110% Green Flagship Event Status For Better Together Games

The Better Together Games received its official "110% Green" flagship event status at a ceremony at Leeuwenhof Gardens in Cape Town on Tuesday, 5 November 2013.

The Games are hosted annually by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) in each region of the Western Cape.

DCAS worked to “green” the Metropole Better Together Games event with 2Wise2Waste, an initiative of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, the Western Cape Recycling Action Group (WCRAG) and the University of the Western Cape (UWC). A waste management plan was drawn up to minimise waste and its impact during the event, in alignment with relevant provincial strategic objectives.

A total of 98% of event waste was collected for recycling. It was noted that an improved awareness campaign can significantly improve "green behaviour" at future provincial government events.

Premier of the Western Cape Ms Helen Zille said she is thrilled to see green flagship initiatives acting on their commitments. "Your efforts make a positive impact on the economy and significantly improve the lives of many people. Our province is blessed with environmental attractions, and Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Together with your organisations, we want the Western Cape to be the green hub of Africa."

The Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer praised the efforts of organisations in the field. “You are leading the way to make the Western Cape one of the greenest provinces in the country,” he said.

It’s clear that significant strides are being made towards creating a green economy built on environmental best practice. The recognition of the Better Together Games as a 110% Green flagship is another proud achievement of the Western Cape Government.