Frequently Asked Questions about Indalo Yethu

1. What are the objectives of Indalo Yethu?
The primary objective of Indalo Yethu is to design and implement an environmental awareness campaign, which premised on sustainable development principles, will seek to encourage responsible environmental practice within and across all sectors and levels of society.

2. When will Indalo Yethu be implemented?
It already has! The Campaign was launched in June 2006 by the National Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk and staff members started coming on board from August of 2006

3. Can one person really make a difference?
"Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."—John F. Kennedy's 1961 inaugural address
At Indalo Yethu we firmly believe that it is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do a little. Do what you can to save tomorrow today, WE CAN starts with YOU CAN

4. What does your endorsement mean and why is it significant?
The Environmental Endorsement System is generic in nature and is designed to unite the growing numbers of greening activities and environmental labels under one umbrella

5. How does Indalo Yethu communicate to the public about their chosen endorsement schemes and share the good stories to the rest of SA?
The Campaign has identified three thrusts within which to engage the general public and all sectors of our community through information sharing and dissemination, demonstration and technical support. The three thrusts as outlined in our 2008/09 Business Plan are as follows,
- Deepening Public Consciousness about environmental issues,
- Environmental Endorsement; and
- Flagships Projects.

6. What are the kinds of things that are expected in order for endorsement to be granted?
Indalo Yethu will work with key Industry stakeholders in developing Industry specific standards that must be met by all endorsee before endorsement is granted, and these standards will be developed in line with internationally recognized best practices

7. Is this a governmental or private endorsement system?
This is a voluntary endorsement system supported by government, and Industry players are being brought on board per sector and at the end we will have a Public Private Partnership Environmental Endorsement System that is responsive to the needs of consumers

8. Does Indalo Yethu find me, or do I have to go knock on Indalo Yethu’s door to get my project endorsed?
Either way, the Campaign is meant to establish and maintain contact with all South Africans through the media, focused sessions, planned meetings and public outreach. The public is always welcome to respond to our messages and or initiate contact with us

9. What are the benefits associated with being endorsed by Indalo Yethu?
Taking care of the environment is good business
The Indalo Yethu logo will be a sign of credibility in relation to environmental commitment and practices by the endorsee and this will provide a competitive advantage in the market as more and more people vote for environmental friendly products and services by increasingly buying endorsed products and services