Ekurhuleni, 30 September 2020 – Today, C40 announced that Ekurhuleni, South Africa is the newest member of C40 Cities, becoming one of the 95 cities worldwide committed to avoiding climate breakdown by limiting global temperature rise to below 1.5°C.
Executive Mayor Mzwandile Masina has a strong track record of global climate action, including leading the Durban Adaptation Chapter at COP17. Under Mayor Mzwandile Masina, Ekurhuleni has pursued ambitious climate action, including through ICLEI and Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, and by reporting on its emissions through the CDP since 2015. Furthermore, the city has developed a Climate Change Strategy; and also approved the Ekurhuleni+ Challenge, a set of targets leading the city to become a more resilient city by 2050.
With a population of 3.9 million, Ekurhuleni, formerly known as East Rand, will be a megacity member, joining in regional collaboration with neighboring C40 cities Johannesburg and Tshwane.
Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni, Mzwandile Masina, said: “I am honored that our city is now a member of such an important international network of like-minded cities. We are proud of the ambitious climate action we have already undertaken in Ekurhuleni, and look forward to participating in knowledge sharing between cities and further accelerating our own already-strong efforts.”
“On behalf of C40 Cities, I am proud to welcome Ekurhuleni to our coalition, said C40 Chair and Mayor of Los Angeles Eric Garcetti. "Cities are leading the way in turning the tides of the climate crisis and realizing the promises of a green and just future, and I look forward to working closely with Mayor Masina, whose record is a testament to what mayors can achieve through steadfast dedication to climate action, regional collaboration, equity and justice.”