The Radisson Blu Hotel in uMhlanga is the first establishment in KwaZulu-Natal to officially receive its Green Key certification. The internationally recognised certification was awarded through the Green Key programme in South Africa, operated nationally by the Wildlife Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA), following the hotel’s successful completion of the certification requirements.
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At an official handover ceremony, the hotel’s General Manager, Temba Mpofu, was presented with the prestigious Green Key plaque by Cindy-Lee Cloete, CEO of WESSA. Cloete commended the hotel’s commitment to responsible hospitality in the province. “What makes this achievement particularly significant is that the Radisson Blu is the first hotel in KwaZulu-Natal to achieve Green Key certification,” Cloete states. “This leads the way and sets an example for other tourism establishments across the province to follow.”
Green Key is a distinguished eco-label awarded to hotels, lodges, restaurants, conference centres and other tourism establishments that meet strict environmental and sustainability standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
This remarkable achievement means that the Radisson Blu Hotel, Durban uMhlanga joins a global network of over 9 000 Green Key certified establishments across more than 90 countries, that have been recognised for their commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible tourism.
“This milestone also comes at a particularly special time for WESSA, as 2026 marks our centenary and 100 years of caring for the Earth,” she says. “Green Key is one of the ways we are carrying that legacy forward today, working with the tourism sector to translate sustainability commitments into practical action.”
The recognition is particularly meaningful to Mpofu and his team, as it has been a long time in the making. The team has been working towards Green Key certification for several years, and reaching this point has required persistence, commitment and a great deal of work behind the scenes.
“We are incredibly proud to become the first Green Key-certified establishment in KwaZulu-Natal,” says Mpofu. “This achievement reflects the meaningful steps we have taken to embed sustainability into our daily operations.”
“For us, responsible hospitality is not a once-off milestone, but an ongoing commitment to our guests, our community and the environment,” he adds. “We hope this recognition inspires more tourism establishments across the province to join us in building a more sustainable future.”
Sustainability highlights
Energy efficiency: The hotel uses 100% LED lighting and has a key-card energy management system that automatically switches off electricity when guest rooms are unoccupied.
Water-saving: Aerators have been installed on showers and taps, helping to reduce water consumption across the hotel.
Waste reduction: The hotel has implemented recycling practices across its operations and actively tracks food waste, with an ongoing focus on reducing the amount of waste generated.
Coastal conservation: The hotel participates in regular beach clean-ups in collaboration with uShaka Marine World, contributing to efforts to protect Durban’s coastline and marine environment.
“Sustainability is about much more than energy, water and waste,” explains Cloete. “It is also about people and communities, and this is an area where the hotel has demonstrated a very strong commitment.”
Enabling people and communities: The hotel has donated linen and towels to SOS Children’s Villages and Crossroads to support community projects across KwaZulu-Natal. It has also welcomed learners with disabilities from the Open Air School, introducing them to potential career opportunities within the hospitality industry.
The hotel has further supported cancer awareness through a Shavathon and Sprayathon, and has implemented initiatives that were focused on the wellbeing and development of its employees.
“Each of these initiatives demonstrate something that is central to Green Key,” says Cloete. “Sustainability is not a once-off project or something that belongs to one department. It is a way of operating, and it requires people throughout an organisation to participate.
For a century, WESSA has worked to advance environmental sustainability through education, advocacy and action.
“As we celebrate WESSA’s centenary year, it is especially exciting for us to see Green Key reach this important milestone in KwaZulu-Natal,” concludes Cloete. “We are positive that Radisson Blu Umhlanga will be the first of many Green Key certified establishments in the province.”
