The City of Johannesburg has launched its Environmental Management Inspectorate – a network of environmental enforcement officials – as part of the implementation of a memorandum of agreement between the city and the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, in accordance with the National Environmental Management Act.

“With only a month to go before South Africa begins the celebration of 20 years of democracy, we take pride in a Constitution that protects the rights of its citizens. This includes everyone’s right to an environment that is not harmful to health or wellbeing, and to have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations,” the city said.

Therefore, the city had designated and trained nine environmental management inspectors (EMIs), also known as 'green scorpions', who would ensure compliance with the city’s environmental bylaws.

The EMIs would have distinctive uniforms and would have to carry official identity cards that had to be presented at the public’s request and whenever official duties were being carried out.

“The enforcement of the city’s environmental bylaws will not only protect our people from harmful risks, but will also help ensure that our city does not have any no-go areas that have been created through dumping or the harbouring of dangerous substances and animals,” MMC for environment, infrastructure and services Matshidiso Mfikoe said.

She added that the safety of the people of Johannesburg could only be guaranteed when the policies of government were implemented.

“This is just the beginning. As the inspectors are taking on their responsibilities in the field, the city plans to train more to strengthen the inspectorate to give it more teeth, while creating a safe and healthy environment for ourselves and future generations,” Mfikoe said.

The city’s commitment to a safe, clean and green city was also expressed through numerous other initiatives, which included the hosting of the C40 Mayoral Summit on climate change in February next year. The key focus of this summit would be compliance with environmental legislation in relation to proposed developments by cities and private developers.