Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Budget Speech

Watch: Debate on Vote No 32 – Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

MINISTER D GEORGE (DR): 2024/25 BUDGET VOTE SPEECH (VOTE 32)

Honourable House Chair;  
Ministers present;  
Deputy Ministers Swarts and Singh;  
Honourable Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Nqabisa Gantsho, and Committee Members;  
Members of parliament;  
Chairpersons, Board members and CEOs of our Entities;  
Director-General, Ms Nomfundo Tshabalala;  
Team Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment;  
Ladies and gentlemen

Fellow South Africans

It is a great honour to deliver the maiden Budget Vote 32 of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment of the 7th administration. We deliver this budget vote statement mindful that we will be guided by the priorities of the Government of National Unity (GNU). We are mandated by chapter 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa: the Bill of Rights, section 24, which asserts that 'Everyone has the right: 

1. To an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being; and
2. To have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that
3. Prevent pollution and ecological degradation;
4. Promote conservation; and
5. Secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development.

Climate change is warming Africa at approximately 1.5 times the global average rate, leading to more frequent and severe extreme weather events across the continent and in South Africa. Parliament has now adopted the Climate Change Bill. This bill provides for a detailed response to climate change, and the mitigation of greenhouse gases which cause climate change, in line with South Africa's international obligations. Our focus will be on coordinating a response across government, and in all three spheres of government.

We will also be focusing on implementing ambitious actions in particular through the sectoral emission targets and carbon budget allocations to major companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions including through the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan. By the end of this financial year, we should have finalised the establishment of the Climate Change Respond Fund that we announced earlier this year. This will be crucial in financing adaptation and addressing loss and damage.

We are implementing a just energy transition. We plan to accelerate investment in renewable energy projects. We need to strengthen our transmission grid and with our abundance of solar, wind and mineral resources, we are well positioned to generate jobs in renewable energy, green hydrogen, green steel, electric vehicles and other green products. A particular focus is Mpumalanga where many livelihoods are at risk, and we remain committed to facilitating new industries, new economic opportunities and sustainable jobs.

South Africa remains a responsible global citizen and we remain committed to the multilateral rules-based regime under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement. We are preparing our 2nd nationally determined contribution through technical work and then wide consultation, will take into account the outcome of the first global stocktake, and communicate another fair and ambitious contribution in 2025.

The department finalised and issued decisions on 320 environmental impact assessment applications in 2023/2024, 99% issued within the regulated timeframe.

As a means to enable the country's response to the energy situation, the department made a commitment to finalise energy generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure applications within 57 days from the receipt of the final report. 80.5 percent of energy generation, transmission and distribution applications were issued on time after the receipt of the final report, enabling a generation potential of 51 358 megawatts of energy within the regulated timeframe. The department commits to finalise all environmental impact assessment applications that are within its full control within the regulated timeframe in 2024/25 financial year.

The department's Directorate of Appeals and Legal Review finalised 16 ESKOM minimum emission standards appeal decisions that were signed off by my predecessor, Minister Creecy on 22 May 2024. The directorate further managed to prioritize and finalise 30 energy related appeals within the 2023/2024 financial year, which assisted in relieving the energy situation. 

We saw an increase in rhino poaching in 2023, with Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in KwaZulu Natal facing the brunt of the poaching. With the dehorning programme beginning in April 2024, we have begun to see some easing of the pressure in KZN.

In order to grow the rhino population, we are working to finalise the biodiversity management plan for black and white rhinoceros. Working with law enforcement authorities, we will continue to intensify enforcement and contribute to successful prosecutions of poachers. A rhino should be able to walk around in the field with its horn intact and not be vulnerable to attack. There is something wrong in a system that incentivises harm instead of protection and we need to fix that system.  

The Working for Fisheries Programme has supported 8 significant, job generating projects and anti-poaching measures continue to be a priority for the Fisheries Management branch and the Marine Living Resources Fund (MLRF), to ensure sustainable management of South Africa's marine resources. Joint Law–Enforcement operations will continue to be conducted with partners under Operation Phakisa.  We commit to accelerate the support to all small-scale fisheries cooperatives in the four coastal provinces. We need to connect and re-connect our coastal communities to the ocean economy and encourage entrepreneurship.

We have submitted the Aquaculture Development Bill to Parliament for approval during the 7th administration. We will also conduct inspections and verification of right holders in the six priority fisheries: hake, abalone, rock lobster, linefish, squid, and pelagic.

In contributing to the expansion of the conservation estate, 135,000 hectares of land were added in the last financial year. The study on the interlinkages of migration, drought, land degradation, and drought was adopted by Cabinet.

The finalisation of the Policy Position on the Conservation and Sustainable use of the five iconic species - Black and White Rhino, lion, leopard, and Elephant - was also adopted by Cabinet. This policy position proposes to end the captive keeping of lions for commercial purposes and close captive lion facilities, phase out the domestication and intensification of rhino management, and enhance the conservation and sustainable use of leopards.

The prohibition notice on the establishment or registration of new captive lion breeding facilities was finalised and approved for implementation. This prohibition pertains to the establishment or registration of new captive breeding facilities, commercial exhibition facilities, rehabilitation facilities, or sanctuaries for live specimens of African lions, as well as the keeping of live specimens of African lions in any other new controlled environment.

The Ministerial Task Team, assigned to recommend voluntary exit pathways and options for captive lions, has concluded its report. The report includes recommendations on how to phase down the industry, taking into account the well-being of the animals and the impact on jobs for the workers in such facilities.  Regulations on Threatened and Protected Species were finalised and will be tabled in the National Council of Provinces during this financial year.   
The NEMBA Bill has been completed and has been released for public comments.

To attract investments in the biodiversity economy, we profiled 59 bankable businesses on the biodiversity sector investment portal. As a result, two projects attracted an investment of USD 450 000 to promote conservation and community well-being. The two beneficiary sites are the Madikwe Barokologadi Community Property Association (CPA) in the North West and the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. This investment will be used to develop a management plan and implement a biodiversity credit system.

To reach our goal of a 30% expansion of the conservation estate by 2030 for both terrestrial and marine ecosystems, we will adopt a mega-living landscape approach. This will include a mix of land acquisition, development of stewardship sites, and other effective conservation measures.

To make a significant contribution to the economy, the focus will be on developing biodiversity economy nodes to generate opportunities in ecotourism, the wildlife economy, and the bioprospecting sector. Additionally, we will design mega hubs in the provinces.

SANParks has secured 10 million dollars from the Global Environment Facility to fund a project that will implement the Mega Living Landscapes concept in the Barberton-Makhonjwa, Greater Addo, and Eastern Cape Grasslands landscapes and has developed a climate change preparedness strategy.

A close working relationship between the SAPS and the SANParks Environmental Crimes Investigations Unit has resulted in several successful prosecutions and convictions with lengthy sentences.

The department surpassed its target for reducing Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in 2023, achieving more than a 50% reduction. This accomplishment significantly contributes to South Africa's role in global efforts to protect the ozone layer and phase out HCFCs, which are classified as ozone depleting substances. South Africa aims to phase out the use of HCFCs ahead of the 2040 target set by the Montreal Protocol for the Protection of the Ozone Layer.

The department is committed to supporting local governments in increasing waste diversion from landfill sites through reuse, recycling, and recovery, focusing on packaging waste such as paper, plastic, and glass through EPR schemes. Eight municipalities are targeted to receive EPR infrastructure and support for separate waste collection.

The department will also provide technical assistance to municipalities applying for waste management fleet purchases using parts of municipal infrastructure grants to enhance waste collection services, combat illegal dumping, and improve landfill site management. Twenty-nine municipalities will receive support for cleaning campaigns aimed at enhancing cleanliness.

50 192 tons of waste tyres were processed, an increase of 38% from the previous year.

The South African Weather Service continues with its key objective to maintain, extend and improve the quality of meteorological and ambient air quality-related information services for the benefit of all South Africans. This includes the provision of dependable public weather, aviation, maritime forecasts, and severe weather information.

Over the medium-term, R375 million will be allocated to improve and optimize the entity's RADAR, surface observation, air quality, and ICT infrastructure networks, among other priorities. Much-needed RADAR spares have been received and installed at sites requiring refurbishment.

The operation of ambient air quality monitoring networks in the Vaal, Highveld, and Waterberg-Bojanala National Ambient Air Quality Priority Areas has been significantly impacted by electricity blackouts. Damage to measuring instruments and supporting infrastructure has led to reduced data availability from these networks, affecting our ability to meet data availability targets crucial for assessing intervention impacts and informing air quality management decisions nationwide.

Enhancements to the early warning system are planned to better support the country in responding to the escalating severity and frequency of weather-related events nationwide.

By the end of March 2024, the South African National Biodiversity Institute achieved an overall performance of 95% of the 2023/24 Annual Performance Plan targets. Implementation of the Garden's Infrastructure Maintenance and Development Programme with 50 priority infrastructure maintenance projects were completed, and 10 priority new infrastructure assets were developed.

A total of 1 467 000 visitors to national gardens, and over 217 000 children and youth participated in the "Kids in Gardens" Biodiversity Education Programme which is run in National Botanical and Zoological Gardens.  
Botanical and zoological gardens continued to serve their roles as centres of social cohesion, supporting local economies and serving as embassies of biodiversity and culture. This included hosting of events, the 31st season of the ever-popular Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert Series and being available for supporting healthy outdoor activities.

The institute is also continuing with the strategy for the repositioning of the National Zoological Gardens, the National Botanical Gardens Expansion Strategy, the Infrastructure Maintenance and Development programme, which is aimed at improving the state of facilities of the institute for enhanced customer product offering.

In the 2023/2024 financial year, iSimangaliso Wetland Park successfully achieved a clean audit opinion, marking a significant milestone in its financial governance.

Advanced progress has been made in commercialisation efforts including conducting a due diligence assessment prior to assuming commercial assets from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm that working together with my colleagues Deputy Ministers Swarts and Singh, as part of the GNU, we will prioritise clean governance and ethical administration free of corruption in the 7th Administration.

I wish to thank Team DFFE led by the director general for the efforts to preserve, cherish and protect our environment.

To the chairpersons, board members and CEOs of our Entities, let us continue to work together to safeguard our environment and promote sustainable development for the benefit of all South Africans.

We will work with the Portfolio Committee to ensure that the department is held accountable.

I thank you.

 

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BUDGET VOTE 32 FOR FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT, DELIVERED BY THE DEPUTY MINISTER, MS BERNICE SWARTS

Honourable House Chair

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George;

Ministers present;

Deputy Minister Narend Singh;

Honourable Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Nqabisa Gantsho, and Committee Members;

Members of parliament;

Chairpersons, Board members and CEOs of our Entities;

Director-General, Ms Nomfundo Tshabalala;

Team Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment;

Ladies and gentlemen

Fellow South Africans 

Good afternoon

The inaugural budget vote speech of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment in the 7th Administration coincides with the commemoration of Nelson Mandela month. 

In this month of July, South Africans from all walks of life can honour our beloved Madiba by doing something that will make a difference in our communities. 

It is befitting to start this budget vote speech by quoting Nelson Mandela when he said, 

“I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses. We must never forget that it is our duty to protect this environment.”

Environmental Programmes

The Department, through the Environmental Programmes Branch, is focused on the creation of work opportunities through the implementation of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) projects in executing its mandate. 

Through a range of EPWP projects implemented by the Department, the DFFE exceeded its 2023/24 EPWP target of creating 42 302 work opportunities as the department created a total of 80 918 work opportunities. The work opportunities created benefited 60% women and 58% youth, with 1% on persons with disabilities. Youth employment included the employment of graduates, enabling them to gain critical experience in line with section 24 of the Constitution. It is encouraging that some of these graduates were absorbed into the municipalities and other host organizations. Furthermore, the Department met its target for full time equivalents (FTEs), meaning that it was able to improve the duration of employment noting that EPWP participants are paid in accordance with the number of days worked.

The implementation of the Municipal Greening and Cleaning Programme through a partnership model with the municipalities created the most work opportunities. The partnership had the Department paying for the EPWP stipends and providing the primary project management responsibilities. The municipalities provided personal protective equipment (PPE), tools of trade and medical screening. The Municipal Greening and Cleaning Programme contributed to the waste management service delivery through daily cleaning-up and clearing of illegal hotspots. 

The target of clearing areas invaded by invasive alien species was met, which holds significant impact, particularly in enhancing ecological integrity by restoring natural habitats and biodiversity. Additionally, through prioritizing follow-up clearing efforts, the Department effectively protected its prior investments in the initial clearing of areas invaded by alien plants. Through its Working on Fire Programme, the Department effectively contained wildland fires, preventing their escalation into natural disasters. Through the same programme, the Department is raising awareness about wildland fires and the impact of climate change, for example, the frequency and intensity of fires.

The Department's achievement in exceeding the wetland rehabilitation target signifies its contribution to the protection and conservation of wetlands, enhancing their capacity to provide ecosystem services. The Department exceeded its target of nine (9) biodiversity infrastructure facilities constructed/renovated to fourteen (14). It also exceeded its achievement on biodiversity economy infrastructure facilities and overnight visitor accommodation and staff accommodation units whose target of twenty-one (21) was exceeded by one (1), to twenty-two (22). Such demonstrates the Department’s commitment to balancing conservation efforts with economic development, benefiting both the environment and local communities. Furthermore, this achievement marks progress towards an inclusive biodiversity economy.

In this financial year, we have prioritized the creation of 31 075 EPWP work opportunities and 22 538 full time equivalents through the implementation of the Working for Water, Working on Fire and Working for Wetlands and the Municipal Greening and Cleaning programmes.

The Department aims to clear 295 000 hectares of land invaded by invasive alien plants and rehabilitate 23 wetlands. We will maintain the Working on Fire Programme, by suppressing at least 90% of wildfires. The Working on Fire Programme remains a priority in the 2024/25 financial year, noting that experts have already warned of the increase in the frequency and intensity of fires due to climate change.

The Department will also maintain the Working for Wetlands Programme to rehabilitate wetlands and ensure they continue to provide key ecosystem services that provide socioeconomic benefits to various communities. 

Honourable Members, SANParks – one of our entities - also participates in the DFFE funded EPWP which is aimed at creating jobs targeting women, youth and people with disabilities. Under this programme SANParks exceeded all targets in the previous financial year, having employed 5 150 full-time equivalents (FTEs), employing 7 098 youth, 6 483 women and 198 people with disabilities. Over the medium term, under this programme, SANParks aims to create over 13 860 jobs targeting women, youth and people with disabilities mostly from neighbouring communities to national parks.

Forestry Management

The Department, through the Forestry Branch, working in collaboration with its social partners namely industry, labour, and other government departments, has continued the successful implementation of the five-year Forestry Masterplan. The Masterplan is essentially the transformation, growth and investment plan for the sector.

Despite initial challenges, the sector has seen remarkable investment growth with R28 billion of the R30 billion target invested by the end of the 2023/24 financial year. This excludes investment by government on the different deliverables of the Masterplan as part of providing a conducive environment for the sector to thrive. 

The recapitalization of DFFE managed State plantations, including the recommissioning of Western Cape plantations, were prioritized. To date, 27 plantations covering 6,213 hectares have been transferred to communities through the Community Forestry Agreement Model. To reduce Temporary Unplanted areas in State plantations, the Department will be planting 1 800 hectares in Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and in the Eastern Cape. In addition to this, 2 100 hectares will be tendered through different silvicultural regimes like weeding, pruning and thinning and eight Community Forestry Agreements will be concluded in this financial year. 

In terms of new Afforestation, approximately 47,000 hectares of land in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape have been earmarked for new afforestation. The DFFE is in the process of finalizing Environmental Impact Assessments to facilitate the issuance of Water Use Licenses for planting. 

A significant legislative milestone includes the President's signing of the amended National Veld and Forest Fire Bill into law. This amendment facilitates the formation of Fire Protection Associations, crucial for managing veld and forest fires effectively.

Honourable Members, a comprehensive Skills Audit Report has been developed to identify gaps and redundant skills in forestry processing and production. Additionally, a Skills Forum has been established to create and deliver short courses for landowners, SMME contractors, and small sawmillers. Courses focus on essential roles such as Forestry Production Supervisor, Safety Inspector, and Safety, Health, and Environmental Officer. Over 60 learners have enrolled, with 21 completing their training.

The Department has also partnered with other government entities such as the Department of Trade Industry and Competition (DTIC) as well as industry players to promote the use of locally manufactured timber products. The DTIC is collaborating with the industry to implement a monitoring tool to oversee timber tenders specifying local products. This initiative supports local industries and reduces reliance on imports. Furthermore, Stellenbosch University has developed timber construction courses, with additional courses in development at the University of Pretoria. The Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (FP&M SETA) has approved R1.46 million for capacity building in this area.

To ensure effective utilisation of land, efforts to encourage the adoption of agroforestry practices among small growers have commenced, with the development of Agroforestry Best Practice Guidelines currently underway. 

Honourable Members, the Department is implementing the National Greening Programme which aims to coordinate national, provincial and local government initiatives and those of civil society to plant, care and maintain trees and other vegetation in urban and rural settlement areas. The initiative is implemented through the Presidential Initiative: Ten Million Trees Programme which aims to plant 2 million trees every year, over a period of five years. 

The programme is currently in the fourth year of implementation having planted about 3 972 2800 trees which comprise of 60% fruit and 40% ornamentals. An estimated 1 177 390 trees were planted through DFFE initiatives and other stakeholders in the 2023/24 financial year. This resulted in the creation of 4062 work opportunities as it is implemented through the EPWP. The greening programme is aimed at creating sustainable settlements, aesthetically pleasing environment and mitigating against harmful effects of climate change while addressing household food security when trees are integrated into homestead gardens.  

For the 2024/25 financial year, the plan is to plant 150 000 trees through DFFE interventions and 2 million trees in collaboration with other stakeholders. 

The DFFE is the custodian of the National Forest Act, 1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998) (NFA). Through this Act, the Department is committed to processing all licenses in terms of sections 7, 15 and 23 within 90 days of receipt. 

Skills development

Honourable Members, from the human capital management perspective, the Department will continue to ensure that the skills of staff are developed. In the previous financial year, DFFE managed to place more than 400 youth on the Work Integrated Learning programme. The Department also implemented an internship programme which placed 232 graduates for a period of 2 years ending in August this year. 

SANParks will place people development at the centre of its strategic priorities over the medium term. Key initiatives that will be implemented include; executive coaching, management development programmes, implementation of succession planning, skills audit, and staff training and development. 

SANParks will also strengthen relationships with strategic partners in the skills development space such as SETAs and higher education institutions.

While the loss of key scientific and technical skills is of concern, the South African Weather Service is committed to strengthening its efforts to attract and retain key skills for a fit-for-purpose workforce and addressing the competitive nature of the meteorological environment, both locally and internationally.

The South African National Biodiversity Institute, which is one of our entities, has trained a total of 970 graduates on different key areas through the Groen Sebenza Phase II Graduate Development Programme. The Programme is a key sector intervention which is part of the Biodiversity Human Capital Development Strategy and 459 beneficiaries in the education sector were trained in biodiversity conservation.

Honourable Members, I must stress that in this financial year, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment strives to maintain an unqualified audit opinion, as expressed by the Auditor-General of South Africa, by ensuring that internal controls are monitored regularly and applied effectively. 

Additionally, we aim to have an adequately capacitated and transformed workforce that is representative of South Africa’s race and gender demographics. Our goal is to appoint 50% women in Senior Management Service positions and 2% persons with disabilities, thereby improving human resources capacity within the sector.

In conclusion Honourable Members, allow me to thank my colleagues in the Government of National Unity, our Minister, Dr Dion George, and Deputy Minister Narend Singh, as we are working together in leading this portfolio.

I wish to thank Team DFFE led by the Director General, Ms Nomfundo Tshabalala, the chairpersons, board members and CEOs of our Entities for executing our Constitutional mandate as it is enshrined on Section 24 of the Bill of Rights.

We will work with the Portfolio committee to ensure that the department is held accountable.

I thank you.

 

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Budget Vote 32 For Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Delivered by the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Mr Narend Singh

 

Honourable House Chair
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George,
Deputy Minister Swarts
Honourable Members present,

I am delighted and honoured to have been given this responsibility and appointed by President Ramaphosa to serve in his cabinet as Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. 

I am fortunate in that I am no stranger to this portfolio, having been a past member of the portfolio committee on DFFE and a past MEC for Environment in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. 

Together with the late Leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party, His Excellency Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who himself was an avid environmentalist, and with other luminaries such as Dr Ian Player, I was involved in many environmental projects at the National, Provincial, and Local government levels.

Today I want to touch on a few key issues that we will focus on during the 7th administration.
We will aim to deepen our quest to accelerate the enforcement of environmental laws, combat the poaching of our fauna and flora, and end illegal fishing while enhancing regulatory frameworks to ensure that conservation efforts complement sustainable economic growth and job creation.

Although fundamentally anthropocentric, our constitutional injunction, as enshrined in Section 24 of the Constitution, should be extended where possible. We should all start to realise the direct and indirect effects that our actions have on all living things. 

To quote one of the leading proponents of biocentricity, philosopher Aldo Leopold, who said that when dealing with the environment, “A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise.”

Enforcement

To strengthen the enforcement capabilities of environmental legislation, the National Environmental Management Laws Amendment Bill (Admin Penalties Bill) will provide an Administrative Penalty System as an additional enforcement tool for environmental contraventions. 

Our enforcement arms must receive more significant resources, both in terms of capacity and logistical support. Specialist training is crucial, as well as intelligence sharing between other state security and policing agencies.

Fisheries Compliance and Law Enforcement

We will review the Marine Living Resources Act, 18 of 1998, for the 2024/25 financial year. 
Our work through the Fisheries Management branch will focus on strategies to rebuild West Coast rock lobster and abalone resources. 

We will partner with stakeholders to combat poaching and Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) activities that impact South Africa’s fish stocks.
It is crucial to us that the socio-economic needs of fishing communities are thoroughly considered in all decision-making processes.

The Department remains committed to ensuring compliance with international fisheries obligations, which aim to promote the sustainable management of fisheries and marine resources and, most importantly, preserve our rich marine biodiversity.

Transformation

The transformation of the Biodiversity Sector is non-negotiable and remains a key focus. This position was cemented with the recent revision of the National Biodiversity Economy Strategy (NBES), which seeks to advance an inclusive biodiversity sector that enhances local beneficiation of indigenous biological and genetic resources for sustainable prosperity for both people and nature.

Transformation is one of the key pillars of the NBES, aiming to include rural communities and previously disadvantaged individuals in the biodiversity economy for rural socio-economic development.

Oceans and Coasts

With regard to Oceans and Coasts, this financial year, we aim to monitor water quality in 45 priority areas in the four coastal provinces. 

Ocean governance through management of environmental sustainability requires appropriate Marine Spatial Planning, which is a key priority for the programme and offers numerous benefits. It contributes to the sustainable management of marine resources and supports economic, environmental, and social goals. 

As we navigate the complexities of marine conservation and protection, MPAs emerge as indispensable tools in our arsenal. MPAs in South Africa support sustainable fisheries, boost tourism, conserve biodiversity, promote research and education, enhance climate resilience, and preserve cultural heritage. 

Since 2019, 20 new MPAs have been declared, increasing the conservation estate of the EEZ to 5.4%, totaling 42 MPAs. We are committed to achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework's goal of protecting at least 30% of coastal and marine areas, prioritizing those with high biodiversity and ecosystem value, through a network of protected areas and conservation measures that are effective, representative, connected, and equitably managed.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

To address transformation and socio-economic development, the management of iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority ringfenced 40% of opportunities for previously disadvantaged community groups, with the latest allocation achieving 32%. This includes concessions like the boating concession at Kosi Bay Lakes. 

Notably, iSimangaliso Wetland Park has maintained a zero, rhino poaching record over the past two years.
To ensure comprehensive stakeholder buy-in, iSimangaliso engaged with Amakhosi, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife management, local traditional leaders, land claimants, and other stakeholders. 

Subcontracting and employment for local small businesses were prioritized, creating 40 SMMEs and 400 job opportunities. 
The overall strategy aims to combat rhino poaching, supported by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife's increase in field rangers, deployment of tracking devices, and implementation of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-funded rhino dehorning process, all of which contribute to positive outcomes in conservation efforts.

Conclusion

In closing, to my colleagues, Minister Dr Dion George and Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts, our work is cut out for us. As we embark on this journey, I am confident that through collaboration and concerted efforts, we can achieve a harmonious balance between environmental conservation and economic prosperity for all South Africans.

House chair, allow me to thank the Director General, Ms Nomfundo Tshabalala, and the DFFE team, the board chairs, members, and CEOs of our entities for the sterling work they continue to execute in the Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment sector.
We will work with the Portfolio committee to ensure that the Department is held accountable.

Thank you.