Kwadukuza recognised as top climate change agent

WITH its innovative and impressive vision for sustainable development, Kwadukuza has been recognised as the national winner of the World Wildlife Federation’s (WWF) One Planet City Challenge by an international panel of judges.

Extended to over 250 cities and towns and across 53 countries around the world, One Planet City Challenge invited cities to provide their solutions to combating rising carbon emissions. They were judged on their plans to provide sustainable housing, transport and energy to residents.

A recent entrant to the challenge, Kwadukuza was awarded the accolade over metros such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, Tshwane and ethekwini.

Louise Scholtz, the programme manager of Urban Futures at WWF SA, was impressed by the town’s 2030 vision.

“The town’s plan is holistic, showed great political support, action planning and dissemination. Congratulations to the small team of dedicated officials that is an inspiration to other less-resourced communities which are serious about addressing climate change,” she said.

Senior manager at sustainable urban development organisation ICLEI Africa Dr Meggan Spires congratulated the town for its achievement.

“We at ICLEI Africa send hearty congratulations to Kwadukuza District Municipality on being named as a national winner of the One Planet City Challenge. With partners such as WWF, ICLEI Africa has been working with Kwadukuza for many years on their climate change plans and actions. Kwadukuza is a climate change leader … and this award is thoroughly deserved.”

Acting mayor Dolly Govender, who accepted the award, said despite Kwadukuza’s size it could make an impact on an important issue.

“This goes to show that we have clearly understood that regardless of the extent of our municipal area, Kwadukuza has a role to play to ensure low emissions, education of communities and the sustainability of the environment.”