Questions and Replies

Reply:

(a) No. The DEA does not provide funding to any institution for research and development either domestically or internationally

(i) N/A

(ii) N/A

(aa)(aaa) N/A

(bbb) N/A

(bb) N/A and

(cc) N/A

(b) Yes. SANBI does provide funding to the mentioned institution mentioned in the table below.

(i) Yes

(ii) Yes

(aa)(aaa) please note on table

(bbb) please note on table

(bb) please note on table

(cc) please note on table

National/ International	Name of Institution	Function	Date of Funding	Amount (complete and not abbreviated)
National	University of Cape Town (ADU)	Academic Institution	2015/16 -2016/17	R1 000 000
National	University of Kwazulu-Natal	Academic Institution	2015/16 -2016/17	R11 865
National	University of Limpopo	Academic Institution	2015/16 -2016/17	R30 000
National	University of the Free State	Academic Institution	2015/16 -2016/17	R54 250
International	UNEP WCMC	Monitoring Centre	2015/16 -2016/17	R660 300
National	Panthera	NGO	2015/16 -2016/17	R150 000
National	Birdlife South Africa	NGO	2016/17-2017/18	R100 000
National	Capricorn Marine Environmental	NGO	2016/17-2017/18	R43 320
National	Council for Scientific and Industrial Research	Research Council	2016/17-2017/18	R1 200 000
National	South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR)	Research Institute	2016/17-2017/18	R75 000
National	UKZN	Academic Institution	October 2015 – October 2021	R6 474 284
National	University of Stellenbosch	Academic Institution	May 2017	R233 742
National	UKZN	Academic Institution	2015/16	R600 000
National	UKZN	Executed components of uMngeni Resilience Project that is funded by Global Adaptation Fund	October 2015 – October 2021	R6 474 284
National	University of Stellenbosch	Guideline for Ecosystem Based Adaptation	May 2017	R233 742
National	UKZN	Taxonomic research on Sida and flora of KZN	2015/16	R600 000
National	UKZN	Co-implementation of a Green Fund project: Investing in ecological infrastructure to enhance water security in the uMngeni River catchment.	May 2014 to October 2015	R1 914 000
International	The Open University	iSpot citizen science data collection platform	August 2016 - 2017	R197 000 (DEA MTEF grant)
National	UCT	Post Doc research statistics, ecology and informatics	August 2015 - July 2016	R350 000 (DEA MTEF grant)
National	UCT	Development of capacity of data management	2015/16	R242 000 (DEA MTEF grant)
International	Oxford University	Herbarium collections management software licence.	April 2016 – April 2018	R635 552 (DEA MTEF grant)
National	University of Witwatersrand	Transformation Initiative	May -August 2016	R149 000
National	Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency ( 5 year contract)	Implementation of the GEF Funded Biodiversity and Land Use Project in the Amathole District Municipality	August 2016 - 30 January 2020	R1 441 300
National	Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (5 year contract)	Implementation of the GEF Funded Biodiversity and Land Use Project in the Ehlanzeni District Municipality	August 2016 - January 2020	R258 525
National	CSIR	Ecosystem Accounting technical inputs rivers	April 2015 – Sept 2015	R433 000

b) No. SANParks, iSimangaliso, does not provide funding to any institution for research and development either domestically or internationally

(i) N/A

(ii) N/A

(aa)(aaa) N/A

(bbb) N/A

(bb) N/A and

(cc) N/A

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Reply:

(1) Over the past six years, extensive work has been done to translate the National Climate Change Responses Policy (NCCRP) into practical action:

(i) Implementation of the National Mitigation System

Section 6 of the NCCRP lists the key elements in the overall approach to mitigation. The National Mitigation System, comprises the following elements and is directly implemented by the Department of Environmental Affairs:

 (a) Introduction of desired emission reduction outcomes now called the sector emission targets (SETs);

 (b) Allocation of carbon budgets at company level; and

 (c) Establishment of a national emissions trajectory.

Phase 1 of the Mitigation System has already commenced, from 01 January 2016 and will extend to
31 December 2020. Phase 2 of the Mitigation System, will commence on 01 January 2021. Phase 1 will contains some of the elements of the full mitigation system, with further elements to be introduced in the second phase.

(a) Sectoral Emission Targets

The rationale for SETs is to set limits of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) for sectors and subsectors as part of South Africa’s mitigation efforts, while achieving its developmental goals. SETs will be determined for three rolling 5-year periods, with national government departments (SET departments) being allocated responsibility to ensure emissions remain within the limits of the first 5-year period. The SETs are aligned with emissions categories in the national GHG inventory. The first Phase SETs have been set for the period 2016 to 2020. The second and subsequent phases SETs will be defined and allocated by 2018, pronouncing the 3 cycles for the period (2021-2025; 2026-2030 and 2031-2035); and will be reviewed every 5 years.

(b) Carbon Budgets

A carbon budget sets the maximum volume of emissions from certain activities that a company is allowed to emit over a certain time period. By assigning a carbon budget to a company, an indication is provided of the extent of greenhouse gas mitigation that is required within a specific time period. Furthermore, by providing companies with an understanding of how budgets are likely to be assigned in future phases, as well as how the budgets will be impacted by the shape of the trajectory, it sensitises them to how mitigation requirements may change in the future (even if the future quantum is not specified). Carbon budgets will be allocated for a period of five years, supported by the GHG Emissions Reporting regulations, which will facilitate the submission of GHG emissions data by companies.

(c) Mitigation Plans

The companies whom the I have given carbon budgets are expected to prepare, submit and implement mitigation plans to demonstrate how they are going to reduce/manage their GHGs towards achievement of their carbon budgets. For the first phase, companies will be empowered to prepare mitigation plans through the Pollution Prevention Plan regulations promulgated in July 2017. The plans will be reviewed every five years. Progress towards implementation of these plans is done every year and at the end of the five years (in line with the carbon budgets).

(d) The National Emissions Trajectory

The National GHG emissions trajectory serves as the country’s greenhouse gas emission reduction pathway over time. The first refinement of the National Trajectory emissions trajectory is planned for 2018, with an update every five years. The National Trajectory will inform what gets committed to the UNFCCC as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

(ii) The Mitigation Potential Analysis

The Mitigation Potential Analysis (MPA) involves identifying and analysing mitigation options in key economic sectors. The MPA entails:

• Setting baselines and projecting greenhouse gas emissions in to the future;
• Conducting an in-depth assessment of the mitigation potential for key sectors and sub-sectors of the economy; and
• Identifying best available mitigation options for key sectors and sub-sectors which is formed by amongst other:

National GHG emissions are projected based on the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory, mentioned previously. Sector plans (policies and strategies) also form part of the inputs to the MPA. The Mitigation Potential Analysis will be periodically reviewed (every 5 years).

(iii) Development and Implementation of Policies and Measures

The work here involves quantification or estimation (ex-ante) of effect of policies and measures (PAMs) on emission reduction based on currently implemented adopted and planned PAMs. To fill the gap to meet South Africa’s emission reduction objectives, new PAMs are recommended. The role of sectoral departments is very critical in the development of PAMs. The PAMs are very important in the process of achieving sectoral targets (SETs). The Carbon Tax is one of the policy instruments articulated through the NCCRP as one such policy intervention/ instrument to influence behavioural change on industry to internalize external costs associated with greenhouse gas emissions.

(iv) National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Reporting System

As an international requirement, Decision 17/CP.8,3 of the UNFCCC states that non-Annexure I Parties (includes South Africa) shall, as appropriate and to the extent possible, provide in its national inventory, on gas-by-gas basis and its units mass, estimates of anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) by sources and removals by sinks – in line with the IPCC Guidelines.

Accurate GHG emissions inventories are essential for the following reasons:

• To fulfil the UNFCCC reporting requirements and also support the development of the national communications, Biennial Update Reports;
• Mitigation Potential Analysis;
• To evaluate mitigation options and to provide for GHG emissions reductions;
• To assess the effectiveness of policies and mitigation measures;
• To develop long term emissions projections;
• To monitor and evaluate the performance of South Africa’s GHG emissions profile; and
• Used as a basis for allocation of carbon budgets, DEROs/SETs, etc.

South Africa has already developed five national greenhouse gas inventories (1990, 1994, 2000, 2014, and 2017). These have been published nationally and included in various international reports to the UNFCCC. The 4th National Greenhouse Gas Inventory was published in December 2014, covering the 2000-2010 period. The Department of Environmental Affairs has recently finalised the 5th inventory, 2000-2012 National GHG inventory. South Africa’s greenhouse gas (GHG) Inventory will now be compiled and published on a biennial basis.

(v) Implementation of the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Reporting Regulations

The Minister has promulgated the National GHG Reporting Regulations to encourage the reporting of national GHG emissions annually. The main objective of these regulations is to introduce a single national reporting framework for the reporting and dissemination of information related to GHG emissions. Reporting of this GHG data will be done through the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory System (NAEIS).

(vi) Implementation of the Climate Change Near-term Priority Flagship Programmes

The Climate Change Flagship Programmes are strategic measures implemented by the South African Government intended to serve as a rallying point to trigger a large-scale transition to a lower carbon economy and a more climate resilient South Africa. They are government led programmes and they provide the certainty needed to stimulate the investment required for these transitions. The Programmes place government at the forefront of increasing the use, visibility and recognition of climate change response technologies and services, facilitating their rapid diffusion. South Africa’s implementation capability has grown tremendously, characterised by more effective systems and processes, and a more capable workforce that is better able to achieve strong, well-coordinated progress in responding to climate change. The Department of Environmental Affairs, other national government departments and key implementation partners intensified their efforts towards the development, implementation and scaling-up of climate action in their respective sectors. In partnership with the relevant lead departments and implementers, the Department of Environmental Affairs is currently working on the development and implementation of the two new Flagship Programmes and the expansion of several existing flagship programmes.

The second phase of the Climate Change Flagship Programmes, which began in 2012, has focused on (i) deepening the impact of existing programmes; (ii) expanding the initial set of Flagship Programme activities to incorporate increasingly ambitious and innovative elements; and (iii) introducing new Flagship Programmes to anchor climate action leadership and reflect the importance of both adaptation and mitigation action as part of a holistic national climate change response.

shows the updated list of South Africa’s Climate Change Flagship Programmes and investment priority areas. The shaded boxes indicate new Climate Change Flagship Programmes included in the 2016 priority work packages.

Figure 1: South Africa’s Climate Change Priority Investment Areas and Corresponding Expanded Climate Change Flagship Programmes (2016)

The 2016 priority work packages included pre-existing Climate Change Flagship Programmes (first described in 2011), as well as new Flagship Programmes established since the publication of the NCCRP.

provides a summarised description of the current Climate Change Flagship Programmes focus areas. Table 1 Current focus areas of the Climate Change Flagship Programmes

Climate Change Flagship Programmes 2016 Priority Work Package	Climate Change Flagship Programmes	Envisaged Climate Change Outcome
Work Package	Core Focus
Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings Programme	Market development and expansion Leveraging private sector investment	Energy Efficiency and Energy Demand Management Flagship Programme	Urgent, comprehensive and coordinated large-scale implementation of energy efficiency measures and technologies, across all sectors of South Africa’s economy and society anchoring and stimulating the establishment of inclusive and localised energy services and technologies.
Diversion of Municipal Solid Waste from Landfill	Demonstration scale implementation and development of implementation blueprints Strengthening the regulatory framework	Waste Management Flagship Programme	Accelerated investment in, and implementation of large scale waste minimisation; recycling and composting of organic waste; using waste-to-energy opportunities available within the solid-, semi-solid- and liquid-waste management sectors; and establishing appropriate infrastructure and value chains to enable widespread uptake of low carbon waste management approaches.
Wastewater Biogas Generation for Electricity
Tsamaya Sustainable Urban Transport NAMA	Strengthening the regulatory framework Dedicated implementation support	Transport Flagship Programme	Accessible and integrated transport systems that prioritise the use of more efficient spatial design, transport networks and operations; low emissions transport modes, vehicles, fuels, technology; non-motorised transport; and climate-resilient infrastructure to enhance social mobility; access to economic opportunities and levels of rural access and connectedness
Rainwater Harvesting Strategy Development	Strengthening of the regulatory framework Development and piloting of implementation blueprints	Water Conservation and Demand Management Flagship Programme	Urgent and large-scale implementation of efficient water systems, water storage and infrastructure coupled with prudent resource and demand management, and informed behavioural change
Small-scale Embedded Energy Generation	Strengthening the regulatory framework Supporting systematic implementation	Renewable Energy Flagship Programme	Widespread development, integration and use of, and affordable access to, South Africa’s abundant renewable energy (RE) resources through the large-scale deployment of appropriate technologies at all scales driving innovation; localisation of RE goods, services and technologies; energy security and economic growth.
Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies	Market development Demonstration scale implementation and development of implementation blueprints
Agriculture, Food Systems and Food Security Flagship Programme	Strengthening the regulatory framework Demonstration scale implementation of integrated approaches and new systems	Agriculture, Food Systems and Food Security Flagship Programme	Widespread and urgent establishment of climate-smart agriculture, agro-processing and food production systems to enhance productivity and climate resilience, at all scales of production; and successfully integrating agro-ecological practices and resource efficient approaches to drive the growth and competitiveness of South Africa’s agricultural sector.
Low Carbon, Climate Resilient Built Environment, Communities and Human Settlements	Strengthening the regulatory framework Demonstration scale implementation of integrated approaches and new systems	Low Carbon, Climate Resilient Built Environment, Communities and Human Settlements Flagship Programme	Resilient, low emissions and spatially efficient, rural, urban and coastal communities, settlements and infrastructure incorporating a high-performance green built environment, green building practices, green retrofits of existing buildings, protecting and enhancing natural ecosystems and extensive green infrastructure networks.
Land, Biodiversity and Ecosystems	Strengthening the regulatory framework Demonstration scale implementation of integrated approaches to rehabilitation and management of grasslands, sub-tropical thicket, forests and woodlands	The Climate Change Response Public Works Flagship Programme	Large-scale investment in, and expansion of, the restoration and rehabilitation of South Africa’s natural resource base; including management of invasive species; enhancing ecosystem integrity and resilience; creating and enhancing carbon sinks; ecosystem-based adaptation approaches and better management of marine resources, fisheries and ecosystems:

(vii) South Africa’s Green Climate Fund Strategic Investment Framework

The Climate Change Flagship Programmes are South Africa’s main link to the primary climate finance mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other funding opportunities. Just as the ability to achieve South Africa’s NDC is premised on accessing adequate finance, technology and capacity building support; the required support needs to be directed by a clearly articulated set of investment priorities. In addition, this needs to be led by an identifiable champion, governance structure and implementation approach. The Climate Change Flagship Programmes fulfil this specific function. The Climate Change Flagship Programmes provide a focal point for attracting and leveraging investment from both the private and public sectors at the scale required to enable meaningful climate action.

The GCF presents South Africa with a potential opportunity to access a significant part of the financial support required to drive the national climate change response. To fully utilise the opportunity presented by the GCF, a national GCF Strategic Framework has been developed to enable a coherent engagement with the GCF and to ensure that South Africa’s GCF investments are aligned to the national climate change response priorities.

2 (a) The department has effectively administered an offline reporting system as required by the Greenhouse Gas Emission Reporting Regulations, in the absence of an online reporting platform. Thus far, between the period May 2017 and present, the department has received registrations from 140 data providers nationally that have registered a total of 595 facilities that meet the reporting thresholds specified in the regulations. Currently the department is undertaking verification work in order to conclude the first phase of the registration process and is also intending to further extend the registration period through a consultative process, as called for by various affected stakeholders and data providers.

In addition the Department has also published detailed Technical Guidelines for Measurement Reporting and Verification of Greenhouse Gas emissions by Industry, which provide and enable data providers affected by the reporting regime to understand the reporting requirements and assist them in developing emission reports that are in line with the reporting requirements. In addition to the technical guidance, the department is also putting in place Greenhouse Gas Reporting Guidelines and Reporting Tools that will provide clarity on procedural aspects of the reporting programme and further enhance the successful implementation of the Greenhouse Gas Emission Reporting Regulations.

Furthermore, the Department is also working with the National Treasury, through the Partnership for Market Readiness programme, a programme funded by the World Bank, to modify the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory System (NAEIS) which is the primary reporting system for the reporting of Greenhouse Gases, in order to meet the reporting requirements in line with the Greenhouse Gas Emission Reporting Regulations. This work will enable future reporting to be done using electronic (Web-based) reporting via the NAEIS system and this work is currently at procurement stage.

The department also has been and continues to participate in various public and private sector-led capacity building initiatives aiming to create common understanding of the reporting regime and to play an active role in creating consensus about the reporting requirements amongst key stakeholders and affected data providers.

Whilst building capacity to understand the reporting regime amongst external stakeholders, as captured above, the department is also building its technical and institutional capacity in order to effectively administer the mandatory GHG reporting programme by putting systems in place to improve business intelligence of the department and putting in place sound quality control and assurance procedures in order to ensure that such reporting is done sustainably in the future.

Whilst aiming to finalise the registration process in the second quarter of the 2017/18 financial year, the department is also preparing itself to receive the first round of emissions reports from data providers in March 2018 and is providing the necessary technical assistance to various data providers on technical and other methodological aspects of the Greenhouse Gas Emission Reporting Regulations

2 (b) In the current design of the reporting programme, data providers (companies) are required to submit one emissions report for all its facilities and are not required to submit separate emissions reports for each of its facilities. It is the view of the department that, in future, reporting of Greenhouse gases should follow international best practice and move towards facility-level reporting and the department is planning on introducing such level of reporting through a phased approach in the near future. However, the current level of reporting is sufficient to meet our international reporting obligations under the UNFCCC and to provide a robust scientific evidence base that helps us track progress towards implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and other key National Climate Change mitigation policy programmes and commitments.

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Reply:

a) My Department has developed the South African Atmospheric Emission Licensing and Inventory Portal (SAAELIP). This portal consists two systems, one for the Inventory of National Atmospheric Emissions and the other is a Licensing System across the spheres of government responsible for the function of air quality management. The licensing system has public query tab that allows members of the public to view Atmospheric Emission Licenses (AELs) that have been issued in the system. Since the launch of the Licensing System in September 2015, around 69 AELs have been issued through the portal and these are available on the system. Some licenses were issued before the licensing system was developed; note that for AELs to be available in the portal they need to be digitised, all the existing AELs (before the system AELs) issued prior to the launch of the portal must be processed in the system before they can be available to the public. These AELs will become available on the portal once they are processed in the system when they are either reviewed, renewed, varied or transferred, otherwise they are available in hard copies to the public save for proprietary information.

b) The reason that some AELs for example, Sasol and Eskom AELs, are not yet available in the system is that, they were issued long ago before the portal were established. They will be available in the portal once digitised as I have just said. Stakeholder feedback is received by the Department on a regular basis and the system is enhanced from time to time to ensure it stays user friendly and relevant.

The question on ambient air quality monitoring is a separate one. We are monitoring ambient air quality across the country band, the South African Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS) that provides information to the public on the state of air quality across the country. The SAAQIS is being upgraded in order to enable live reporting of information to the public and system upgrade will be completed by the end of 2017. However, data is available now in the current system, with its limitations – hence we are upgrading it, otherwise members of the public are given available data upon request where the current system fails to provide such data.

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Reply:

(a) and (b) First, let me state that the legislation to establish minimum emission standards was promulgated in 2010 and there were a lot of existing industries in the country already at that time.
As such, the legislation provided a transitional arrangement in the form of “postponement of compliance timeframes” to give industries time to invest towards the required compliance without major disruptions in the economy. Prior to the minimum emission standards (MES) coming into effect on 01 April 2015, Eskom and Sasol applied for postponement of compliance timeframes with the MES as provided for in the legislation. In their respective postponement applications, both Eskom and Sasol provided justification and reasons for applying for postponement.

(i) These are big facilities, each with a number of listed activities/units on site. It is worth noting that some of the units within these facilities were already in compliance with the MES and hence did not require postponement so, the postponement applications were for some units whose technology for compliance was still being investigated or developed. The Department, therefore, expects compliance with both the MES for those units that did not require postponements and with postponement conditions for those units granted postponements.

On-site compliance monitoring inspections are conducted by Environmental Management Inspectors from my Department, Provincial Environmental Departments and Municipalities. In addition, facilities are required to conduct emissions monitoring continuously and/or periodically and submit emissions monitoring reports to the Licensing Authorities (District Municipalities and Provinces) for review; which they do.

(ii) It must also be noted that numerous compliance inspections and enforcement actions have been undertaken on majority of these facilities. In addition to the above, the Department has
pro-actively purchased its own Air Quality Monitor and has to be used to monitor real time emissions and gather its own database on compliance.

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Reply:

(a) It is the mandate of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to investigate organised crimes such as rhino poaching; and

(b) In line with point (a), officials from the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) have communicated their concerns regarding the above matters to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (“the HAWKS”), and they also assist in coordinating efforts to investigate these matters through various structures that have been set up to curb these crimes.

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Reply:

Yes, the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has several policies and strategies for supporting smallholder game farmers and indigenous plant producers/farmers that form an integral part of the Biodiversity Economy. The National Biodiversity Economy Strategy forms the basis for this support.

Furthermore, the Department has the Environmental Protection and Infrastructure Programme’s Policy and Procedures Manual, which guides the process of funding infrastructural projects to support, among other stakeholders, emerging game farmers in the Wildlife Economy and the small-scale producers of indigenous plants in the Bioprospecting and Bio-trade Sector of the National Biodiversity Economy.

In addition, Section 42 of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, provides for the Co-Management Agreement Mechanism or Assistance through, among others, benefit sharing and development of local management capacity.

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Reply:

a) Yes.

b) Yes.

However, the information will have to be sourced from all the different provinces, which will require sufficient time. I do however, advise that such information be sourced directly from the responsible authorities/implementors, who are provincial governments.

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Reply:

(1) The buyers must only be local buyers as this is a domestic trade and international trade is not permitted. The buyers will have to apply for a permit authorising such buying during the auction in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (ACT 10 0F 2004): Threatened or Protected Species Regulations (TOPS). Only buyers who are in possession of a permit authorising the buying will be allowed to participate in the auction. The seller must have a sellers and possession permits as well. The details of the sellers, buyers and applicants are kept in a strictly managed Department’s database.

(2)(a)

• Proof of payment of the permit processing fee
• Certified copy of buyer’s ID or passport and a permanent residence certificate;
• Proof of buyer’s residential address (FICA documents to verify residential address and not older than three months)
• Certified copy of seller’s permit
• Details of the rhino horn intended to be bought including.

o Photographs of good quality of the individual horns

o ZA horn identification numbers

o Micro-chip numbers

• Number of specimens to be bought/received;
• Reference number of the Genetic Profiling Certificate of each horn to be bought/received
• Place of safekeeping (How will the horn be stored to prevent it from being stolen/lost)

(b)(i) and (ii) The Department is working closely with the South African Police Services (SAPS), South African Revenue Service (SARS), Defence, Military Veterans, State Security Agency, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, National Prosecuting Authority, Correctional Services, alongside the, SANParks and provincial conservation authorities and other stakeholders to implement the Integrated Strategic Management of Rhinoceros Approach, which is focused on the protection of rhino;

• The Approach has, in the past year, delivered a number of successes. The mechanisms being utilized in terms of the Integrated Strategic Management Approach is also being applied with regard to other wildlife crime like in a case of elephants;
• South African authorities have improved their ability to track the movement of rhino horn through the implementation of a national database and systems relating to the marking of rhino horn and genetic profiling;
• The Department have further improved its detection ability at ports of entry and exit by increasing awareness, human capacity, technology and skills. This is evident in the increased number of confiscations, arrests and convictions.
• The Department’s Environmental Management Inspectors (EMIs) as well as those of the provincial conservation departments will continue to monitor compliance with the relevant regulations and requirements.

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Reply:

(1) (a) and (b)

The export of carcasses is managed through the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) as well as the CITES regulations (Government Notice No. R. 173 of 5 March 2010 refers) that were promulgated in terms of section 97 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) (NEM:BA).

Since specimens of the African lion (Panthera leo) are listed in Appendix II of the Convention; according to Article IV of the Convention, read with regulation 6(3)(c) of the CITES Regulations, the Scientific Authority of South Africa is mandated to advise if export of lion carcasses will not be detrimental to the survival of the species or otherwise. Additionally, the Management Authority of the South Africa must be satisfied that the specimen was not obtained in contravention of the laws of the Country for the protection of fauna and flora.

Currently, in terms of CITES, there is no registration and vetting requirements for lion bone exporters. Notwithstanding and as part of the application requirements, proof of legal acquision of the carcasses is mandatory.

In implementing the annotation to the CITES listing of lion, the Scientific Authority had played a crucial role in establishment of the 2017 annual export quota for lion skeletons, and as one of its functions, is currently assisting with monitoring trade thereof. Since the Convention requires an annual establishment of export quota, this process will be used as an assessment tool and mitigation measure for possible detrimental impacts associated with trade in these specimen.

(2)

Although, in terms of CITES, there are no specific requirements for being an exporter, export of lion bone is regulated through the provisions of CITES and a system of permits in accordance with section 88 of NEMBA, 2004. However, your attention is drawn to the following annotation included in the CITES listing of lion, which prohibits commercial trade in wild sourced specimen of lion as part of the quota:

“For Panthera leo (African populations): a zero annual export quota is established for specimens of bones, bone pieces, bone products, claws, skeletons, skulls and teeth removed from the wild and traded for commercial purposes. Annual export quotas for trade in bones, bone pieces, bone products, claws, skeletons, skulls and teeth for commercial purposes, derived from captive breeding operations in South Africa, will be established and communicated annually to the CITES Secretariat.”

The following procedure is currently being implemented for the management of the 800 export quota in 2017:

• • • • The quota is be managed at a national level
      • Applications for individuals lodged according to Regulation 3(4) of the CITES Regulations, read with section 87A (2) of NEMBA are lodged with the Provincial permit issuing authorities
      • Upon receipt of the application to export the skeleton, the province evaluates the application and determines whether the relevant permit can be issued
      • The province confirms with the Department whether a quota is available
      • If available, the Department will allocate a quota to the provincial authority
      • Skeletons will be packed separately at source (CBO/hunting farm), weighed, tagged and a DNA sample will be taken
      • Should the application be successful, export permit will be issued
      • Quota numbers will be indicated on all permits (e.g. killing/ hunting/ selling/ buying/ transporting/ exporting)
      • During export, the consignment will be inspected (and weighed) and permit endorsed at port of exit; random DNA samples will be collected.

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Reply:

1. (a) and (b)

I have declared 3 National Priority Areas to address the problem of air pollution where there is a clear threat to the well-being of our people. The first in this regard is the Vaal Triangle-Airshed Priority Area (VTAPA), which was declared in 2006. There have been improvements in the ambient air quality over the years, even though these improvements have not resulted in compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Secondly, I declared the Highveld Priority Area (HPA) in 2007. There has not been the same improvements as observed in the VTAPA in the Highveld Priority Area, while with the Waterberg-Bojanala Priority Area (WBPA), which I declared in 2012 (the implementation of the Air Quality Management Plan {AQMP} promulgated in 2015), has only just been initiated and it is too early to measure any impact.

Across all three priority areas, the Department of Environmental Affairs, together with relevant stakeholders, are currently implementing the respective Air Quality Management Plans (AQMPs) under the leadership of the National Air Quality Officer, on my behalf as the Minister responsible for Environmental Affairs. The AQMPs have short-term and long-term goals and objectives aimed at improving the air quality in the respective priority areas. Overall, there are slight improvements in air quality, and we have built capacity in local government to address these problems of air pollution. Colleagues will recall that we have inherited these problems from the apartheid government which had ineffective legislation relating to the protection of our people from environmental hazards. Also note that although we are working hard to resolve same air pollution problems, it is not a short-term task, as these problems were created over a 40-50 year time-frame, where industry used to develop, using archaic technologies, no regard for residential areas and people. They are now required to retrofit and use new technology thus necessitating timed incremental changes rather than closures for retrofitting and possibly loosing jobs on the other hand

These Air Quality Management Plans I am referring to are reviewed on a regular basis to assess their effectiveness in achieving the goal of bringing the air quality in these areas into compliance with the national ambient air quality standards. We started with a mid-review of the Vaal plan, and now the Highveld plan’s mid-term review has just been completed. We have initiated the full review of the Vaal Plan, which will result in the revision of the Air Quality Management Plan. This Plan will, for the first time, be informed by the results of the source apportionment study which will identify the type of sources that are main contributors to air pollution in the area from the receptor side. I believe that the revised AQMP will provide a more targeted approach to air quality management in the priority area.

2) (a) and (b)

There are six (6) ambient air quality monitoring stations in the Vaal Priority Areas, placed at Diepkloof, Kliprivier, Sebokeng, Sharpeville, Three Rivers and Zamdela.

There are five (5) in the Highveld Priority Area, placed at Ermelo, Hendrina, Middelburg, Secunda and Emalahleni/Witbank.

And there are 4 stations in the Waterberg-Bojanala Priority Area, placed at Lephalale, Mokopane and Thabazimbi.

All these stations are monitoring sulphur dioxides, oxides of nitrogen, ozone, carbon monoxide, benzene, and particulate matter and black carbon; and all stations are operational and reporting data to the South African Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS), which is hosted by the South African Weather Service on behalf of the Department.

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Reply:

(a) No

1. iSimangaliso Wetland Park

(b) No

(i) 2014-2015 No

(ii) 2015-2016 No

(iii) 2016-2017 No

(aa)(aaa) Not applicable

(bbb) Not applicable

(bb)(aaa) Not applicable

(bbb) Not applicable

(2) South Africa National Parks (SANParks)

(b) No

(i) 2014-2015 No

(ii) 2015-2016 No

(iii) 2016-2017 No

(aa)(aaa) Not applicable

(bbb) Not applicable

(bb)(aaa) Not applicable

(bbb) Not applicable

3. South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)

(b) No

(i) 2014-15 No

(ii) 2015-16 No

(iii) 2016-17 No

(aa)(aaa) Not applicable

(bbb) Not applicable

(bb)(aaa) Not applicable

(bbb) Not applicable

4. South African Weather Services (SAWS)

(b) No

(i) 2014-2015 No

(ii) 2015-2016 No

(iii) 2016-17 No

(aa)(aaa) Not applicable

(bbb) Not applicable

(bb)(aaa) Not applicable

(bbb) Not applicable

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Reply:

(a)

Launch site licencing, monitoring and compliance

The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) had on 27 June 2014 promulgated regulations under section 83 of the National environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act, 2008
(Act No. 24 of 2008) for the management of the Public Launch Sites (PLS) in the Coastal Zone. These regulations empower the Members of the Executive Committees (MECs) to list public launch sites where a vessel may be launched and identify management bodies to manage such public launch sites.

(b)

Encroachments into the Admiralty Reserves

The Department of Public Works is responsible for the management of leases for any infrastructure or development within admiralty reserves. Any structure or infrastructure built within or encroaching onto the admiralty reserve without a lease or approval by the Department of Public Works is deemed illegal and therefore the necessary compliance and enforcement mechanism will come into effect. The Department of Environmental Affairs and the Department of Public Works have, through bilateral engagements and cooperative governance, established channels of communication whereby the Department of Public Works keeps the Department of Environmental Affairs informed of emerging issues relating to encroachment, through its representatives at Working Group 8 and the Geospatial Planning Sub-Committee.

(c)

Beach driving

The regulations on Control of Use of Vehicles in the coastal area list officials that are authorised to enforce these regulations as: all Environmental Management Inspectors, Fishery Control Officers, South African Police Services Officers and any official appointed/designated as a Peace Officer. This therefore allows all officials from municipalities, provinces and national departments based on their appointment status to enforce Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) regulations. Whilst this department issues permits for driving in coastal areas to those who qualify as per regulation 3 (permissible use), signboards prohibiting illegal beach driving were procured and distributed to all four coastal provinces for erection. To ensure compliance to these regulations and permit conditions as per issued permits, joint compliance and enforcement operations under Operation Phakisa focussing on illegal beach driving are planned and executed.

(d)

International Coastal Clean-up

The Integrated Coastal Management Act (ICMA), 2008 (Act No. 24 of 2008) does not require monitoring and enforcement of the international coastal clean-up. This is a voluntary event celebrated annually throughout the world in September. South Africa (government, private businesses, civil society and the non-governmental organisations celebrate this day by engaging in raising awareness of our coastal environment and embarking on clean-up operations. The Department of Environmental Affairs has been celebrating this event for 15 years and has, most recently, hosted and participated in several successful clean-up events that involved school learners and communities in Knysna, Port Elizabeth, Saldanha Bay, East London, Durban and Port St Johns.

(e)

Coastal resource monitoring

Through Operation Phakisa, the Department of Environmental Affairs is currently addressing the challenge of unknown water quality due to different analytical methods employed by the establishment of a National Water Quality Lab in the Eastern Cape, which will act as a reference lab to produce reliable data and information. Mobile laboratories are also to be established as these are important for remote areas as microbial samples require very short time-frames for analysis. This also provides opportunities for coastal municipalities and other government departments to send samples for analysis.

Furthermore, the department is also in the process of developing the National State of the Coast report and is currently in discussion with coastal provinces for the development of provincial and national indicators that will contribute to the national report.

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Reply:

1. (a) The Environmental Management Inspectorate did not allocate any budget for the illegal land invasion in the green belt of the Magaliesberg in Tshwane for the (i) 2014-15, (ii) 2015-16, (ii) 2016-17 and (iv) 2017-18 financial years. The Environmental Management Inspectorate (EMIs) did not budget for the financial years stated above because they are not mandated to deal with any illegal land invasions. The mandate to deal with illegal land invasion in the green belt is vested in Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.

(b) Given that no budget was allocated by the National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) for the illegal land invasion in the green belt of the Magaliesberg in Tshwane, no amount was spent in this regard.

2. (a) The current vacancy rate in the EMI-Green Scorpions unit in Gauteng is 12.68%.

(b) The total number of vacant positions in the unit is 9.

3. The national Department’s inspection unit at OR Tambo International Airport is still operational.

(a) 2015-16: In terms of a sentence handed down by the court as a consequence of a criminal investigation by DEA EMIs, a monetary penalty of R20 000.00 was paid by the accused. This amount was, on application by the prosecutor upon conviction, specifically paid into the account of the Department in the 2015-16 financial year. Environmental Management Inspectors do not, currently, issue fines themselves, but all non-compliances with biodiversity legislation detected at OR Tambo are investigated, and administrative or criminal action is taken against the transgressor, which may then lead to either a fine or another criminal sanction.

(b) 2016-17: No revenue was received from fines during this financial year.

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Reply:

There is a difference between illegal dumping sites and illegal/unlicensed landfill sites. Illegal dumping sites refer to sites in different provinces where illegal dumping  of waste is taking place whilst illegal dumps or landfill sites refer to sites that are used for waste disposal  without a permit or license issued by the Competent Authority (which is DEA for Hazardous waste and  Provinces for general waste). It is important to note that this Department has formalised a number of illegal dump sites into licensed landfill sites. Currently, the existing illegal dump sites which has to be formalised through the licensing process are as follows:

KwaZulu-Natal               4 illegal dump sites

Free State                     4 dump sites

Northern Cape               2 illegal dump sites

Eastern Cape                2 illegal dump sites

Reply:

(1) (a)

iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority (iSimangaliso)

South Africa National Parks (SANparks)

South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)

South African Weather Service (SAWS)

(b) None.

(i) iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority

(aa) 01 September 2015.

(bb) Will lapse on 31 August 2018.

(ii) (aa) Nine.

(bb) Five females.

(2) (a) and (b)

Not applicable.

(i) South Africa National Parks

(aa) 1 April 2015.

(bb) Will lapse on 31 March 2018.

(ii) (aa) Eleven.

(bb) Six females.

(2) (a) and (b)

Not applicable.

(i) South African National Biodiversity Institute

(aa) 1 April 2015.

(bb) Will lapse on 31 March 2018.

(ii) (aa) Nine.

(bb) Five females.

(2) (a) and (b)

Not Applicable.

(i) South African Weather Service

(aa) 1 September 2015.

(bb) Will lapse on 31 August 2018.

(ii) (aa) Eleven.

(bb) Four females.

(2) (a) and (b)

Not Applicable.

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Reply:

Complaints

The national Department is responsible for the management of the national Environmental Crimes and Incidents hotline, which provides an avenue for members of the public to report non-compliances with environmental legislation. Once a complaint is registered, it is then categorised and referred to the appropriate national, provincial or local sphere of government to undertake the necessary follow-up actions. Some complaints may be made directly to these organs of state and would therefore not be registered on the national hotline database.

(1)(a)(i)

The total number of complaints reported to the national environmental crimes and incident hotline in 2015/16 FY was 580. 125 fell within the mandate of national DEA to respond to, while 455 were referred to other spheres of government.

(1)(a)(ii)

In 2016/17, the environmental crime and incident hotline received a total of 842 complaints. Of the total number 227 fell within the mandate of national DEA to respond to, while 615 were referred to other spheres of government.

Cases investigated

(1)(b)(i)

In 2015/16, the Inspectorate (work of both national and provincial Environmental Management Inspectors) registered 1261 criminal investigations.

(1)(b)(ii)

In 2016/17, the Inspectorate (work of both national and provincial Environmental Management Inspectors) registered 1319 criminal investigations.

Environmental Management Inspectors

(2)(a)(i)

In 2015/16 the Department trained 533 officials for the purposes of designation as Environmental Management Inspectors. The Department also trained a further 680 officials, including external role-players, such as magistrates, prosecutors and border management authorities, as well as offering advanced courses for EMIs in specialised topics such as biodiversity crime scene management and pollution and waste sampling.

(2)(a)(ii)

In 2016/17 the Department trained 306 Environmental Management Inspectors in order for them to qualify for designation. The Department also trained a further 1230 officials, including magistrates, prosecutors and border management authorities; as well as advanced EMI courses in biodiversity and pollution and waste investigations, legislative updates and the use of minimum force.

(2)(b)(i)

In 2015/16, 333 EMIs were designated; of those 29 were local authority officials.

(2)(b)(ii)

In 2016/17, 245 EMIs were designated; of those 69 were local authority officials; as follows:

Blitzes and Operations

3(a)(b)(i)(ii)(aa)

The following blitzes / enforcement operations took place in the 2015-16 financial year:

Name	Date	Description
Pollution & Waste Operations/Blitzes
Redisa Tyre Operation	25/11/2015 – 27/11/2015	Joint environmental compliance monitoring inspections (Blitz) were conducted at 6 Redisa Tyres Depots
Galvanisers	January 2016	Joint environmental compliance monitoring inspections (Blitz) were conducted at 20 facilities
Biodiversity Blitzes/Operations
AIS Pet shop/ Farm Blitz	August 2015	To ascertain compliance with AIS regulations; and to raise awareness with AIS regulations
Operation Cobra III	4-28 May 2015	Multinational enforcement operation to curb illegal wildlife trafficking
Illicit cross border trade in wildlife operations after training	Various over the 2015-2016 financial year	Joint multi-stakeholder operations to combat the illegal transport and trade of wildlife
Marine/Coastal Blitzes/Operations
Trekkoskraal, West Coast (under Operation Phakisa)	24 March 2016	To combat illegal camping and driving in coastal public property

3(a)(b)(i)(ii)(bb)

The following blitzes / enforcement operations took place in the 2016-17 financial year:

Name	Date	Description
Biodiversity Blitzes/Operations
Table Mountain National Park AIS	23-27 May 2016	Table Mountain National Park operation on Alien & Invasive Species, inspection of 32 properties adjacent to the Park
Operation Fezela	Various – based on planning of projects within the operation	To combat cycad trafficking
Operation Thunderbird	30/01/2017 – 19/02/2017	Multi-stakeholder joint INTERPOL operation to combat the illegal transport and trade of wildlife by searching aircraft, especially small aircraft, vehicles, luggage and persons
Festive season Operations	November / December 2016	Participated in multi-stakeholder joint operations with the DEA focusing on illegal wildlife trade / alien and invasive species
Joint operations at border posts, linked to training on illicit movement of wildlife species	Numerous throughout the financial year	To ascertain compliance with TOPS/ CITES/AIS regulations
Marine/Coastal Blitzes/Operations
Operation Phakisa -Initiative 5: Co-ordinated and enhanced compliance and enforcement programme	Various dates throughout the financial year	22 x Joint Multi-stakeholder Operations under Operation Phakisa Initiative 5 planned and implemented in 4 coastal Provinces (Northern Cape, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KZN) focusing on a range of illegal activities
Pollution & Waste Operations/Blitzes
Health Care Risk Blitz	15/11/2016 – 17/11/2016	Joint environmental compliance monitoring inspections (Blitz) were conducted at 12 Health Care Risk Waste Treatment facilities
Oil Recyclers	October 2016	Desk-top initiative aimed at increasing compliance by making use of mass circulation of warning letters (51 in total) within this industry
St Helena Bay		Joint environmental compliance monitoring inspections (Blitz) were conducted at 4 facilities
Timber treatment facilities	December 2016	Desk top initiative aimed at increasing compliance by making use of mass circulation of warning letters (78 letters issued) within this industry.

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Reply:

The bacterium causing Bovine Tuberculosis (BTb) is an intracellular bacteria, mainly residing in the lungs and associated tissues. In South Africa, it is maintained primarily in cattle, with specific populations of buffalo and kudu also acting as maintenance hosts, with spill over into various other wildlife species, including lions in those specific areas been documented (including the greater Kruger Complex and Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve). The disease is under state veterinary (Department of Agriculture) control and there is currently an active test and slaughter policy for BTb in cattle. In addition, certain wildlife areas and properties in the country are also identified as being BTb infected, and are therefore placed under quarantine. All animal movement out of such areas are subject to 2 negative Tb tests. If lions are hunted in an area that is infected with BTb, then those hunts and processing of the trophies/skins thereof will be under strict state veterinary supervision. These carcasses will remain on the infected farm and be inspected by the state vet and disposed of appropriately. All BTb infected properties and areas will need to have in place a risk assessment and management plan for mitigating disease transmission (including to humans) that have been approved by the Department of Agriculture. For any further details on the research relating to this matter, the National Department of Agriculture would be in a better position to respond.

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Reply:

(a) and (b)

(i) The Department did not appoint transaction advisors for the period indicated (1 January 2012 to 31 December 2016).

(ii) N/A

(iii) N/A

(iv) N/A

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Reply:

No, the Department of Environmental Affairs has not been informed about the proposed housing development. However, the question should be referred to the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development as the competent authority to receive such an application.

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Reply:

(a) No.

1. No.
2. No.
3. No.

(aa) Not applicable.

(bb) Not applicable.

(cc) Not applicable.

(b) No.

1. No.
2. No.
3. No.

(aa) Not applicable.

(bb) Not applicable.

(cc) Not applicable.

1) South Africa National Parks (SANparks)

1. No.
2. No.
3. No.
4. No.

(aa) Not applicable.

(bb) Not applicable.

(cc) Not applicable.

2) South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)

(c) No.

1. No.
2. No.
3. No.

(aa) Not applicable.

(bb) Not applicable.

(cc) Not applicable.

3) iSimangaliso Wetland Park

(c) No.

1. No.
2. No.
3. No.

(aa) Not applicable.

(bb) Not applicable.

(cc) Not applicable.

4) South African Weather Services (SAWS)

(c) No.

1. No.
2. No.
3. No.

(aa) Not applicable.

(bb) Not applicable.

(cc) Not applicable.

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Reply:

(a) The Annual Income generated from Day visitors entering through all gates of the Kruger National Park for 2016-17 totalled R120, 772,581.00.

(b) The number of vehicles that enter Kruger during the 2016-17 financial year through all of the gates collectively is 539 088

(c) Gates are the control point for entering and departing guests accessing the Park by road. Guests arriving by air is recorded at the Conservation Office located at the Skukuza Airport. All guests and vehicles as well as Conservation Fees collected are recorded in an online system (Roomseeker) from where vehicle permits (indicating the number of guests, and approved entry and exit dates) and receipts for monies received are issued. The number of visitors and tourism income forms part of the Predetermined Objectives of SANParks and are accordingly audited by SANParks Internal Audit and the Auditor-General.

(d) There is no “vehicle” fee for SANParks. Entrée fees are per person and free entrant persons are recorded.

(e) The monies are reflected under Conservation fees in the Annual Financial Statements.

(f) Entrance Fees were never specifically (temporarily or otherwise) increased for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

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Reply:

Malelane Safari Lodge:

a) The expected revenue will be higher than the minimum rentals of 6% of actual revenue.

Minimum Rentals are as follows:

Year 1 - R864, 525.55.

Year 2 - R1, 152,700.73.

Year 3 - R1, 440,875.91.

Year 4 - R1, 602,063.32.

Year 5 onwards - R2, 161,313.87.

b) No monies were exchanged.

c) Due to long public participation processes, further delays has recently been experienced due to the BEE partners contractual disputes, the EIA approval was only received in April 2016.

d) The construction of the lodge itself has no impact on the Traffic Impact Assessment associated with the access road in the different projects. The final alignment of the access road will be informed by all the required studies. This EIA study on the realignment of the access road will still commence.

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Reply:

(a) The estimated construction cost (2017) for the Shangoni Entrance Gate, tourism facilities (Camping site, tented site and picnic site) and tar road is R263 million.

(b) The current funding available is R25 million.

(c) Yes, the roads will be tarred.

(d) The new Shangoni Entrance gate will be used for (i) entry and (ii) exit of all guests visiting the park. We do not have a requirement nor mechanism to segregate entry into Park for nationals on the one hand and foreign nationals on the other.

ooOoo

Reply:

1. I am advised that on 5 October 2016, Gestamp and Sarge Wind (Pty) Ltd, lodged an application in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, 2014, with the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) (the competent authority for this application) for the proposed construction of the 140 MW Spitskop West Wind Energy Facility and its associated infrastructure near Cookhouse within the Blue Crane Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province.

In terms of record, the applicant commissioned an independent environmental consultancy, Terramanzi Group (Pty) Ltd, to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the above application. The final Scoping Report was received on 18 November 2016 and was conditionally accepted on 23 January 2017. DEA received the draft Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAr) for review and comment on 18 April 2017 and is awaiting submission of the final EIAr for review and consideration within the stipulated timeframes as outlined in the EIA Regulations, 2014, as amended. The Department has however not yet received the final EIAr, and hence the EIA process has not yet been concluded and the Department has advised therefore not made any decision on the application yet.

Honourable Member will know by now, that environmental assessment practitioner (EAP),
Mr Fabio Venturi of Terramanzi Group (Pty) Ltd., is responsible for the public participation process in terms of the requirements of the EIA Regulations, (please see regulations) 2014 as amended, and not the DEA. As such, the competent authority is not responsible for the actual public participation process and the applicant’s EAP would have to “follow due processes of public participation”. DEA is however required to review the final EIAr as part of its decision-making process to determine whether the methods used by the EAP during the public participation process, have met the legal requirements of the EIA Regulations, 2014. As DEA is still awaiting the submission of the final EIAr, it is not yet in a position to determine whether the “due process of the public participation process” as well as the requirements of the EIA Regulations, 2014 were met.

2. In terms of the department’s knowledge to date, not been any “acceptance or condonation of any alleged underrepresentation” of registered I&APs. Details of the public participation process (followed and to be followed) as contained in the scoping report was thus far deemed acceptable, hence the scoping report was accepted. The EIA process is, I am further advised, still underway, including consultation, and DEA is awaiting the submission of the final EIAr.

3. (a) As indicated above, the EAP is responsible for the public participation process according to the EIA Regulations, 2014, requirements; and

(b) DEA is not involved in any aspect of the actual public participation process. Proof of the public participation process conducted notifications, meetings held, and comments received, and so forth, form part of the final EIA which is still to be submitted by the EAP. Officials from DEA were therefore not privy to such details at this. Please note that I am the Appeals Authority in this matter and all such matters and therefore unable and unwilling to get into further correspondence and engagement on this matter for reasons related to fairness and remaining legally compliant and above board. I will only be able to deal with the responses to the Appellant , should there be one at the time when such an appeal may be received.

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Reply:

(a) 

(i) On tour operators, SANParks only has information for the last four years as follows:

• 2013/14 R66 866 711 million
• 2014/15 R65 471 604 million
• 2015/16 R76 641 603 million
• 2016/17 R83 305 805 million

(ii) Private open-safari vehicle operators operate under permit system and their income is not shown separately it is reflected under conservation fees.

(iii) The income from private lodges is R187.4 million over the last ten years.

(iv) The income from private restaurant franchises and operators is R231.3 million over the last yen years.

(b) Yes. The figures are reflected in the SANParks Annual Financial Statements.

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Reply:

(a) No

(i) Not applicable.

(ii) Not applicable.

(aa) Not applicable.

(bb) Not applicable.

(cc) Not applicable.

(dd) Not applicable.

(ee) Not applicable.

(ff) Not applicable.

(b) Public Entities

South African National Parks (SANParks)

(i) No. SANParks has not procured any such services.

(ii) No. SANParks uses its own internal resources for communications and public relations work.

(aa) Not applicable.

(bb) Not applicable.

(cc) Not applicable.

(dd) Not applicable.

(ee) Not applicable.

(ff) Not applicable.

South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)

(i) No. SANBI has not procured any such services.

(ii) SANBI procured the services of Hippo Communication.

(aa) Hippo Communication services were procured to promote Kirstenbosch’s events through the media, including the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset concerts.

(bb) The total cost to Hippo Communication is R38 775.96.

(cc) The detailed breakdown of such costs is as follows:

• Monthly retainer for April 2017: R12 127.32.
• Monthly retainer for May 2017: R12 127.32.
• Monthly retainer for June 2017: R12 127.32.
• Facebook boosts to advertise Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts in March, was invoiced in April 2017: R2 394.00.

(dd) The total amount paid so far is R26 648.64 (Invoice for June retainer is still to be paid).

(ee) The Kirstenbosch events office uses the Public Relations agency called Hippo Communications to help promote Kirstenbosch’s events through the media, including the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset concerts, SANBI’s Kirstenbosch-South Africa Chelsea Flower Show exhibit, and the Kirstenbosch Winter Wonders campaign.

(ff) The detailed breakdown of such payments is as follows:

• Monthly retainer for April 2017: R12 127.32 was paid on 23 March 2017.
• Monthly retainer for May 2017: R12 127.32 was paid on 10 May 2017.
• Facebook boosts to advertise Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts in March, invoiced in April 2017 (R2 394.00), was paid on 24 April 2017.

iSimangaliso

(i) No. Isimangaliso has not procured any such services.

(ii) No. Isimangaliso uses its own internal resources for communications and public relations work.

(aa) Not applicable.

(bb) Not applicable.

(cc) Not applicable.

(dd) Not applicable.

(ee) Not applicable.

(ff) Not applicable.

South African Weather Service (SAWS)

(i) SAWS has not procured any such services.

(ii) We have procured the services from Litha Communications in January 2017.

aa) We procured support for Corporate Communications and Stakeholder Relations Management from Litha Communications.

(bb) SAWS has a 12 months contract with Litha Communications for a total cost of R1.14m.

(cc) January –March 2017 (511 hrs)

• Research current SAWS documents and reports.
• Compile Strategies: Stakeholder Relations, Media and Communications Strategy.
• Crisis communications, Interim communication Plan.
• Community needs survey.

April-June 2017 (320 hrs)

• Update Media and Communications Strategy.
• Development of a Corporate Resource Mobilisation Strategy.
• Development of a CSI Strategy.
• Development of a 5-year Marketing Strategy and Implementation Plan.
• Public Relations (media briefings, content, advisory articles etc.).

July-September 2017 (285 hrs):

• Roll-out of approved 5 year Marketing Plan.
• Roll-out of approved strategies.
• Public Relations (media briefings, content, advisory articles, etc.).
• Stakeholder Relations (meetings, invitations, partnerships, etc.).
• Resource mobilisation strategy (monthly action list and recommendations).

October-December 2017 (229 hrs):

• Public Relations (media briefings, content, advisory articles, etc.).
• Finalisation of the relevant strategies and preparations for Board approvals.
• Roll-out of approved strategies.
• Stakeholder Relations (meetings, invitations, partnerships, etc.).

(dd) To date, SAWS has paid R434 350 to Litha Communications (for the period: January-March 2017).

(ee) Purpose of the payments:

• Drafting of Media and Communications Strategy.
• Conduct SAWS Stakeholder Research.
• Positioning and messaging support to SAWS stakeholders.
• Development of a SAWS Media and Communications Strategy.
• Development of a SAWS Stakeholder Engagement Strategy.
• Development of a Commercial Marketing Plan for the Agricultural Sector.
• Capturing of community weather needs from completed survey questionnaires..

(ff) January 2017: R123 250.

February 2017: R175 100.

March 2017: R136 000.

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Reply:

1. (a) and (b)

Yes, I am advised that there was correspondence between the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and employees of the company whose name was furnished, as is required by the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (EIA), 2014. There has been, for example, comments on reports that have been submitted and formal letters such as an acknowledgement of the application and reports, as well as acceptance of the scoping report. DEA also had a pre-application meeting with the company whose name was furnished prior to submission of the application, which is customary practice.

It should be noted further that a certain person whose name was also furnished requested access to the same information, on behalf of AVDS Environmental Consultants, in terms of section 18(1) of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (Act No. 2 of 2000) (PAIA), on 17 November 2016. He requested access to information relating to the environmental authorisation application for the proposed Spitskop West Wind Energy Facility, within the Blue Crane Route Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. DEA granted access to the information on 12 December 2016. On 02 March 2017, a certain person whose name was also furnished submitted an appeal in terms of section 74 (1) of PAIA, on the basis that all the information to which access had been granted was not provided by DEA due to an oversight. The Ministers Appeal Decision upheld the appeal, and further access was granted to the following additional information, which was within the scope of the requested information:

• The letter to the Department from the company whose name was furnished dated 04 October 2016;
• The letter from, the company whose name was furnished titled “Pubic Participation Process” dated 06 October 2016;
• An email correspondence from the company whose name was furnished to the Department dated 11 and 06 October 2016 respectively;
• An email correspondence from the Department on 26 October 2016; and
• The letter to the Department from the company whose name was furnished dated 17 November 2016.

2. Anybody who would like to participate in an EIA process can formally register as an interested and/or affected party. This will enable the party to receive documentation, reports, notifications, etc. during the process. Once registered, the details of the party will be included in a register that will be used to communicate with interested and/or affected parties. This register and the comments and responses report forms part of the EIA documentation to be submitted to the competent authority. This means that all registered parties’ names will be included in reports and correspondence thereto. DEA’s responses and decisions sent to the environmental assessment practitioner (EAP) responsible for the EIA process is public documents and form part of the reports.

(a) (i) Yes, the Scoping Report submitted as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process refers to “AVDS Environmental Consultants”. The name is included in the list of landowners notified during the scoping process and AVDS Environmental Consultants registered as a stakeholder and provided comments. The environmental impact assessment practitioner’s (EAP’s) response to the comments included “AVDS Environmental Consultants”. This is all set-out in Volume 3 of the Scoping Report dated October 2016. It is a legal requirement to include, in these reports, the names of registered interested and affected parties and their comments, as well as the EAP’s response thereto. DEA received the draft Environmental Impact Assessment report (EIAr) but has not reviewed the report due to the lapsing of the application. It therefore cannot be confirmed if the report also refers to “AVDS Environmental Consultants”.

(ii) Yes, the Scoping Report submitted as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process refers to “the person whose name has also been furnished”. The name is included in the list of landowners notified during the scoping process, and “the person whose name has also been furnished” registered as a stakeholder and provided comments. The environmental impact assessment practitioner’s (EAP) response to the comments included “the person whose name has also been furnished”. This is included in Volume 3 of the Scoping Report dated October 2016.

As indicated above, it is a legal requirement to include, in the reports, the names of registered interested and affected parties and their comments, as well as the EAP’s response thereto. DEA received the draft Environmental Impact Assessment report (EIAr) but has not reviewed the report due to the lapsing of the application. The Department therefore cannot confirm if the report also refers to “the person whose name has also been furnished”. It should also be noted that the scoping report refers to “the person whose name has also been furnished” – AVDS Consulting.

(iii) Yes, the Scoping Report submitted as part of the EIA process refer to “the clients”. The names are included in the documentation, table of registered interested and affected parties, and comments received from AVDS as contained in Volume 3 of the Scoping Report dated October 2016. DEA received the draft Environmental Impact Assessment report (EIAr) but has not reviewed the report due to the lapsing of the application. It therefore cannot be confirmed if this report also refers to the clients.

(b) (i) No, there were no correspondence that excluded the environmental impact assessment practitioner’ (EAP). As indicated in the response to (1) above, it is a legal requirement that the competent authority respond to the EAP as required by the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014; for example, by means of sending comments on reports submitted and formal letters such as acknowledgement of the application and reports, and acceptance of the scoping report.

(ii) Yes, the environmental impact assessment practitioner (EAP) is responsible to inform and correspond with registered interested and affected parties and include these in the reports.

3. All documentation regarding the proposed Spitskop West Wind Energy Facility that is in the public domain can be provided upon receipt of the request. Access to other information, records and documents will have to follow the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (Act No. 2 of 2000) (PAIA) process.

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Reply:

(a) The department has, and will continue to apply the requirements of the National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998, as amended, as well as its subordinate legislation and will continue to ensure that it uses, among other things, a risk-averse and cautious approach in its assessments.

(b) DEA cannot “halt applications” and its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes once an application is received in terms of the EIA Regulations. In other words, the processes prescribed in terms of the legislation would have to be followed to finalise the application. DEA is obliged to consider all factors, including the findings of the assessment/s conducted for the facility in order to make an informed decision on whether to grant or refuse the application. The Spitskop West Wind Energy Facility’s EIA has not been concluded yet and DEA is awaiting the submission of the environmental impact assessment report (EIAr) which contains comments received on the proposed project and the specialist studies which will indicate the impact and significance of the impacts on, inter alia, avifauna. I am advised that, DEA has on-going consultations with BirdlifeSA and others. Vulpro and BirdlifeSA also have the opportunity to register as interested and affected parties (I&APs) and participate and provide input in the EIA process. The Renewable Energy Development Zones (REDZ) have been Gazetted for comment. For any site-specific EIA application in the REDZ, an assessment will still be required in future to determine site-specific impacts. The EIA process has in this case, as has been mentioned, not been concluded yet and no decision has been made by DEA.

(c) It must be understood that the department is not required by law to “engage the local expertise of certain companies”, but rather its function is to ensure that the reports submitted by the experts commissioned by the Environmental Impact Assessment practitioner (EAP) meet legislated requirements.

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Reply:

1. South Africa National Parks (SANparks)

(a) Not applicable.

(b) (i) No

(ii) No request was received from the foundation.

(aa) Not applicable.

(bb) Not applicable.

(cc) Not applicable.

(dd) Not applicable.

(ee) Not applicable.

(ff) Not applicable.

2. iSimangaliso Wetland Park

(a) Not applicable.

(b) (i) No

(ii) No request was received from the foundation.

(aa) Not applicable.

(bb) Not applicable.

(cc) Not applicable.

(dd) Not applicable.

(ee) Not applicable.

(ff) Not applicable.

3. South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)

(a) Not applicable.

(b) (i) No

(ii) No request was received from the foundation.

(aa) Not applicable.

(bb) Not applicable.

(cc) Not applicable.

(dd) Not applicable.

(ee) Not applicable.

(ff) Not applicable.

4. South African Weather Service (SAWS)

(a) Not applicable.

(b) (i) No.

(ii) No request was received from the foundation.

(aa) Not applicable.

(bb) Not applicable.

(cc) Not applicable.

(dd) Not applicable.

(ee) Not applicable.

(ff) Not applicable.

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Reply:

1. (a) The final construction cost will only be determined when the construction work is completed. Two tenders were awarded in February 2017:

• Skukuza Safari Lodge main building tender: R 227 484 000 (VAT Incl.)
• Skukuza Safari Lodge bulk services: R 22 726 856 (VAT Incl.)

    (b) Yes. Tenders were issued in line with the Supply Chain Management Procedures and processes outlined by the National Treasury.

   (c) No. Tenders were only issued after the Bid Adjudication processes.

(2)

(a) As and when costs are incurred, these costs will appear in the annual financial statements as “capital projects in progress.”

(b) The entire amount is funded through the Departments Infrastructure Development Programme.

(c) Year one.

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Reply:

1. (a) (i) 2014-15: 14

         (ii) 2015-16: 44

         (iii) 2016-17: 148

(b) 2016/2017: R116 148 679.00 and 2017/2018: R112 013 603.00.

2. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife does have anti-poaching plans, and these are aligned to the National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) Strategy (National Strategy for the Safety and Security of Rhinoceros Populations in South Africa); and the Cabinet approved Integrated Strategic Approach for the Management of Rhinoceros, as well as the South African Police Service (SAPS) National Joints Instruction 3/2011 of 17 February 2011).

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has a three year strategy, 2014–2017, which is presently being reviewed, with assistance of Provincial Cabinet Task Team, six months review and assessment February to July 2017. The Strategy covers the following:

• Program Oversight.
• Liaison Strategic Liaison.
• Rhino Reserve Standard Operating Procedures.
• Rhino Awareness.
• Rhino Reserve Security Assessments.
• Operational Data and Information Systems Analysis.
• Population Analysis.
• Poaching Information Monitoring and Analysis.
• Horn Stockpile Management.
• Investigations and Case Management.
• Joint Crime Prevention Operations.
• Supplementary Funding and Administration.
• Reporting.

Furthermore, Ezemvelo KZN WIldlife has a specific objective to manage the poaching mortality rate of endangered species (rhino), and this includes an Annual Operation Plan as follows:

• Special Data Investigations Information and Intelligence.
• Special Operations on Project Investigations and Disruptive Operations.
• Prevention of Crime Access.
• Education and Awareness.
• Detectives Investigation Services.

The use of technology to support counter poaching and disruption operations is critical, as the majority of poaching is undertaken in the dark hours, even during no moon periods. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has identified the need to expand its technical ability to react to and detect incursions at night, which requires specialist technology and equipment for staff to operate at night. Whilst some of this technology is being supported by donors in its development and test phases, there is a need for a sustainable budget in order to operate and maintain the systems. These technologies focus on the early detection and rapid response in dark hours.

3. (a) (i) and (ii)

Ezemvelo does work with the private sector at a national, provincial and local level. This liaison does have a formal status with the Private Rhino Owners Association (PROA).

The private rhino owners are represented on the SAPS Provincial Priority Committee Rhino Poaching, which facilitates state security capacity.

Monthly tactical operations planning meetings are held with all rhino reserve managers, including private sector, for the alignment of joint operations, and/or to address high risk areas.

(iii) Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife does work with, and has agreements with, a number of Non-Government and/or Profit Organisations that fund and implement identified projects. The key agreements in place are with:

• Peace Parks Foundation;
• Wildlands Conservation Trust;
• African Wildlife Foundation; and
• Project Rhino.

Equipment has also been donated to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife on an ad hoc basis to address specific needs, for example, by the GEF-UNEP Rhino Programme (managed by the DEA and funding from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

(b) Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife forms part of the SAPS Operation Rhino Mission Area Joint Operations Command (MAJOC), which is a NATJOINTS (National Security and Joint Operational Structure) project that focusses on assisting with operations outside protected areas, and mainly on disruption and crime prevention operations and reactions. This MAJOC also assists with law enforcement along the corridor roads in KwaZulu-Natal’s rhino reserves.

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Reply:

(1) (a) Since 2011, 613 reservations for a total of 36 299 persons were made.

(b) Since 2011, revenue has been R16, 358 million excluding Vat and the amount indicated is a net profit. The Conference Centre was built as a preparation to test the market for the Skukuza Lodge. It is envisaged that Conference Centre will make significant profits once the construction of the Skukuza Lodge is finalised and the Lodge is open for business. SANParks also anticipates that the Skukuza Lodge will break even in the first year of operation because of the attraction generated by the Nombolo Conference facilities. The plan is to have the two facilities co-existing and complimenting each other.

(2) Yes.

(3) (a) The construction cost for the Nombolo Conference Centre was R 27,3 million.

(b) Yes.

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Reply:

(a) The estimated construction cost (2017) for the Shangoni Entrance Gate, tourism facilities (Camping site, tented site and picnic site) and tar road is R263 million.

(b) The current funding available is R25 million.

(c) Yes, the roads will be tarred.

(d) The new Shangoni Entrance gate will be used for (i) entry and (ii) exit of all nationals visiting the park.

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Reply:

(1) (a) The following exports were endorsed at OR Tambo International Airport: (i) October – 150 skeletons, (ii) November – 84 skeletons, (iii) December – 144 skeletons.

(b) and (c) The provincial conservation departments are the issuing authorities for permits relating to the export by the private sector. The following information was obtained from the provincial conservation departments:

Province	October 2016	November 2016	December 2016
GP	15	5	2
EC	0	0	0
NW	0	0	0
FS	0	0	0
NC	0	1	1
WC	0	0	0
LP	1	1	1
KZN	0	1	0
MP	0	0	0

(2) The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) reviewed available information regarding the export of lion bones, lion skeletons and captive produced lion hunting trophies from South Africa between 2005 and September 2016. Based on the CITES trade database information and two studies, (i) Bones of Contention: An assessment of South African trade in African lion bone and other body parts and (ii) Southern African Wildlife trade: an analysis of CITES trade in the South African Development Community (SADC) region – a study commissioned by the Department of Environmental Affairs and the South African National Biodiversity Institute, the Scientific Authority recommended an export quota of 800 skeletons per year. The Scientific Authority considered the recommendation by SANBI, and the comments were received by the Department of Environmental Affairs and made a recommendation to the Minister, relating to the final quota.

(3) (a) Lion was temporarily removed from the list of threatened or protected species through a notice in the Gazette, No. 30703, published on 28 January 2008, pending the outcome of the litigation case by the (then) South African Predator Breeders Association against the former Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. Upon delivering of the judgement by the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa on 29 November 2010, lion was not included in the list, on the basis of the ruling:

“It is declared that the inclusion of lion (panthera leo) within the definition of “listed large predator” in the definition in regulation 1 of the Threatened or Protected Species Regulations published on 23 February 2007 as amended, would have the effect of rendering regulation 24(2) in its current form, invalid in so far as it applies to a “put and take” animal that is a lion.”.

(b) Lion has been included in the definition for “listed large predator” in the revised Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) Regulations that is currently in the final approval process for implementation. The provision of regulation 24(2) of the current TOPS Regulations (referred to in the judgment above) have been amended to avoid a similar legal challenge.

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Reply:

i)

Minister:

1. Audi A8
2. 2014
3. R 944 000
4. Purchase date: 27 October 2014

ii) 

Deputy Minister:

PRETORIA                                              CAPE TOWN

1. F15 BMW X5 30d (PTA) and             BMW 520D (Cape Town)
2. 2015                                               2014
3. R 712 400 (PTA)                               R476 600 (Cape Town)
4. Purchase date: 07 May 2015              12 Sept 2014

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Reply:

1. South Africa National Parks (SANparks)

1.

(a) No

(b) Yes

(c) No

(i) CFO vacant since 1 April 2017

(ii) Resignation

2) Yes

a) No

b) No specific date as the post just been vacated, however, once the advertisement has been closed , short-listing and interviews will follow immediately.

3)

a) One

b) As at 1st April 2017.

c) No

2. South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)

1)

(a) No

(b) No

(c) No

   (i) Not applicable

   (ii) Not applicable

2)

(a) Not applicable

(b) Not applicable

3)

(a) No

(b) No

(c) No

3. iSimangaliso Wetland Park

1)

(a) No

(b) No

(c) No

   (i) Not applicable

   (ii) Not applicable

2)

(a) Not applicable

(b) Not applicable

3)

(a) No

(b) No

(c) No

4. South African Weather Services (SAWS)

1)

(a) Yes

(b) No

(c) Not Applicable

1. 5 Months - while there was an acting senior Manager
2. The board released the former CEO earlier from her contract which was ending March 2017

2)

(a) Yes (October 2016) and Interviews was held in November 2016

(b) Cabinet approved appointment on the 29 March 2017 and the new incumbent will commence duty on the 1st May 2017.

3)

(a) 1

(b) 5 Months

(c) Yes – However, substantive appointment has already been done through Cabinet. A Cabinet announcement has also been done.

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Reply:

a) Vredefort Dome will be proclaimed as soon as consensus is reached with the landowners on critical issues around governance and management models, and in particular the establishment of the Management Authority. Landowners have demanded that proclamation and governance issues be addressed simultaneously. This is despite a previous arrangement that the proclamation of the Site be processed while the resolution of the governance issues is underway; and

b) Government is not delaying the proclamation of the site as a heritage site. As indicated above, the differences in governance modalities need to be resolved with the landowners associations prior to the proclamation being effected. The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has made efforts to create the space for these to be addressed. However, the declarations of dispute by the landowners contribute to the slow pace in finalising the proclamation process. Failure to address these issues may lead to the undesirable withdrawal of the site from the UNESCO.

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Reply:

(a) In 2015, 181 horns were removed from carcasses of rhinos which were victims of drought or other natural causes.

(b) In 2016, 205 horns were removed from carcasses of rhinos which were victims of drought or other natural causes.

It should be noted that not all rhino horns from carcasses of rhinos which died of natural causes are recovered because horns are in some instance removed by vultures, hyenas and other scavengers.

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Reply:

(1) The Department will pilot the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora permit system in the 2017/18 financial year, and the final national implementation of the system will depend on the adjustments to be made based on the pilot phase.

(2) (a) The permit system is based on the requirements in the regulations. These regulations that affect the public are made available in the Government Gazette, a national newspaper and on the Department’s website.

(b) Yes. The system will generate an acknowledgement of receipt of the application and the applicant will be able to track the status of the application.

(c) No. Public participation processes relating to new legislative provisions will not be done through the permitting system, but will be done in terms of Section 100 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004). Permit applications and the processing thereof will not be published for public comments.

(d) The final versions of regulations are published in the Government Gazette. The final versions of regulations will not be published through the permit system.

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Reply:

a). The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has supported more than 107, community projects. This number includes projects falling under different windows implemented under the Expanded Public Works Programme and are at different stages of implementation. Some are towards completion while others are at planning and or execution.The projects supported fall under various themes namely: Biodiversity Economy (Wildlife and Bioprospecting Economies), People and Parks, Greening and Open Space Management and Working for Land.

b). The supported projects are located across the country and details are supplied in the table below:

NO.	Name of the farm	Communities	Description	Community benefits
1.	Mayibuye Game Reserve	Mayibuye Community Trust	Establishing a biodiversity economy in an economically depressed and under developed area, to create jobs, enterprises and create community ownership of a big 5 game reserve. Development of a 4800 ha big 5 community-owned game reserve for: Erection of perimeter fence and internal livestock fences; Game holding bomas Rehabilitation of internal roads Refurbishment of administration buildings	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
2.	Double Drift Nature Reserve	Likhaya Lethu CPA	The extent of the restored land is 13546.4783 hectares of the 23000 ha. The Communal property association and ECPTA has identified Naudeshoek farm 224 which is a state land outside the boundaries of the reserve land and also part of the claim inside the reserve as a suitable site to pilot the Game Transformation Programme. As hunting inside Double Drift Nature Reserve is currently prohibited, however, at Naudeshoek, hunting would take place. The proposed core business will include the following: Erection of perimeter fencing to incorporate claimed land into reserve	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
3.	Leshiba Game Reserve	Leshiba CPA	The Leshiba community intends to utilize the restituted land to improve and development infrastructure and facilities to create jobs, enterprises and equity through the following activities: Erection of perimeter fencing and internal fences for agricultural land Construction of access gate and guardhouse Bulk water borewholes and drinking troughs for game Refurbishment of farmhouse to admin building and tourist accommodation	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
4.	Mabaleng Game Reserve	Mabaleng Conservancy	Two emerging famers have decided to join forces with their well established and experienced neighbouring game farmer to develop a joint venture wildlife conservancy. The main business components will involve erection of perimeter fence, internal rhino fence replacement of electric cable and erection of water pipelines and watering facilities for: Erection of fences	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
5.	Balepye Game Reserve	Balepye CPA	The Balepye community intends to utilize the restituted 9000 ha game farm for employment creation and equity. The business activities will include: Erection of perimeter fences Debushing of dense vegetation	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
6.	Sepelong Game Farm	Land Reform Sepelong	The 1100 game farm offers accommodation, conference facilities and guided tours. The proposed products will include the following Erection and refurbishment of perimeter fences Refurbishment of tourist accommodation and conferencing facilities Provision of water supply for game	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
7.	Gidjana Game Reserve	Gidjana Traditional Council	The proposed activities include the development of infrastructure and facilities for: Erection of perimeter fences to incorporate land into the Kruger National Park Refurbishment of an existing hunting tented camp.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
8.	Nkambeni Game Reserve	Nkambeni Tribal Authority	The proposed activities include the development of infrastructure and facilities for: Erection of fences Extensive breeding of common game species for live sale, Hunting, and other beneficiated products such as venison, biltong, skins, hides and taxidermy.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
9.	Bushbuckridge Nature Reserve Wildlife Economy Projects	Sisonke CPA and Inyaka Waterval CPA	Construction of a new two bedroom staff house, each bedroom with its own kitchen and ablution; construction of 300m² movable steel boma; Fencing of 4 x 3km² sable breeding camp; water provision to the sable camp and staff quarters; and upgrading 2.5km internal access gravel road to the sable camp.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
10	Mthethomusha Nature Reserve Fencing	Mzinti Traditional Authority	Erection of a new 15 km fence, water provision, upgrade existing entrance (Luphisi gate); upgrade existing guard house (Luphisi), Renovate and upgrade existing staff accommodation, upgrade existing entrance (Mpakeni), construct new guard house (Mpakeni), construct new office block, Upgrade and renovate communal braai area, Upgrade picnic area,	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
11	Loskop Dam WPS ranger camp	Mamarumo CPA, Dindela CPA and Rampoodi CPA	Renovating and upgrading the existing rangers camp; water provision to the camp; construction of a boundary fence; and upgrading the existing 600m runway for light aircraft.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
12.	Mhinga Crocodile capture and commercial breeding	Mhinga Development Trust for Mhinga Tribal Community	Construction of one (1) hot house (560.88m2) for the incubation of hatchlings. (1) Tunnel house (424.2m2) and office building (61.1m2) with storage room, feed room and cold storage room. Infrastructure will include installation solar power, Backup generator 120kva, Borehole with 2 x 10000L water tanks on 4m steel tower, Water reticulation including heat pumps and sewer. Boundary fence 896m x 1.8m with a 4m sliding gate and a wooden guard hut.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
13	NC-Joe Morolong Ba Ga Bareki Game Farm	Ba Ga Bareki Tribal Community	construction of Chalets, Conference & ablution facilities, laundry, gate house & fencing and purchasing of wild animals	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
14.	Sebele Game Reserve	Barokologadi CPA	Construction of 40km road, 31km for Perimeter Fence, improve signage, main entrance gate, Construction of hides and picnic sites plus viewpoints. Construction of Staff houses, gates, office block, chalets, bulk water and electricity supply.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
15.	Infrastructure Initiative at Lichtenburg Game Breeding Centre	Detsobotla Local Municipality	Provision of 3 x lecture rooms, 1x computer room, resource centre/library, meeting / board room, reception area, sufficient accommodation with washing and sanitary facilities, ablution facilities, 100m shooting range, gun safe facility, and relevant equipment thereof.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
16.	Agriforestry Opportunities for Sustainable BBBEE in Bitou / Kranshoek	Ericaville Farming Trust	To sustainably grow and supply Sceletium tortuosum, a mood enhancing herb that is in high demand locally and internationally.With the establishment of the herb garden, the project will also provide an extension to the existing dam. The extension of the dam will increase by 35m in length, 15 in width and 2m deep. The area for the herb garden will be fenced off with Diamond mesh that is 1.8m high and covers an area of 2km. As part of the Agriforestry opportunities a trading area will be established inside the existing barn. The trading area will make provision for a preparation room, a storage room and a trading room. To add to the BBBEE component, beneficiaries of the project will be trained in business management. The beneficiaries will also participate in a beautification of the town	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
17.	Agriforestry Opportunities for Sustainable BBBEE in Bitou / Kwanokuthula	Bitou Local Municipality	The establishment a local indigenous nursery to organically grow indigenous medicinal plants (Sceletium tortuosum and Honeybush). Substantial alien vegetation clearing will be undertaken to prepare the project for the nursery. The available labour will also be utilised to clear the surrounding alien vegetation in accordance with municipal guidance.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
18.	KZN-Busingatha Lodge	No land Claim under KZN Ezemvelo	Deliverables of this project will include the construction of entrance gate with supporting facilities ,the construction of manager's house, the construction of 7 chalets (6 sleeper) and 5 chalets (4 sleeper), the construction of entertainment area with a pool, kitchen, dining hall and the construction of stables.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
19.	KZN-Sodwana Bay - Amangwane Community Lodge	No Land Claim under KZN Ezemvelo	The visitor facility consist of entrance gate, Entertainment area, Residential (chalet) 8 unit, conference centre, Main Lodge and staff quarters. Fencing and landscaping will be part of deliverable.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
20..	EC-Buffelspruit Nature Reserve Revitalisation	No Land Claim based Aliwal North	This project will have the following deliverables: A new main entrance with guards-house constructed; an administration block constructed; Office and public ablution facilities constructed; 5 fully equipped chalets with grass roofing constructed; 16 kilometer wire perimeter fence with associated infrastructure erected, 10 kilometer (internal) gravel roads, etc.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
21.	EC-Thina Falls Resort	Mhlontlo Municipality	The project seeks to develop a resort with 25 bedrooms Construction of 10 exclusive rooms and 15 rooms to accommodate low to medium income earners, conference facilities, a restaurant with bar and a swimming pool and provide fitting equipment.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
22.	LP Lekgalameetse	Sekororo, Mamashiane and Mangena CPA’s	Chalets, 12km of access road, 20km of gravel / small tourism roads attractions, -construction of restaurant decking, kitchen and communal lounge and 50km fencing for Wolkbeg and Thabina with improvement of entrance gate. Development of a walking trail	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
23.	LP Nwanedi Nature Reserve	Rambuda Community	Electrification of big 5 fence of 55km, rehabilitation of old mines area of 28ha and upgrading of the infrastructure. Relocation of Waste / Dumping area. Upgrade of access Roads and development of Picnic Site and Day Visitors Facility	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
24.	LP-Tshivhase Nature Reserve	Tshivhase Tribal Authority	community Nature Reserve and related infrastructure, provision of administrative building, conference centre, perimeter fence, construction and up-grading of roads, developing visitor/recreational facility and accommodation and camp site	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
25.	LP-D'Nyala	Lephalale Local Municipality	Phase One: Clearing of 35 ha, Picnic site and upgrading of the entrance gate. Rehabilitation of VIP rooms. Trail clearance 30km. Restaurant furniture and kitchen equipment. Rehabilitation of three hide, Staff and office accommodation. Phase Two: Construction of twelve double room chalets, after EIA has been conducted as well as development of fifty stands Bush Camp inclusive of ablution, reticulation of water and electricity as well as picnic site in the bush	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
26.	LP Masebe Nature Reserve	Masebe Management committee	Furniture for 10 existing chalets. Completion on existing chalets upgrading. Upgrading of 40km fence. Development of staff accommodation Refurbishment of existing staff accommodation and installation of Satellite dish, booster and TV cables. Provision of 25 Television Sets. PHASE 2 Development of 10 double-room chalets, tourism Access Road, and electrifying fence. Develop 6 staff accommodation units and 20 Bachelor's flats Install 3 Borehole	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
27.	FS-Upgrading of Hoopstad Nature Reserve		The deliverables for this project will include upgrading of entrance gate and access road, recreational facilities, braaistands, camping site development, accommodation establishment, ablution facilities, paving, administration facilities and conference facilities. As well as environmental management education and awareness and a conservation management plan.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
28.	FS-Upgrade existing infrastructure	No Land claim they are from Hoopstad Community	This project will focus on the Sandveld nature reserve through paving of entrance road, upgrade of staff housing, upgrade of water purification, construction of picnic facilities and ablution facilities.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
29.	FS-Upgrade of access road to Sentinel hiking trail	No Land Claim situated in Maluti a Phofung	The project aims to upgrade the access road to the Sentinel Hiking Trail since it is currently a gravel road that has deteriorated.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
30.	MP-Manyeleti Nature Reserve Infrastructure Projects	No CPA only MTPA	The proposed deliverables include : Provision of the recreational infrastructures at Manyeleti Nature Reserve with the improvement of old infrastructures as well as the camps and conference ha	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
31.	MP-Nooitgedacht dam nature reserve	No CPA no land claim	Upgrading and renovation staff accommodation, construction of 5 km game proof fence. Construction of office complex. Provision of bulk services (water, sewer and electrical supply), and landscaping.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
32..	MP - Songimvelo conservation education resource and recreation facility	Ekhuphileni kwe Sive Songimvelo CPA	Development of Conservation Education and community resource node: Open classroom Resource center museum lecture room discussion room, curios and shop kiosk, and restaurant restrooms hostel to accommodate 120 children, swimming pool, procurement of 30 sitter vehicle to assist with education and tourism needs and provision of bulk services roads terrain and fencing	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
33.	MP-Mdala-Mkhombo Development and Upgrade of infrastructure	Mahlabane Trust, and Moutse Communal Property Association	Extension of Mkholwane lodge with five rooms and a toilet each. Construction of adult swimming pool, paving of the road, and offices. Re-graveled 20 kilometers stretch of tourist’s road. Provision of fully equipped water reticulation system. Fully equipped bore hole at Zwelabo camp.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
34.	MP-Loskop Dam Nature Reserve infrastructure Upgrade and Development	Rampholodi, Mamarumo and Dindela CPA’s	Construction of luxury hurts for tourist and accommodation for field rangers fully furnished with solar power and water	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
35.	MP-Mahushe Shongwe Community Facility upgrade	Mahushe Shongwe Representative Committee	Upgrading of open air class room facility requires upgrading resource centre, discussion room fully furnished, and recreational facilities at Mahushe Shongwe.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
36.	MP-Barberton Nature Reserve Conservation Education Centre and Conference Facility	No CPA just MTPA	Establishment of conference facility, restaurant, kiosk, overnight chalet. Provision of recreational and conference facilities inclusive of a restaurant, kiosk, educational fully furnished at Barberton Nature Reserve (BNR).	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
37.	MP Ohrigstad Dam nature Reserve Infrastructure and Development	Carolina LM	Ohrigstad Dam Nature reserve focus on the. Provision of chalets fully furnished and provision of water and electricity infrastructure. Upgrading of overnight camping site with braai facilities and upgrading of 30km of road	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
38.	WC-Driftsands Nature Reserve - Fencing Project.	City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality for Cape Nature	Erect 11 km Palisade fencing around the perimeter of the reserve to protect the reserve from current illegal activities including dumping, prostitution activities, grazing, farming, land invasion etc.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
39.	WC-De Hoop Nature Reserve - Upgrading of Roads.	Cape Nature in City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality	Provide a permanent surface on the existing gravel road within the De Hoop Provincial Nature Reserve using LBS asphalt method. The distance is 15, 2 km. plus the widening the tar surface of another 1,4 km. The present road is only tarred for a short distance from the entrance gate towards the tourism camp. It is now proposed that the road is tarred up to the De Hoop Postal tourism camp and to the main beach attraction on the reserve namely Koppie Alleen	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
40.	WC-Knersvlakte Nature Reserve Fencing Project	City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality by Cape Nature	Erect 350 km of 1.8m jackal proof fence line around the Knersvlakte Conservation Area. During this period 40 people will be employed through the contractors to be appointed. This will equate to 39 FTEs having been created over a two year period.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
41.	Tyefu Aloe project	Tyefu Community	To achieve sustainable use of naturally abundant aloe ferox while developing sustainable livelihoods for the community	Formalise trading and manufacturing Promote efficient farming techniques Infrastructure for harvesting
42.	WC-Anysberg Nature Reserve - Road Upgrade and Improvement of Tourism Facilities.	Cape Nature in Touwsriver and Laingsburg	The upgrade is based on the following: Repairs to the Prins River crossing and to various sections damaged by storms on the 25 km of road(17km from main gate to the office and 8 km from the office towards Touwsriver). Upgrade to the hiking facilities, bird hides and overnight 4x4 facilities.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
43..	NC-Ais Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park-EPIP Project	Sandrif; Khuboes; Lekkersing & Eksteensfontein	Construct 4 semi-detached units for staff and hostel accommodation for contractors & EPWP teams and a shed for parking vehicles plus a workshop (15x30x4). Also to construct road signs for Richtersveld and development and building of trials & mountain biking	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
44.	NC-Mokala National Park-EPIP Project	Richie; Saltlake; Hayfield & Plooysburg	Erection of 6km fence line – Wolwepan, removal of old dams and redundant structures, replacement of water pipeline from Soutbos to Gruisdraai with 90mm HDPE, construction of new Lilydale entrance gate and construction of staff accommodation.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
45.	NW- Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve Infrastructure Development	Christiana Local Municipality	Building of three (3) new Ablution Blocks, five (5) staff accommodation flats. Upgrading of existing Tourism facilities this includes (Group camp, Hunting camp and Log cabins) with Solar Technology.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
46.	EC Municipal / Medicinal Nursery - Ndlambe East	Ndlambe	Establish a Municipal Nursery for the purpose of propagating indigenous plants / flowers / shrubs and trees with the following project deliverables: 1.Construction of nursery and infrastructure, trays, bags, soil etc 2. Propagation of seedlings through seeds, cuttings etc 3.Environmental education and awareness raising on nursery management 4. Propagating medicinal plants 5.Irrigation system (cost-effective) 6.Solar energy lighting	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
47.	Engcobo Heroes and Swim away village	Engcobo	The project involves upgrading the Heroes park and the swimming pool site and alien vegetation clearing around the site. The deliverables include revamping the swimming pools, paving around the swimming pools, renovating the ablution facilities, fencing both sites, revamping the water feature, construction of pathways and paved parking area inside the park.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
48.	EC-Gariep Town Beautification and greening	Burgersdorp	This project aims to eradicate illegal dumping sites. These sites are an eyesore and a nuisance to the communities. These are a breeding ground for criminals since they also utilize these spaces for their criminal activities. The deliverables of the project will include clearing of illegal dumps, planting of indigenous trees, establishment of ablution facilities, hard landscaping, palisade fencing, installation of benches, signage and electrification of entrances.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
49.	EC-Tshireletso ya tikoloho	Aliwal North	This project is aimed at the construction of an administration block, an environmental education centre, ablution facilities, guard house, fencing, parking bays, general landscaping and pathways.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
50.	EC-Senqu Community Parks	Kwezi-Naledi	The site is situated at Kwezi-Naledi township and is surrounded by houses. This site will be fenced off with palisade fencing and a pedestrian gate which will be locked after hours. The site will have ablution facilities that shall consist of 4 male seats, 5 female seats and 1 seat for disabled users with a store room in between male and female toilets. Children's play equipment will consist of 4 swings; 4 jungle gyms with slides and 4 see-saw, balancing bridge and monkey bars. Soft landscaping will be done with lawn, indigenous trees and shrubs to be planted. Other items include 8 picnic sets with thatched umbrellas and 8 benches around the park that will be made from recycled plastic materials for parents to sit.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
51.	EC-Manteku Camp	Mtambalala	The project will focus on the construction of a nursery in the Mtambalala area of the municipality. . The project deliverables will include an admin block, a tool shed, ablution facility and a working area. There will also be other external works and the planting of various vegetables and/or fruits for commercial sale	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
52.	EC-Open Space and Park establishment within Nyandeni Local Municipality	Nyandeni	The project is focused on the development of an open space in Nyandeni municipality. The identified area is connected to bulk services and project deliverables include: Fencing of the park, Paving, Construction of ablution facilities, and Mini Meeting Area. Landscaping, Tree planting, Installation of park furniture, Construction of multi-purpose court and putting up play equipment The project will be implemented over the 15 months period, the end date include projected period for project close out processes.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
53.	EC-Umzimvubu Commercial Nursery	Umzimvubu	Description The concept is to create a fully functional commercial nursery that will maximize the potential of agriculture and planting of indigenous plants and trees in Umzimvubu municipal area.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
54.	FS-Greening Mantsopa Municipality	Lady Brand	Greening of Mantsopa Municipality through the upgrading of four parks.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
55.	FS - Greening and Management of Parks	Mafube	This project aims at the greening and management of parks for four towns in Mafube Local Municipality.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
56.	FS-Tswelopele Municipality community parks develepoment	Tswelopele	This project will include the planting of trees, flowers and grass in public open spaces to reduce illegal dumping. Installation of solar lights, fencing around open spaces, installation of braai facilities in open spaces, installation of ablution blocks, installation of gym and children's playing equipment in open spaces, installation of chairs and tables, parking area and education & awareness for communities on waste management and importance of plants and trees.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
57.	FS- Dihlabeng Nursery Plant	Dihlabeng	To upgrade the current nursery in order to make provision for planting of fruit trees, indigenous trees, street trees, perennial and annual flowers. To also educate the community on horticulture. Trees and plants nursed and grown from the nursery will benefit communities by means of job creation, prevention of soil erosion and degradation.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
58.	FS-QwaQwa Environmental Education Centre	QwaQwa	This project is for the establishment of Environmental Education Centre that will provide community with access to information that includes Environmental Management, Tourism, art and culture. Therefore the main project purpose is to provide a novel, restorative and dramatic destination for school groups, nature lovers and the community at large to experience wildlife and be “wowed” by nature within an urban landscape.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
59.	FS-Nketoana Greening	Nketoana	The project will concentrate only on developing and transforming 2 parks per ward. There are nine wards in the Municipality and also illegal dumps will be converted to recreational parks.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
60.	FS-Development of Recreational Parks in Setsoto Municipality	Setsoto	The project entails the development of 12 parks within each town, each park to have mini soccer field and play equipment.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
61.	GP-Beautification of Ratanda	Ratanda	Beautification of the Ratanda areas including tree planting and cleaning of the following areas: Heidelberg, Protea Rd, Old Hall, Ratanda Stadium, Heildelberg Rd, Chuene Street, Themba Sibaya,Lehoko St, Cr Moloi and Mofokeng Street, pensioners and youth centers). Cemetery cleaning, paving and trees.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
62.	GP-Randfontein LM - Construction of Environmental Education Centre (Bird Sanctuary)	Randfontein	Development of a master plan, Establishment of an environmental education centre, preservation and conservation of flora and fauna (Identification of existing aquatic life, Establishment of red data list of aquatic life in the area, Protection of fauna and flora). To stop the contamination of natural water bodies through monitoring of the pollution entry source. To encourage community awareness of environmental related issues. Greening and beautification Arboriculture. Construction of boundary fence, ablution facilities, office, training facilities, nursery structure, parking facility and bird watch thatched houses.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
63.	KZN-Provision of Six Play Parks in Previously Disadvantaged Areas	Madadeni, Osizweni and Ngagane	Development of Four (4) Play Parks in Newcastle townships. Each play park will have the following: 1.Palisade Fencing 2.Ablution block 3. Landscaping, planting of indigenous trees and plants 4.Installation of Park Furniture and play equipment 5. Walkways paving 6.Installation of Park Lights and drinking water fountains	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
64.	KZN - Greening Inkandla Municipality	Inkandla	Develop two new open parks within the town of Nkandla. Project includes site clearance, earthworks, tree planting in both parks and in the town, grass planting, concrete paving, ablution facilities, fencing and gates, picnic sets, benches, bins, a bandstand and water play feature in the main park, playing equipment and eco gym, action sports facility in the central park, irrigation and infrastructure connections.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
65.	KZN-Mandeni Nursery	KwaSithebe	Construction of Mandeni Park will include site clearance, bulk earthworks will include minimal cut and fill on site to accommodate new park design and fencing. Some of the existing trees will be retained on site, together with the planting of new trees and grass, including flowering certain areas of the park. Garden lights will be installed within the park. Water and sewer reticulation will service the new ablution block, consisting of male, female and paraplegic toilets. New internal pedestrian pathways will be constructed. General landscaping, beautification of the park and general furnishing of the park will include children's play areas.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
66.	KZN-Alexandra Park Revitalisation	Alexandra	The main objective of the project is to upgrade Alexandra Park such that it becomes a safe popular recreational and play centre for Pietermaritzburg. The deliverables will include the upgrade of children’s play area, Percy Taylor Rockery, Peoples Park and ablution facility.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
67.	Endumeni Greening, Landscaping and Nursery	Wasbank, Sithembile and Forestdale	The project aims to develop a nursery for indigenous and medicinal plants to provide a local source of indigenous planting material. To construct Sithembile Park and refurbishment of Wasbank and Forestdale Parks. Deliverables will include site clearance, bulk earthworks, fencing, ablution block construction, planting of trees, indigenous plants and grass, installation of Park furniture. New internal pedestrian pathways will be constructed. General landscaping, beautification of the park including children's play areas.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
68.	KZN-Emnambithi Goes Green	Emnambithi	The project is aimed at developing a recreational park. with the following deliverables: tree planting, soft landscaping, an Amphitheatre, Pedestrian walkway and hard Landscaping. Trees will be planted as avenue trees and on municipal public open spaces in order for them to neutralize the carbon dioxide that humans emit and in turn produce oxygen which is vital for human.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
69.	KZN-Rehabilitation of The existing parks and Planting of trees in Umtshezi	Wembezi	The project will focus on an entrance gateway and upgrading of a park in Umtshezi Local Municipality. The deliverables include Site Clearance , Parking Bay, Planting of Grass; General Landscaping; Ablution Block &Paving of Pathways, Refurbishment of existing Fencing; Installation of Park benches, Bins, Tables, Bridge, Braai Stands, Children’s Play Park, Installation of Gym Equipment, Installation of park lights, Construction of Sports Multipurpose Court, Clean Up of Stream, Irrigation System and Entrance gateway	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
70.	KZN-Upgrading of Parks	Mthonjaneni	The deliverables for this project will include palisade fencing, concrete benches, paved walkway, landscaping and grassing, play park equipment, water fountain, concrete benches, and concrete braai stand, refuse bins around the area, flower garden and ablution block.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
71.	KZN-Nkungumathe Environmental Education Centre	Nkungumathe	The project is for the construction of an Environmental Education Centre with associated infrastructure such as an office block guard house, fencing and landscaping.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
72.	KZN-KwaZulu Natal-Development Of open space and recreational parks	Ntambanana	Construction and landscaping of the Ntambanana community park. The park will incorporate two deliverables, Soft and Hard landscaping. Soft landscaping will include planting of Trees, Ground covers & Perennials and Grass. Hard landscaping will include Fencing, Ablution Blocks, Paving and Pedestrian Walkways, Outdoor furniture (Bollards seats and rubbish bins), Braai Area, Games Area, Picnic Area, Amphitheatre, Central Gathering Area, Children's Play Furniture, Parking Area, Entrance Wall, Park Lights.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
73.	KZN-Edumbe - Environmental Greening Project	Edumbe	The Project is for Greening and Beautification with the proposed scope of work being park development, walkway construction; Palisade Fencing, Supply of Park furniture; Supply of Park Bins; Planting of Trees, shrubs and flowers; Construction of Ablution Facilities; and Park Lights, irrigation system, children play equipment and braai stands, parking bays	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
74.	LP-Greening Vhembe Municipality	Vhembe	Greening of Vhembe Municipality through parks.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
75.	LP-Kgoroshi Green and Open Space Management	Kgoroshi	Development of the new park with fence, aquarium and swimming pools with related landscaping of the surrounding garden. Drilling and filter borehole water to be used for the park. Packaging of bottled water. Provide seating and braai stands. Development of the nursery and environmental education centre with public.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
76.	LP-The development of a regional recreational park at Molepo Dam at Ga-Molepo	GaMolepo	Construction of swimming pool and splash pad; parking slots and playing grounds for various sport code with related equipment. Provision of public viewing screen; ablution and store; guardroom and office facilities;	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
77.	LP-Development and Rehabilitation of Environmentally friendly recreational parks	Marolong	Provision of recreational equipment, walk ways, ablution facilities with furniture’s and security poles. Provision of lights at braai area and equipment.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
78.	LP-Development of Greater Tubatse Local Municipality Recreational Parks	Greater Tubatse	Garden landscaping and installation of garden furniture as well as provision of ablution block.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
79.	LP-Development of new recreational park	Bela Bela	Development of three (3) new recreational parks with ablution facilities and fencing. Furniture and playing equipment Rehabilitation of four (4) parks. Development of a new nursery and construction of a nursery related infrastructure. Planting of seedlings for flowers, shrubs and trees and composting	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
80.	MP-Greening Bushbuckridge	Bushbuckridge	Greening of Bushbuckridge Municipality through parks.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
81.	MP-Mashishing Community Park	Mashishing	Construction of the ablution facility with water reticulation and electrification of the park. Building the wall and picnic sport, Children ''s corner Control gate, Construction of reception area with kitchen A performing arena , land scaping and Greening the area	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
82.	MP-Greening of Open Spaces and Management	Umjindi	Development and rehabilitation of existing recreational park, development of a nursery, tree planting and Construction of Environmental Centre.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
83.	MP-Park Development and Eco Centre	Steve Tshwete	Perimeter fence, construction of park related infrastructure, landscaping and planting of indigenous trees, construction of green environmental center.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
84.	MP-Thembisile Go Green	Thembisile	Greening and upgrading the four parks around Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, Procurement of garden maintenance equipment	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
85.	Limpopo Wildlife Incubator	Dikgatlong Game Reserve	Developing the BOP to promote game ranching, meat production, harvesting, processing and marketing development.	Wildlife ranches Job creation Transfer of skills Increased food security
86.	NC-Gamagara Greening Project	Welgelee, Ditloung and Diepsloot	Upgrading of three existing parks in Welgelee, Ditloung and Diepsloot. Development of open space management plan. Construction of Dibeng Park Rehabilitation of existing parks, illegal dumps and open spaces	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
87.	NC- Ga-segonyana Greening Project	Gasegonyana	Development and rehabilitation of environmentally friendly recreational parks as well as Installation of irrigation systems and alternative energy sources. Development of open space management plan. Planting of indigenous and fruit trees.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
88.	NC-Joe Morolong Greening and Open Space Management Project	Bothitong, Dithakong, Bendell and Tsineng	Development and rehabilitation of four recreational parks at Bothitong, Dithakong, Bendell and Tsineng. Rehabilitation of existing parks, illegal dumps and open spaces. Development of open space management plan.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
89.	NC-Calvinia Environmental Upgrading and Development Project	Calvinia	Designing and development of a garden of remembrance with open-air amphitheatre. A wall/hall of remembrance Environmental upgrading and embellishment of residential areas especially in Calvinia-West. Establishment of a local nursery.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
90.	NC-Kamiesberg Development and Rehabilitation of environmentally friendly recreational parks	Kamiesberg	Rehabilitation of existing parks, Installation of park playing equipment and park furniture. Landscaping and planting of indigenous trees	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
91.	NC-Construction and Development of Parks	Springbok	Greening of open spaces in eight wards. Construct pathways and landscape park area with indigenous gardens.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
92.	NC-Recreational Parks in both Hopetown and Strydenburg	Hopetown and Strydenburg	The greening of open spaces in Steynville (Hopetown) and Deetlefsville (Strydenburg) for public use including kiddies play areas, adult braai, picnicking, dance facilities and ablution blocks.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
93.	WC-Upgrading and Greening of existing open spaces.	Robertson	The main project is about upgrading and rehabilitation of two existing parks with the following deliverables: site clearance ,picnic sets, installation of bins, benches, paving, tree planting, children’s play area, installation of braai stands, 5 Aside football pitch, installation of a mini cricket pitch, irrigation system and installation of park lights.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
94.	WC-Upgrading of Reserves and Cemeteries	Robertson and Ashton	Construction of cemetery entrance gates and landscaping, tree planting, installation of refuse bins, furniture, signage, Landscaping of Joubert Park and development of Environmental Management Plans for the following areas of the Langeberg Local Municipality :- Bonnievale New Cemetery, Mcgregor, Ashton Silos, Montagu Golf Course and Robertson Nkqubela	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
95.	WC-Laingsburg Prosperity Project	Laingsburg	The project is about the construction of an environmental education centre; upgrade of two play parks, establishment of four play parks, the development of a culturally educational putt-putt course; manufacturing of four vegetable carts and the cleaning, clearing and greening of tourism nodes within the municipality.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
96.	WC-Greening of towns and townships in Prince Albert	Prince Albert	The project involve the establishment of 7 playground areas within the municipal area. 3 refurbishment and 4 new parks, by installing park play equipment , installing park play furnisher, planting of grass, planting of trees, installing an irrigation system, brick braai stands, paving, fencing, installation of benches and installing Bins.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
97.	WC-Garden Route Environmental Education Centre	George	The project is about the Construction of the Garden Route Environmental Education Centre with the following deliverables: constructing the Environmental Education centre, general landscaping, paving or walkways and Construction of an external wall made from Gabions.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
98.	WC-Hermanus Open Space and Greening Project	Hermanus	The project deliverables will include site clearance, tree planting, general landscaping, installation of Playground equipment, street furniture, Irrigation system and planting of grass.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
99.	King Sabata DalindyeboMunicipality Land rehabilitation	King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality	This project is aimed at the rehabilitation of Dongas and Soil conservation, community engagement in land management and rehabilitation; community awareness in land management, repair damages caused by soil erosion, development of land and promote preservation of indigenous plants.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
100	Nkonkobe Municipality land rehabnilitation	Nkonkobe Local Municipality	The project takes place in Middledrift and includes closing of dongas, closing of gabion structures, fencing of grazing lands and removal of alien vegetation	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
101	Senqu Land rehabilitation Phase II	Senqu Municipality	The project consist of 3 sites, 2 at Sunduza and 1 at Jozanna’s neck. Gabions will be filled and placed in such a manner to encourage silting and decreasing the number of channels which encourage gullet erosion. The gabions will be covered with cloth that will encourage the growth of the grass and trees placed on it. The areas in and around the gabions will be planted with grass and fenced off.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
102	Maletswai Land Rehabilitation and Restoration	Maletswai Local Municipality	Planting of 2000 indigenous trees planted; Alien vegetation (grass, plants, trees and grass) removed; Indigenous (vetiver) grass planted; Stormwater channels constructed, Gabiod (mesh wire & stones) constructed; Community environmental education and awareness material developed; Community environmental education and awareness activities conducted.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
103	Nyandeni Land Rehabilitation and Restoration	Nyandeni Local Municipality	Fencing of graded areas from overgrazing, Soil Erosion Control, Installation of indigenous grass pastures, Forest rehabilitation, Donga Rehabilitation, Land Rehabilitation and Community awareness programme on land Conservation	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
104	Donga Rehabilitation Chuene Maja Molepo Cluster	Polokwane Local Municipality	Rehabilitation of donga erosion by construction of gabion	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
105	Kamiesberg Land rehabilitation and Restoration	Kamiesberg Local Municipality	Gabion construction, Tree planting, cleaning of storm water channels, environmental education and awareness	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
106	Nquthu Land Rehabilitation	Nquthu Local Municipality	The construction of a number of gabions and plant grass in areas with degraded land in the area of Nquthu.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice
107	Nkandla Land Rehabilitation	Nkandla Local Municipality	Conservation of soil structure, construction of Gabion in eroded areas, restoration and rehabilitation of areas by doing site clearance and planting of trees & grass.	Job creation Development of SMMES Skills Development and training Better Environmental Practice

c). Provincial Conservation Authorities have established game donation and loan policies that they are implementing. The Biodiversity Economy strategy requires provincial authorities to upscale these programmes and contribute to increasing the herd of wildlife in the control of previously disadvantaged individuals. The provincial authorities utilise their own policies, procedures and criteria for implementing the game donation framework policy. The focus of the Department’s support is therefore on infrastructure and capacity building.

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Reply:

I have proposed the inclusion of a provision in the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) relating to the well-being of faunal biological resources. This provision will facilitate the development of regulations that will address the well-being of a wild animal in respect of which a restricted activity (such as keeping, breeding, conveying, and so on) is carried out. This proposed provision has been included in the National Environmental Management Laws Amendment Bill (NEMLA Bill) which will be tabled in Parliament in April/May 2017.

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Reply:

(a) A total of 190 rhinos died from natural causes during 2016. This natural mortality includes deaths due to the drought and increased fighting amongst rhino males as a result of drought.

(b) A total of 662 rhinos were illegally killed in the Kruger National Park during 2016.

(c) Eleven rhinos were translocated internally in the Kruger National Park for security reasons in 2016. Twenty one (21) rhino orphans were rescued in 2016 and 19 are currently still alive at rhino holding facilities in the Kruger National Park and an external rhino rehabilitation centre. We cannot share locations for security reasons.

(d) A total of 106 rhinos were sold in 2016 from the Kruger National Park to two owners in the Northern Cape (further details cannot be made available for security reasons). Follow-up visits to these properties were done in November 2016 and the rhino translocations were successful.

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Reply:

The honorable member is aware that numerous interventions have been implemented since 2008/9 by government and other stakeholders to address the scourge of poaching and illegal trade in rhino horn. The poaching (illegal killing) remains a priority crime and the integrated strategic management approach approved by Cabinet in 2014 and implemented by the relevant government departments, is resulting in the reduction of losses experienced in Kruger National Park. This is despite a continued increase in the number of illegal incursions into the Kruger National Park. The successes achieved are because of, inter alia, our dedicated law-enforcement authorities, dedicated prosecutors, customs and excise officials and the Department of Environmental Affairs’ Green Scorpions.

South Africans are urged to report any wildlife crime so that we, as an integrated law enforcement effort team, can continue to successfully act against organised criminal enterprises fostering rhino poaching.

The Kruger National Park was specifically targeted by poachers from the onset of this onslaught and the following was implemented in the Park to address the illegal killing of rhino:

Around 2010, South African National Parks (SANParks) reacted to the escalation in poaching by training and equipping existing rangers, crime investigators and the air wing to cope with a totally new set of circumstances associated with the increase in poaching. All of a sudden the one thousand kilometres of boundary of the Kruger National Park (KNP) had to be protected from intrusions by poachers sponsored by both international and local crime networks. This endeavour was challenged by the sheer magnitude of the poaching (till 2014 mostly from Mozambique) onslaught in subsequent years. The number of poaching incidents later soared to about seven a day with up to a dozen poacher groups active inside the Park on any day. To contain this over two million hectares was challenging in all respects.

It was soon realized that the new dimension of organized crime impacting on wildlife in the (KNP) was a matter to be dealt with by all of the Security Cluster participants as well the Mozambique law enforcement agencies. None of the aforementioned were really prepared for this challenge and it took time to mobilize them given all their other priorities.

In 2012, SANParks (with the direct support of the Minister), increased the ranger numbers with 50%, resulting in one hundred and fifty extra rangers. This new capacity had to be developed into a mission ready capability of staff, equipment, training, sustainment and applicable doctrine.

Since 2013, a para military approach was adopted and a formal structure was established to deal with the threat.

In 2014, an integrated national strategy was implemented to counter the escalating poaching onslaught. Apart from law enforcement, the plan also covers the management of the asset (rhino) in the form of translocations, maximizing breeding and rhino orphanages. Another part of the plan addresses community needs and creating long term sustainable economic alternatives. The strategy furthermore addresses the quest for game changers such as the technology based force multipliers and the collapse of crime networks.

By the end of 2015 the newly established anti – poaching unit (APU) was mission ready. The air wing, canine unit and special rangers were expanded and appropriate technologies acquired. The air and ground mobility was enhanced and the capacity for night operations improved. This capability was deployed on a well thought out zoning approach to address the right priority areas at any one time. The investment started paying off and during that year rhino poaching figures could be stabilized for the first time since the start of the scourge.

During 2016 the figures decreased by twenty percent and the current drive is to continue this trend over the next three years.

SANParks also took the initiative to co-opt the various parties in Mozambique and other parks and reserves to the west of KNP in a successful alliance (Greater Kruger Environmental Asset Protection Foundation) concept that is now ensuring more preventative actions by these neighbours outside the KNP.

It is noteworthy that whilst SANParks accepts its roles and responsibilities to combat wildlife crime inside the protected area in terms of its legal mandate, the organized crime elements should be combatted at its origin outside the Park.

While the enforcement focus was needed to bring the situation under control, SANParks also recognise the need to continue to invest in the other pillars of the Integrated Strategic Management approach adopted by Cabinet in 2014.

As opposed to the figure that the honorable member quotes, in terms of our information the Kruger National Park lost 3 744 rhino between 2010 and 2016 due to poaching. This is despite our very intense fight against rhino poaching and in the face of an ever increasing number of incursions into the Park. The losses due to poaching have been reported regularly to the public through detailed quarterly progress reports.

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Reply:

(a) The department’s consultative Wildllife Forum does not exclude key stakeholders in the wildlife conservation and protection sector nor are we aware of any such exclusion. The Wildllife Forum was established in 2008 based on the following understanding:

• That there are national issues pertaining to wildllife management that need to be addressed by the Minister on a continous basis;
• the establishment of an operational partnership with the national hunting and national wildlife industry is required in recognition of the sector’s contribution in addressing such issues;
• the establishment of a national wildlife forum to generate soultions and design strategies for conservation through sustainable use, creates the best opportunity to ascertain continous consultation and interaction between the Minister, the department, the provincial conservation departments, and the wider wildllife and hunting industry; and
• the establishment of such a Wildlife Forum will create a platform for the industry, relevant organised bodies and government to interact on issues of mutual and common interest resulting from the implementation of national environmental legislation and other legislation, relevant to national and provincial management of the wildlife industry and all forms of hunting in its widest context.

The Term of Reference (ToR) for the Wildlife Forum was developed and adopted on 12 June 2008. The objective of the Wildlife Forum is to work as a collective towards promoting:

• conservation through sustainable use of renewable natural resources;
• a responsible, self-regulatory and practical wildlife and hunting industry;
• creating conditions for, and implementing transformation in the whole sector; and
• sector related sustainble tourism growth and development.

The ToR provides that representative bodies of the organised national wildlife and national hunting industries, and of related fields of endeavour, who were not yet members of the forum after the adoption of the ToR, may apply to become members, upon which the forum will decide to award such body membership.

On 1 July 2009, the Wildlife Forum agreed that the following information should be submitted by interested bodies/organisations:

• Application in the form of a signed letter on the organisation’s letterhead;
• organisation’s profile;
• code of conduct;
• contribution to bioidversity conservation; and
• membership, including affiliates.

(b) The consultative Wildlife Forum operates within the scope of the ToR developed and accepted on 12 June 2008. As mentioned in response to question (a) the ToR provided for other interested and affected representatives or industries that could contribute to the objectives of the forum to apply to participate in the forum.

(c) The Department of Environmetal Affairs has embarked on the process of re-positioning the Wildlife Forum to, in future, serve as a structured interdepartmental/industry platform with a mandate to specifically direct the implementation of the projects flowing from the Biodiversity Economy Lab, as well as future identified projects relevant to the wildlife industry, based on the Biodiversity Economy orientation.

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Reply:

There was no need to establish a Committee of Inquiry to investigate the feasibility of a domestic trade in rhino horns, because the Department commissioned a feasibility study in 2011 to determine the viability of legalising the trade in rhino horn within South Africa, as agreed at the Rhino Summit, hosted in October 2010, by the then Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs. The feasibility study was concluded in 2013 and released in 2014. This report recommended a number of measures to be implemented, including, but not limited to, the following:

.The development and maintenance of a secure, national electronic system to monitor rhino related permits and a database for rhino horn stockpiles;

1. Audits of rhino horn stockpiles;
2. Deployment of sniffer dogs at ports of entry and exit to assist officials in detecting wildlife products;
3. Training of officials at ports of entry and exit in methods of detecting wildlife being smuggled, as well as the relevant legislation to assist them with arrests and seizures;
4. The enhancement of enforcement capacity, including the deployment of Environmental Management Inspectors at OR Tambo; and
5. The development of a mechanism/system to control or regulate legal trade in South Africa to be in terms of national legislation.

      6. This report is available on the following Department’s website:

https://www.environment.gov.za/sites/default/files/docs/rhinohorntrade_southafrica_legalisingreport.pdf.

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Reply:

(1) Yes.

(2) The summary report has been published on the Department’s website. The following link can be used to access the report:

https://www.environment.gov.za/sites/default/files/reports/summaryreport_committeeofinquiry.pdf.

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Reply:

As part of Government’s sustainable development agenda, the Department of Environmental Affairs is facilitating a programme of expansion and management effectiveness of the protected areas estate. This programme focuses on inter alia, consolidating conservation priority areas, looking at economies of scale, and minimising duplication and overlaps in conservation management. The National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act makes provision for SANParks to manage all existing national parks and any other kind of protected area as assigned by the Minister. From time to time, opportunities exist for land consolidation through contractual agreements with neighbouring land owners and land managers, with clear guidelines for incorporation of conservation land. The KNP is one such case in which the feasibility of land consolidation is being explored at the technical level prior to any potential stakeholder engagement. As such, no official decision has yet been taken for consolidation pending the outcome of the feasibility process.

(a) and (b)

SANParks is not the current management authority of the 3 Nature Reserves; and as such, provision of the required information of annual management reports can be provided by the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET).

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Reply:

The South African National Parks (SANParks) has several policies and standard operating procedures in place with respect to the donation and selling of wildlife. Of primary importance is SANParks’ Policy on Wildlife Management as well as SANParks’ Policy on Resource Use which provides the contextual framework for the management of wildlife within national parks, including the donation and selling thereof. SANParks’ Policy on the Sale of White Rhino and SANParks’ Policy on Donation of Wildlife and Wildlife Products provide more details for the donation and sale of white rhino and other wildlife species from national parks. Further to donation and sale of wildlife, several SANParks’ Standard Operating Procedures are in place to guide the implementation of these policies.

Provincial Conservation Authorities have established their own game donation, loan policies and/or protocols that they are implementing.

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Reply:

A total of R67 617.677 was raised through the sale of the elephant ivory stockpile in 2008. R7 774.745 was transferred to KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, Mpumalanga and North West provinces, as income from their ivory which was part of the sale. The South African National Parks have, thus far, spent a total of R48 963.210 on 21 different projects. These projects focused on aspects of elephant conservation and protection, elephant management, community conservation matters, and elephant related research and monitoring, as is stipulated in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora conditions of the ivory sale.

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Reply:

The biodiversity mandate of the Minister of Environmental Affairs, as far as it relates to the conservation, protection and sustainable use of wildlife species, whether in the wild or in captivity, is vested mainly in the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) (NEMBA), which currently does not include any enabling provision relating to welfare.

The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (AFF) has a mandate to address welfare in respect of any animal, whether it is a wild animal or a domestic animal, in terms of the Animals Protection Act, 1962 (Act No. 71 of 1962) (APA) and the Performing Animals Protection Act, 1935 (Act No. 24 of 1935) (PAPA).

(a) and (b)

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheires (DAFF) is in the process of reviewing the welfare legislation, and has further also developed measures for the breeding and keeping of lion in captivity. The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has been participating in the afore-mentioned processes, and will continue to do so during the formal public participation processes.

(c) and (d)

Since the mandate to regulate welfare matters currently rests with the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheires, that Minister would be in a better position to provide details on collaboration with other departments on initiatives, legislation and measures to address welfare matters. The Departments do interact with each other on matters of mutual interests.

i) (aa) The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheires would be in a better position to provide details on welfare initiatives.

(bb) I have proposed the inclusion of a provision in NEMBA, relating to the well-being of faunal biological resources. This provision would facilitate the development of regulations that would address the well-being of a wild animal in respect of which a restricted activity (such as keeping, breeding, conveying, etc.) is carried out. This proposed provision has been included in the National Environmental Management Laws Amendment Bill (NEMLA Bill), which will be tabled in Parliament in April/May 2017.

(cc) The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheires would be in a better position to provide details on any other relevant measures to address the welfare of captive wild animals in South Africa.

ii) The NEMLA Bill was approved by Cabinet in March 2017 and will be tabled in Parliament in April 2017.

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