Johannesburg, South Africa, 22 November 2018 — Greenpeace Africa takes this opportunity to congratulate Minister Nomvula Mokonyane on her appointment as Minister of Environmental Affairs, as announced today by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

We would however like to emphasise the critical role that this department plays in advocating for our constitutional right to a healthy environment.

We call on the newly appointed Minister to show real leadership by ensuring that the Department holds South Africa’s worst polluters accountable, and protects South Africans from deadly air pollution, water scarcity and the dangers of climate change. We cannot afford for the Department of Environmental Affairs to be anything less than a functional, strong advocate for environmental justice in South Africa. Greenpeace Africa, like many other civil society organisations, is here to ensure this is the case,” said Happy Khambule, Greenpeace Africa’s Political Advisor.

Media Contact:

Oliver Meth, Communications Specialist – Greenpeace Africa, [email protected], 060 604 6690