Speech by Executive Mayor Alderman Patricia de Lille at
the launch of the Green Goal 2010 Legacy Report
11 July 2011
The Premier of the Western Cape, Helen Zille
Members of the Consular Corps
Members of the Mayoral Committee
Ladies and gentlemen,
One year after it happened, the effects of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ are
still being felt by the country and Cape Town. Not only did the
tournament create lasting memories rooted in a shared celebration of our
diversity, it created more tangible legacies as well.
All of us experienced the thrill and excitement of the tournament in some
way. Whether at the stadium, the fan parks, public areas or our own
homes, we all lived the tournament some way.
Apart from the tremendous demonstration of world-class athletes, the
World Cup reminded us of what made us great. It showed that when you
strip everything else away, we are a people who are diverse to be sure,
but with much in common.
We celebrated together in ways that would not have seemed possible just
a few years ago.
If the World Cup left us a legacy of unity, it also left us legacies of
projects that would survive long after the last whistle was blown. These
projects and initiatives will remain in this city and grow with us, not only
as reminders of a moment that brought out the best in all of us but as
sustainable projects that contribute to the common good.
Today, we are here to focus on just one of these legacy projects, the
award-winning Green Goal Programme, through the launch of the Green
Goal Legacy Report. Though we recognise the good work done by this
programme today, we should also take note of the recognition it has
received elsewhere, namely: receiving the Impumelelo Silver
Sustainability Award for its Green Goal workshop series and Action Plan;
receiving the Certificate for the “Best Practice Model for Environmental
Sustainability” awarded at the South African – German Chamber of
Commerce and Industry gala dinner; and receiving the International
Olympic Committee‟s Sport and Environment award for its excellent work
“to mitigate the negative environmental impacts of the World Cup and to
maximise the positive environmental and social legacy.”
Indeed, one of the reasons for these successes is the programme‟s
commitment to working with a spirit of close engagement with all
stakeholders.
This includes the provincial government, which assisted with the planning,
implementation and evaluation of this programme.
I must pay tribute to the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, which enabled the
stakeholder workshops to take place.
Funding from the Royal Danish Embassy made it possible to considerably
reduce our carbon footprint through installing energy efficient fittings into
certain council buildings, LED lights both in the Green Point Stadium and
at our traffic intersections, installing solar water heaters in Darling and
constructing a hydro-electric turbine to generate electricity within the
wonderful, new-look Green Point Park.
Thanks must also go to Sappi for supplying the paper for the production
of all the Green Goal Programme‟s significant documents, including the
publication before us today.
Officials from the national Department of Environmental Affairs and the
environment desk of the Local Organising Committee participated in our
preparatory workshops, building the capacity of the national Green Goal
programme.
Of the 42 projects, no fewer than 17 are legacy projects, meaning that
their contribution to residents and visitors will be felt long after the
completion of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.
Cape Town is playing a leading role in embracing several Green Goal
projects, especially Climate Change and Biodiversity.
The significant investment in clean and green technologies to minimise
the carbon footprint of our 2010 stadiums and other operational areas of
the World Cup, demonstrates Cape Town‟s strong commitment to climate
change issues. The City and the Province are working together as
partners on the Climate Smart Campaign in preparation for „Cop 17.‟
As for biodiversity, Green Point Park has also drawn attention to the
natural diversity present in our city.
There is a Green Goal project that is still in progress. The planning,
design, construction and operation of Cape Town‟s Smart Living Centre
remain unfinished. In going forward, I would like to thank the Bavarian
government for providing seed funding.
Major events can bring significant economic, social and environmental
benefits if planned in responsible and innovative ways, such as with the
Green Goal Campaign. These events strengthen our economy, leading to
the creation of jobs and an improvement in the delivery of essential
services. Indeed, they help make us a city of the future that provides to
all of its citizens.