The Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) has received international recognition for its commitment to environmental sustainability after being awarded the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Green Mace Award at the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town.
The recognition places the Gauteng Provincial Legislature among the first Parliaments across the Commonwealth to receive the inaugural Green Mace Award, which acknowledges member Parliaments that demonstrate exceptional commitment to environmental and sustainability excellence.
The award recognises the Legislature’s efforts to move environmental sustainability beyond policy commitments and embed climate action into its parliamentary programmes, institutional operations and community engagement initiatives.
The CPA specifically recognised the GPL’s implementation of practical measures aimed at reducing its environmental footprint and promoting sustainable practices.
Acting on resolutions adopted by the CPA Africa Region, the Legislature secured funding through the CPA Environmental Impact Fund, enabling it to complete the installation of energy-efficient LED lighting across its precinct.
The Legislature is also in the process of installing a solar panel system, which is scheduled for completion before the end of 2027. Once operational, the system will further reduce the institution’s reliance on conventional electricity and strengthen its transition towards cleaner energy.
Demonstrating that environmental responsibility extends beyond externally funded projects, the Legislature has also used its own internal resources to install an electric vehicle charging station in its basement parking facility.
The GPL’s environmental work extends beyond its precinct. Through its annual tree planting initiatives, the Legislature has embraced conservation and community participation by commemorating Arbor Day through the planting of indigenous trees at the Mothong African Heritage Site, as part of the One Million Trees Campaign.
These interventions formed part of the body of work that resulted in the Legislature being recognised by the CPA under its Green Mace Initiative.
The CPA describes the Green Mace as a recognition of Parliaments that go above and beyond in their environmental practices and provide examples of leadership and innovation in sustainability.
The Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Hon. Morakane Mosupyoe, received the award on behalf of the institution during the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, held in Cape Town from 13 to 19 September 2026.
Welcoming the recognition, Speaker Mosupyoe said the award belongs to the entire Legislature and reflects the institution’s responsibility to lead by example in responding to the environmental challenges facing society.
“We welcome this recognition from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association with great humility and a renewed sense of responsibility. The Green Mace is not simply an award for the Gauteng Provincial Legislature; it is an affirmation that Parliament must lead by example when it comes to protecting our environment and building a sustainable future.
“Our responsibility is not limited to passing laws and conducting oversight. As an institution, we must also examine how we operate, how we use resources and how we mobilise communities to become part of the environmental solution. The installation of energy-efficient lighting, our transition towards solar energy, the introduction of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and our tree-planting initiatives demonstrate that climate action can be translated into practical interventions.”
“We are particularly proud that our environmental work extends beyond the Legislature’s precinct and into communities. This recognition strengthens our resolve to do more, to innovate further and to ensure that environmental sustainability remains an integral part of our parliamentary work and our service to the people of Gauteng.”
The Legislature says the recognition will further strengthen its commitment to integrating environmental considerations into its oversight, law-making, public participation and institutional programmes.
The award comes at a time when Parliaments globally are increasingly being called upon to play a greater role in advancing climate adaptation, resilience and sustainable development. Climate adaptation and resilience were among the key issues examined by Parliamentarians during the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.
For the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, the Green Mace provides an opportunity to demonstrate that environmental responsibility is not only a matter for environmental authorities, but is a shared institutional responsibility requiring action at parliamentary, organisational and community level.
ISSUED BY THE GPL‘S MEDIA SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE SPEAKER HON. Morakane Mosupyoe.
