmental resource management,” said Clr Mabena.
