Green project launched after earth tremor

LAST week’s earth tremor that shook large part of Zululand, has prompted the youth of uThungulu to initiate a non-profit organisation called Green Senate SA (GSSA) aimed at educating society about environmental protection.

Speaking to the Zululand Observer, GSSA Chairperson Lungani Mthembu said it has been their wish to empower local communities with insight to the issues surrounding environmental awareness and climate change in particular.

‘I think the earth tremor came at the right time, and this will enhance our campaign of opening the eyes of the South African population regarding climate change and its consequences.

‘Floods, droughts and earthquakes are often a result of global warming,’ he said.

Mthembu said his organisation is made up of young entrepreneurs will use social media and word of mouth to galvanise the public to embark on clean-up campaigns.

‘The problem facing this country is huge. The country is running out of water, and only 2% of fresh water is available for human consumption.

‘Many South Africans – in particular here in uThungulu district – now depend on recycled water from sewerage purifications stations.

‘The danger is that there are so many negative health problems related to this, as there is a high level of chemical usage in the purification process.

‘Water is another natural resource that is needed by all living organisms on earth, and the manner in which many exploit this natural resource fuels the current problem.’

Cut down trees

Mthembu’s partner Christopher Sakhile Mkhize, who is the organisation’s Treasurer added by saying the burning of fossil fuels by big industries has a negative environmental impact.

‘We wish to plead with these companies who pollute the quality of our air to stop this, as they appear to be driven by greed and accumulating wealth.

‘Similarly we as humans also contribute by failing to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and don’t use public transport when going to work.

‘This we believe can reduce pollution and saves many lives.

‘We want to reach out to rural communities, as many of them cut down trees, not knowing there is a mutual beneficiation between humans and plants.

‘There is a role that everyone can play: recycle, reduce and reuse.’

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