25 May 2007

By George Matlala

WITH the environmental crisis hitting headlines and dinner tables around the world, the government has kicked off yet another campaign aimed at saving the environment.

Dubbed Indalo Yethu, an isiZulu phrase meaning "our environment", the campaign was launched at Dr Yusuf Dadoo Primary School in Azaadville, where hundreds of learners and government officials gathered to support the fight to save the ever-degrading environment.

It coincided with International Biodiversity Day, marked on Tuesday, 22 May. Among the dignitaries present at the launch were Marthinus van Schalkwyk, the minister of environmental affairs and tourism; Langa Zita, the chairperson of the parliamentary portfolio committee on environmental affairs and tourism; and representatives of local organisations.

Indalo Yethu aims to encourage individuals and businesses to "go green". The campaign, which received initial funding from the department, preaches the message of "environmental activism", drawing attention to the importance of a healthy environment for the country to achieve its development goals.

It is a partnership between the national Department of Environmental Affairs and Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa (Wessa), and was conceived during the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development.

"We are making a call to action to all South Africans, as individuals and organisations, to intensify efforts to live and do business in an environmentally responsible way," said JP Louw, the chief executive of the campaign.

Campaigners will urge developers to plan their projects in a way that minimises consumption of resources such as water and energy and reduces pollution.

After the imbizo, dignitaries and community members set off for Maropeng Centre for a lunchtime ceremony, where Van Schalkwyk challenged 160 influential people to take the lead in spreading the campaign’s message. He also unveiled its emblem – a butterfly in the colours of the national flag. Companies that introduce energy-saving technologies will be able to display the butterfly emblem.

"The right to display the Indalo Yethu butterfly comes at a price, and that price is your commitment to and support of sound environmental practice in your business, your workplace, your home and in the community," he said.

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