Global Warming Awareness Walk
As a legacy of COP17, SIFE (Students In Free Enterprise) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in
collaboration with Umlazi Comtech and Mangosuthu University of Technology is staging a Global Warming
Awareness Walk on 7 June 2012.
The 5 km walk is scheduled to start from Umlazi Comtech at 9am and finish at Mangosuthu
University of Technology. It is open to the public and invitations have been sent to high schools in the
Umlazi area to be part of this day, an estimated 500 youth are expected to participate. All participants
have to be over the age of 9 to be eligible to attend the walk.
The purpose of this walk is to raise awareness within the Umlazi community about the potential threat
posed by global warming and to expose the community to activities that other communities are engaging
in. Additionally, there has never been an event of this nature in Umlazi. UKZN SIFE-Enviro Project
Manager, Ms Mbali Zikalala: "Generally residents in the area have to go to the CBD to take
part in events of this nature (awareness walks and discussions). We feel it should not be this way, we
are all victims and contributors to this global phenomenon, so we should all be given the opportunity to
access accurate information about global warming as well as to exhibit our efforts and concerns
regarding this very important issue."
"It is important that we involve the youth in the struggle for attaining environmental sustainability. We
believe that the youth will be instrumental in conveying the message around global warming to friends
and family given they are well informed," added Ms Zikalala.
The walk will culminate in a seminar that will be held at the Indoor Sports Center at MUT(the finishing
point) from 11h30. The keynote address will be delivered by an environmentalist as well as
representatives from DSW, the Department of Environmental Health and the director of Sports Science at
MUT. (Names to be confirmed)
The issues that will be addressed will be methods of reducing our carbon footprint, the importance of
maintaining a healthy lifestyle as well as why these issues should be taken seriously by everyone.
Notes to editors:
About SIFE:
SIFE (students in free enterprise) is an international organisation that brings together the top leaders of
today and tomorrow to create a better, more sustainable world through the positive power of
business. SIFE’s worldwide network consists of university students, academic professionals and
business leaders. Working with leading corporate partners and member universities, SIFE establishes
student programmes on campuses around the world. With the support and encouragement of their
faculty advisors and local business advisory board, SIFE students apply business concepts to
develop community outreach projects that improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in
need.
SIFE UKZN programmes:
Investment Catalyst Programme
Ukukhanya Programme
Move- IT
Women Empowerment Programme
Agric programme
Environmental Sustainability
For comment or more information, please contact:
SIFE-UKZN President
Mr Thembalethu Mkhize
+2776 798 2118
thembalethu.sifeukzn@gmail.com
SIFE-UKZN Project Manager
Miss Mbali Zikhalala
+2772 712 5612
zikalalambali.sifeukzn@gmail.com
Issued by Nomonde Mbadi
Executive Director Corporate Relations
University of KwaZulu-Natal
SIFE-UKZN: General Secretary
Mr Sethu Sidzamba
+2771 461 2040
sethukb.sifeukzn@gmail.com
SIFE-UKZN Project Advisor
Mr Tsepo Mpahlwana
+2776 535 5301
mwana.sifeukzn@gmail.com