The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Rev. Musa Zondi, yesterday commemorated World Environment Day in Ulundi, Zululand District, where he officially launched the Department’s Invasive Alien Species Programme (IASP) Jobs Initiative aimed at protecting the province’s natural environment while creating sustainable employment opportunities.

Addressing community members and programme beneficiaries at the Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Regional Stadium, MEC Zondi said this year’s World Environment Day theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” serves as a reminder that protecting the environment is essential for securing a sustainable future for generations to come. The MEC noted that KwaZulu-Natal continues to experience the devastating effects of climate change, including floods, droughts, rising temperatures and environmental degradation, making it imperative for government to invest in practical environmental interventions.

“Today is not only about raising awareness. It is about taking practical action to protect our natural environment while creating opportunities for our people. Environmental protection and economic development must go hand in hand,” said MEC Zondi. MEC Zondi announced that government has committed approximately R73 million towards implementing the Invasive Alien Species Programme across KwaZulu-Natal. The initiative will restore degraded ecosystems by clearing invasive alien plants that threaten biodiversity, consume valuable water resources, increase wildfire risks and reduce agricultural productivity.

MEC Zondi announced that government has committed approximately R73 million towards implementing the Invasive Alien Species Programme across KwaZulu-Natal. The initiative will restore degraded ecosystems by clearing invasive alien plants that threaten biodiversity, consume valuable water resources, increase wildfire risks and reduce agricultural productivity. The programme will also create thousands of work opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), while R2.7 million has been allocated for accredited training to equip 1,000 beneficiaries with valuable skills that will enhance their future employability.

The MEC further highlighted that the programme will benefit communities across all districts of KwaZulu-Natal. In the Zululand District alone, six projects will be implemented across the municipalities of uPhongolo, Ulundi, Nongoma, AbaQulusi and eDumbe, with an investment of more than R14.3 million, creating 1,095 job opportunities. The programme will also create thousands of work opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), while R2.7 million has been allocated for accredited training to equip 1,000 beneficiaries with valuable skills that will enhance their future employability. “This initiative is not simply about clearing invasive plants. It is about restoring our rivers, protecting our water resources, improving soil health, reducing fire risks and preserving our indigenous biodiversity for future generations,” said MEC Zondi.

He called on all citizens to play their part in protecting the environment by conserving water, preventing pollution, planting indigenous trees and supporting local environmental initiatives. “As government, we remain committed to building a cleaner, greener and more climate-resilient KwaZulu-Natal while creating meaningful economic opportunities for our communities,” concluded MEC Zondi.