City’s Harambee BRT Buses Comply with Environmental Sustainability

The Harambee BRT buses are the first diesel operated in the City to feature a Euro5 emissions technology.

This technology puts the transport system at the cutting edge of improved air quality and environmental sustainability by reducing pollution.

Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport and Fleet Phelisa Nkunjana said, “European emission standards define the acceptable limits for exhaust emissions of new vehicles sold in the European Union.  In Europe the vehicles are required to have an engine which meets certain environmental standards in order to reduce atmospheric pollutants such as particulates and nitrogen oxide.

“Ekurhuleni is one of the first cities in Africa to have a transport system that promotes good air quality. We are a City that is leading the pack in supporting efforts towards environmental sustainability through reduction of pollution.”

In 2019, the South African government pledged to continue contributing positively towards climate change emergency. Through a statement to the United Nations Secretary-General at the Climate Summit in New York in September 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa said although developing countries historically contributed the least to global emissions, they will continue to be the most affected by climate change and its impact.

“The world depends on us. We have seen the disastrous effects of climate change across the globe in the increased incidence and severity of extreme weather events such as flooding and droughts. Climate change science is clear that the risk for flooding originating from intense land falling tropical cyclones and for prolonged drought in Southern Africa is increasing under continued global warming,” read the President in the statement.

South Africa’s commitment to finding a breakthrough in climate change was witnessed when the country hosted the 2011 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP17) in 2011 to establish a new treaty to limit carbon emissions.