By Eamonn Ryan
Margaret Molefe, director for Hazardous Chemicals Management at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), delivered a keynote speech at the SADC RAC interactive workshop. This is Part 1 of a seven-part series.
Her presentation emphasised the crucial role of international collaboration in the fight for ozone layer protection and the phasing out of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Molefe highlighted the progress made under the Montreal Protocol, a global agreement aimed at safeguarding the ozone layer, and noted the importance of strengthening government and industry relationships to accelerate these efforts.
The Montreal Protocol and World Ozone Day
The keynote began by reflecting on the international framework for ozone protection, starting with the Vienna Convention and the subsequent adoption of the Montreal Protocol. Molefe pointed out the significance of World Ozone Day, observed every year on September 16, which commemorates the progress made in reducing ODS and celebrates global efforts to protect the ozone layer. She highlighted the ongoing challenges and the need for continued cooperation between nations and industries to phase out harmful substances and promote sustainable practices.
Molefe also brought attention to Refrigeration Day on June 26, which focuses on the essential role of the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) sector in this global initiative. The refrigeration industry, she noted, is central to the transition to natural refrigerants and the adoption of more environmentally friendly alternatives that do not contribute to ozone depletion or climate change.
SA’s National Cooling Plan
Shifting to a national context, Molefe outlined South Africa’s National Cooling Plan, a collaborative effort involving multiple ministries to address both energy efficiency and the safe use of refrigerants. This comprehensive strategy involves key players such as the DFFE, NERSA (National Energy Regulator of South Africa), and DEAT (Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, now integrated into DFFE). The plan focuses on energy performance standards and the training of servicing technicians who are essential in the safe and effective implementation of new technologies.
Molefe noted that over 400 technicians have been trained through a five-day certification course, ensuring that these people are equipped with the skills necessary to handle refrigerants safely and in compliance with the latest environmental standards. This training is not just about enhancing technical skills but also about empowering a workforce that will drive South Africa’s transition to sustainable cooling technologies.