KwaDukuza mayor says ‘yes’ to green economy

KwaDukuza mayor Ricardo Mthembu has joined an international cohort of 36 leading government constituencies making up a total of 3,000 delegates in signing the Compact of Mayors.

Signed in Seoul, South Korea last week, this global alliance has committed itself to reducing greenhouse-gases, monitoring the rate of climate change in the local area and preparing for the socio-economic fallout caused by rising carbon levels in the years to come.

Launched last year, September 23, at the United Nations Climate Summit in New York City; the Compact serves as a vehicle for municipalities wishing to secure international funding and support for local environmental and employment strategies.

“Being one of the first local municipalities in the country to pitch for this status is a re-affirmation of our commitment in the fight against climate change challenges,” said Mthembu on the summit.

“Our vision statement holds true of our successful interventions on climate challenges of the past. There is a clear indication that we are a progressive city in the making, on our path towards a greener economy,” he said.

The 2015 ICLEI World Congress provided KwaDukuza with a golden opportunity to acquire the necessary skills for sustainable development locally.

Michael Bloomberg, UN Special Envoy for Cities and Climate Change, offered a positive message regarding the Compact when he said that “As nations come together to negotiate a global climate treaty later this year, the Compact of Mayors offers proof that international cooperation on climate change can produce big results.”