ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COLLABORATIVE WORKSHOP ADVANCES ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE IN ETHEKWINI
In a move to enhance environmental compliance and build stronger intergovernmental collaboration, eThekwini Municipality today convened a Municipal Environmental Compliance Workshop at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.
The engagement empowered stakeholders with actionable strategies to improve monitoring, enforcement, and environmental protection.
The workshop focused on strengthening coastal and biodiversity compliance in response to growing environmental challenges, including climate change, urban development pressures, and increasing environmental risks.
Participants emphasised the importance of collaboration between local, provincial, and national authorities to safeguard South Africa’s coastal and environmental resources.
Opening the workshop, Zintle Dlamini, the City’s Deputy Head of Biodiversity Management highlighted the critical role of cooperative governance in protecting coastal and environmental systems.
She noted that collaboration between municipalities, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, and other key stakeholders is essential to strengthen compliance monitoring and enforcement.
Sibongile Dlamini, Manager for Biodiversity and Climate Compliance within the City’s Biodiversity Management Directorate, outlined the Municipality’s role in balancing biodiversity protection with sustainable development.
She explained that the Directorate operates through three key branches: Biodiversity, Ecology, and Climate Compliance.
Reflecting on lessons learned from recent environmental disasters, including the April 2022 floods, Dlamini highlighted challenges related to Section 38 project registrations, SANRAL road repairs, and interdepartmental coordination.
These insights underscored the need for improved alignment and proactive planning across all spheres of government.
The Municipality reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships and enhancing compliance mechanisms to better protect the environment and build resilience against future risks.
ENDS
