CAPE TOWN, Feb 20 – The South African Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) announced Tuesday it will introduce zero-emission electric vehicles soon, Xinhua news agency reported. The introduction of the vehicles “seeks to ensure that South Africa contributes to the reduction of environmentally harmful gases by promoting the use of cleaner sources of fuel,” said DEA spokesman Albi Modise.
The initiative is one of the practical outcomes of the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) hosted by South Africa recently. This initiative, involving several government departments and private businesses, is a multi-stakeholders partnership programme aimed at sustainability for many decades to come.
“The DEA believes a transition to electric vehicles in South Africa is one of the best solutions to cut down on CO2 emissions, as part of the aims of the National Climate Change Response policy and to ensure implementation of the
resolutions of many climate change conferences,” it said.
The government will roll out a consumer education and awareness campaign to popularise electric cars with an official launch ceremony scheduled for Feb 26.
BERNAMA
