BY NOKUPHILA NXUMALO (INTERN)
MANZINI – The Municipality of Manzini is expanding efforts to promote environmental sustainability and youth participation through the ongoing “Manzini City Clean and Green” Schools Challenge, an initiative that has successfully introduced Eco-Clubs in schools across the city while encouraging tree planting and plastic waste recycling.
The programme, which began three years ago with a small number of schools that had Environmental Clubs, has now grown into a citywide environmental campaign involving all schools in Manzini from primary to high school level.
Speaking to Eswatini Positive News, Information and Communications Manager Phumlani Matse said the initiative was inspired by the Municipality’s commitment to environmental sustainability and youth engagement.
Matse explained that the Municipality initially worked with a few schools that already had Environmental Clubs before expanding the programme to include all schools and ensuring the establishment of Eco-Clubs throughout the city.
He said the initiative was further strengthened last year through a citywide plastic waste collection competition focusing on recyclable PET waste. Schools actively participated in the campaign and those that collected the highest volumes of plastic waste were recognised for their efforts.
“The two-month campaign received overwhelming support and participation, especially as it coincided with World Environment Day, which was themed ‘Zero Plastic Pollution’,” said Matse.
Encouraged by the success of the recycling competition, the Municipality broadened the initiative to deepen participation and align activities with the current World Environment Day theme, “Climate Action.”
As part of the expanded programme, schools are expected to plant at least 10 trees in their school yards with support from the Forestry Department under the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs.
Matse said the Municipality was intentionally empowering young people to play an active role in climate action and environmental stewardship through the initiative.
He highlighted that tree planting has multiple benefits for urban communities such as Manzini. Besides beautifying the city and creating greener spaces, trees improve air quality, reduce urban heat and support biodiversity.
“Trees also provide shade and promote a cooler, more liveable urban environment. Ultimately, these efforts contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable ecosystem for all residents,” he said.
The initiative has also attracted support from several organisations and stakeholders, including the Eswatini Environment Authority, UNESCO, Etinyosini Koncepts and the Ministry of Education through the Regional School Administrator.
Matse said the Municipality’s long-term vision for the programme is centred on collaboration and sustainability to ensure that the initiative remains impactful for years to come.
“To date, all schools in Manzini City, from primary to high school level, have successfully established Eco-Clubs, with strong endorsement from school leadership, including Head Teachers,” he said.
He added that the Municipality plans to strengthen the programme further by engaging more frequently with teachers responsible for the Eco-Clubs to ensure accountability, continuous growth and long-term impact.
The initiative will culminate in a World Environment Day celebration where participating schools will be recognised for their commitment to environmental conservation, climate action and building a greener future for Manzini.
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