The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), under the leadership of MEC Rev. Musa Zondi, today, 17 June 2025, successfully hosted the 2025 World Environment Day commemoration and launched a Green Jobs Programme in the Umuziwabantu Local Municipality.

The event, held under the global theme “Beat Plastic Pollution,” brought together community members, environmental stakeholders, and government representatives to address one of the most critical environmental challenges of our time. The programme served as both a rallying call and a reminder of the urgent need for collective action to tackle plastic waste and its impact on the environment. Delivering the keynote address, MEC Zondi emphasised that “Beat Plastic Pollution” is more than just a theme - it is a global movement that challenges how societies produce, consume, and manage plastic waste. He highlighted plastic pollution as one of the most pressing environmental challenges, affecting not only communities in KZN but the entire planet.

“Plastic pollution threatens our environment, our health, and our economic growth. We must educate and campaign in every community, every home, every street, every school, and every business - to turn the tide against plastic waste," said MEC Zondi.
The MEC outlined EDTEA’s comprehensive efforts to combat plastic pollution and promote a greener KwaZulu-Natal, including:

• Supporting municipalities with waste separation at source initiatives,
• Empowering youth-owned cooperatives involved in recycling and waste collection,
• Incentivising municipalities and small-scale recyclers through the Cleanest Municipality Competition (CMC) and the Waste Enterprise Support Programme (WESP).

MEC Zondi proudly acknowledged Umuziwabantu Municipality’s success in the 2023/2024 Cleanest Municipality Competition, where they won R800 000 for their outstanding waste management efforts. "Maswushayele ihlombe uMasipala wase Umuziwabantu ngale mpumelelo!” he cheered, applauding the municipality’s commitment to a cleaner environment. MEC Zondi also highlighted EDTEA’s initiatives that have led to the creation of green jobs across the province, contributing not only to environmental sustainability but also to economic empowerment and youth development.

As KwaZulu-Natal continues to lead in environmental advocacy and practical interventions, the MEC Zondi called on all citizens to play their part in ending all forms of pollution—for the benefit of present and future generations. The event concluded with a strong call to action, urging all citizens to reduce plastic usage, recycle responsibly, and support local waste management initiatives. The Department reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside communities, businesses, and government structures to build a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable KwaZulu-Natal.