By Phiwa Sikhondze
Yibutse Green Action, an environmental non-profit organization led by Executive Director, Musa Ndlangamandla, has taken a proactive step in promoting waste management advocacy by hosting a workshop for local journalists.
The event aimed to equip media professionals with the knowledge and tools to highlight waste management issues and advocate for sustainable practices in their reporting.
Held in Mbabane, the workshop was facilitated by environmentalist Bheki Mkhonta, who provided an in-depth understanding of waste management practices, the regulatory framework, and the role of journalists in pushing for change.
“Journalists have a unique platform to influence public attitudes and hold stakeholders accountable for sustainable waste management,” Mkhonta emphasized during the workshop.
Mkhonta outlined key provisions of the Waste Management Act of 2000 and the Litter Regulations Act of 2011, both of which guide waste management practices in Eswatini. He explained that these laws aim to curb the growing waste crisis in the country by regulating waste disposal, promoting recycling, and encouraging community participation in maintaining a clean environment.
“The media can play a pivotal role in creating awareness about these laws and advocating for their enforcement. By highlighting the gaps and successes in waste management, journalists can drive the national conversation on sustainability,” Mkhonta said.
Ndlangamandla reiterated the importance of media involvement in addressing environmental challenges, stating that the organization views journalists as essential partners in advancing its mission of a cleaner and greener Eswatini.
“The media holds significant power in shaping public opinion and influencing policy. Through informed reporting, journalists can bring waste management issues to the forefront and encourage citizens to adopt environmentally friendly practices,” he said.
Ndlangamandla also commended the workshop’s participants for their engagement and commitment to the cause, expressing hope that their work would inspire more robust waste management efforts across the country.The workshop is part of Yibutse Green Action’s broader initiative to address Eswatini’s growing waste crisis.
Ndlangamandla announced that the organization is planning similar workshops targeting other stakeholders, including municipalities and community leaders, to foster a collective approach to sustainable waste management.
“Waste management is not just an environmental issue; it’s a societal challenge that requires everyone’s input. We urge all stakeholders to join us in this fight against waste pollution,” he said.
The workshop ended with a call for journalists to use their platforms to amplify the waste management conversation and advocate for the implementation of existing policies.