By Bongiwe Dlamini

MBABANE:Musa Ndlangamandla, the Executive Director of Yibutse Green Action has applauded Environmental Affairs Minister Jane Mkhonta-Simelane for banning plastic carrier bags in the country with immediate effect.

The Minister announced the ban through a press statement released on Wednesday.

“In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 89 of the Environmental Management Act, 2002, the Minister of Tourism and Environment Affairs through Legal Notice No. 155 of 21 May 2021, published the Control of Plastic Bags Regulations to regulate the production, importation, and use of plastic bags; promote the reuse, recycling, and safe handling of plastic bags; and ultimately ban production, importation and use of plastic bags in Eswatini.Pursuant to Regulation 14 of the Control of Plastic Bags Regulations, 2021 and a landmark decision aimed at combating environmental degradation and promoting sustainable practices,His Majesty’s Government today announces a total ban on all single-use plastic carrier bags,” reads the statement in part.

In a public statement sent to this Swaziland News on Wednesday afternoon, the Yibutse Green Action Executive Director said, the total ban of the plastic carrier bags was long overdue.

Yibutse Green Action is a non-profit organisation that encourages  youth participation in the climate change response and environmental stewardship.

“This bold, brave and laudable move by the government is in step with leading countries of the world.It puts Eswatini on the pedestal to achieve great strides in the fight against plastic pollution.We applaud the Honorable Minister of Tourism and Environment Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane for the bold, future-focused decision. As Yibutse Green Action we strongly support this move and hope that the whole country will join us in applauding this future-conscious decision,” said the Executive Director.