Tuesday, 18th June, 2024
Students and community members following proceedings of the event
The UN warns that about 40% of the Earth’s land is degraded, impacting half the population, and endangering roughly half of the global economy. Droughts have increased by 29% since 2000 and without action; they could affect over 75% of the world’s population by 2050. Therefore, on the 13th of June 2024 the Komati Basin Water Authority (KOBWA) joined the Nkomazi Local Municipality and other stakeholders at Goba Primary School in Mpumalanga province to celebrate World Environmental Day themed "Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience". The objective of the celebration was to raise awareness and encourage the students and community members on the importance of protecting the environment from anything that would lead to land degradation, and desertification. The participants were empowered by various partners including KOBWA on several strategies they could employ to ensure that the environment continues to thrive regardless of the current experienced changes in climatic conditions.
KOBWA Communications Officer Ms. Phumzile Hlatshwayo addressing the audience
Speaking on behalf of KOBWA Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Phumzile Hlatshwayo, Communications Officer stated that in the last few months, Eswatini and South Africa have experienced heat waves which are a result of the noted changes in our climatic conditions. She added that the heatwaves have had a negative effect on the amount of water stored in the KOBWA dams as about 2% of the gross dams' storage was lost through evaporation and this negatively impacted the yield of the system. Thus, it was important for the community to adopt different strategies such as water management (especially rainwater harvesting), reforestation and tree regeneration to ensure that the environment is protected from further damage.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Executive Mayor, Counsellor Lindiwe Vuma encouraged everyone to fight for the land ''let us join our hands together to fight for our land and our future'', she said. She further urged the community to keep the environment clean by disposing garbage including disposable nappies appropriately ''make sure that you find ways of disposing the nappies in a manner that will ensure that the land and water stays protected, safe and clean'', she added.
Programme Director Mr. Sipho Shongwe leading proceedings of the event
In closing, the Representative from Ngomane Royal Kraal thanked all stakeholders who ensured that the day was a success. He further urged community members to take heed of the messages of support that were shared on the day and to report individuals that will not adhere to the rules that had been stipulated. ''Do not cut trees unnecessarily, dispose nappies appropriately and report all those that will not follow the guiding principles that have been shared today'' he said.
Councillor Vuma delivering the keynote address
Commemorated annually on 5 June, World Environment Day brings together millions of people from across the globe, engaging them in the effort to protect and restore the environment. This year marked the event's 50th anniversary.