Thulamela Local Municipality has received three national environmental awards — two for waste management performance and one for tree planting — placing it among a small group of municipalities recognised by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).
The awards were presented on Tuesday by officials from Limpopo’s Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET), Tshiko Magongewu and Tebogo Mambolo.
The first award recognises Thulamela for consistently submitting waste management data to the South African Waste Information System (SAWIS) during 2026. The municipality was one of only seven in the country to receive this recognition. Accurate SAWIS reporting allows authorities to monitor how waste is generated, collected and managed, informing planning and environmental compliance.
The second award recognises the implementation and reporting of the municipality’s approved Integrated Waste Management Plan (IWMP). Thulamela was one of only two municipalities nationwide to receive this award. Integrated Waste Management Plans guide municipalities on waste reduction, recycling, collection and disposal practices.
The third award recognises the municipality’s participation in the Presidential One Million Trees Campaign, a national initiative aimed at improving environmental sustainability, combating climate change and enhancing biodiversity.
Mayor Avhashoni Tshifhango welcomed the recognition, saying the awards reflect the municipality’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The awards come at a time when many municipalities continue to face challenges related to waste management, illegal dumping and environmental compliance.