Environmental Affairs B

2015-07-07

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Reply received: June 2015

QUESTION NO. 1906 {NW2127E}

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 15 of 2015

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 22 May 2015

Mr T Z Hadebe (DA) to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs:

(a) Who are the current chief financial officers of (i) her Department and (ii) the entities reporting to her; and (b) what is the qualification of each chief financial officer?

1906. THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA)

(i) Ms E S Makau

Masters of Business Administration (De Montfort University - United Kingdom),
B.Com (University of the North)

iSimangaliso

(a) (ii) Ms EP Castis

(b)

Masters in Management (Wits Business School)
B.Com Economics Honours (Wits)
B.Com (Wits)

South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)

(ii) Ms Lorato Sithole

Bachelor of Commerce (University of Cape Town)
Honours Degree in Accounting Science (University of South Africa)
Board Exam Part I and II (South African Institute of Charted Accounts)

South African National Parks (SANParks)

(ii) Mr Rajesh Mahabeer

Master of Commerce Degree (Leadership Studies) (MCom)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Certificate Internal Auditor (CIA)
Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA)
Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

South African Weather Service (SAWS)

(ii) Ms Marilize Hogendoorn

2. Bcompt (Hon) and Certificate in Theoretical Accounting (CTA)

Reply received: June 2015

QUESTION NO. 1871 {NW2092E}

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 15 of 2015

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 22 May 2015

Mr T Z Hadebe (DA) to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs:

Since 1 January 2015, has her Department installed generators at any of (a) its offices or (b) the offices of the entities reporting to her as a result of load shedding; if so, what is the total cost of the (i) installation and (ii) running of these generators?

1871. THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA)

Not applicable
Not applicable

iSimangaliso

Not applicable
Not applicable

South African National Parks (SANParks)

Not applicable
Not applicable

South African Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)

Not applicable
Not applicable

South African Weather Service (SAWS)

(b) Yes, the South African Weather Service has installed two diesel backup power generators since January 2015.

(i) 1. Head Office - Pretoria: - R645 240.00

2. Polokwane radar site: - R292 110.00

(ii) 1. Head Office – Pretoria: - R260.00 per hour for fuel, R12 000 per annum for maintenance to be incurred after 12 months when supplier guarantee elapses

2. Polokwane radar site: - R98.00 per hour for fuel; and R12 000 per annum for maintenance to be incurred after 12 months when supplier guarantee elapses.

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO. 1720

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 14 of 2015 {NW1938E}

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 15 May 2015

Ms D Carter (Cope) to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether her department will use current scientific and economic research to persuade the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) to grant the Government a two-year period to flood the Eastern market with government-collected rhino horns to (a) dampen the demand, (b) understand the nature of the trade and (c) expand media interest there so that the Government will have time to devise a comprehensive system for the protection of rhinos, especially in the Kruger National Park, to be put in place to prevent the unabated increase in the slaughter of rhinos that are taking place there; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether the Government will approach the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union to support the objective of saving our rhinos in the strongest way possible and with the strongest possible censure possible? NW1938E

1720. THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

(1) (a) – (c) The Government has not made a decision relating to the possibility of international trade in rhino horn (or potential models/mechanisms) for such a trade. The Committee of Inquiry I appointed is tasked to consider the feasibility of a proposal for the legalisation of a trade in rhino horn at the 17th Conference of Parties (CoP17) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

(2) Various United Nations structures have already adopted Resolutions relating to the illegal wildlife trade and activities associated with the illegal wildlife trade and these assist South Africa in terms of its efforts to conserve and protect rhino as well as other wildlife resources. Listed below are key resolutions/declarations that are relevant:

The United Nations Environmental Assembly of the United Nations Environment Programme adopted a Resolution on Illegal trade in wildlife (Resolution 1/3) at its first session on 27 June 2014. In terms of this Resolution, the United Nations Environmental Assembly calls upon the United Nations General Assembly to consider the issue of illegal wildlife trade at its 69th session;
in April 2015, the 13th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice discussed the Doha Declaration on integrating crime prevention and criminal justice into the wider United Nations agenda to address social and economic challenges and to promote the rule of law at the national and international levels, and public participation. Section 9(e) of the declaration reads as follows:

“9. We endeavor to ensure that the benefits of economic, social and techonological advancements become a positive force to enhance our efforts in preventing and countering new and emerging forms of crime. We recognize our responsibility to adequately respond to emerging and evolving threats posed by such crimes. Therefore we strive:

(e) To adopt effective measures to prevent and counter the serious problem of crimes that have an impact on the environment, such as trafficking in wildlife, including flora and fauna as protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, timber and timber products and hazardous waste, as well as poaching, by strengthening legislation, international cooperation, capacity building, criminal justice responses and law enforcement efforts aimed at, inter alia, dealing with transnational organized crime, corruption and money-laundering linked to such crimes”;

the United Nations General Assembly has adopted Resolution 68/193, emphasizing that coordinated action is critical to eliminate corruption and disrupt the illicit networks that drive and enable trafficking in wildlife, timber and timber products, harvested in contravention of national laws; and
the representatives of Governments and Regional Economic Integration Organisations that attended the Kasane Conference on the Illegal Wildlife Trade in Botswana, in March 2015, recognised the detrimental economic, security, social, and environmental implications of the illegal trade in wildlife, made political commitments and called upon the international community to act together to bring this to an end; and furthermore called upon the United Nations General Assembly to address effectively the issue of the illegal wildlife trade at its 69th session.

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO. 1668 {NW1885E}

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 13 of 2015

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 8 May 2015

Mr T Z Hadebe (DA) to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs:

Can she provide details concerning the total number of (a) day visitors and (b) overnight visitors in the Kruger National Park for each month (i) in the (aa) 2012-13 and (bb) 2013-14 financial years and (ii) from 1 April 2015 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) (a) what is the total number of (i) visitors entering each gate (aa) from Southern African Developing Communities (SADC) countries and (bb) other countries, and (ii) overnight visitors in each rest camp, including private and bush camps, and (b) what is the revenue generated from (i) conservation fees and (ii) accommodation fees, including community levy?

1668. THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

(a) and (b) (i) (aa), and (bb) (ii)

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK VISITOR FIGURES
	2012-2013		2013-2014		2014-2015		2015-2016
	Day Visitors	Overnight Guests	Day Visitors	Overnight Guests	Day Visitors	Overnight Guests	Day Visitors	Overnight Guests
April	88,358	34,982	69,111	34,135	102,080	36,435	108,284	35,093
May	65,698	25,241	73,775	31,318	89,118	28,181
June	76,676	28,835	98,470	36,988	91,152	32,033
July	107,841	35,605	113,066	40,568	136,771	38,066
August	110,228	38,882	118,365	44,335	125,707	39,414
September	102,935	38,026	124,310	42,107	131,315	33,346
October	90,039	39,216	84,333	45,954	123,110	38,789
November	67,836	36,433	77,400	37,285	92,297	28,210
December	130,298	42,258	141,336	38,992	148,138	36,118
January	69,763	26,905	82,428	25,853	87,761	23,773
February	47,217	24,054	62,409	25,551	65,059	20,676
March	80,691	42,464	78,514	30,313	84,889	27,355
Sub-Total	1,037,580	412,901	1,123,517	433,399	1,277,397	382,396	108,284	35,093
Total	1,450,481		1,556,916		1,659,793		143,377

(a) (i) (aa) (bb) (ii), and (b) (i) (ii)

Entries Per Gate (2014-2015)

KNP Gates	SADC	Other International
Crocodile Bridge Gate	4,762	42,060
Giriyondo Border Gate	2,587	707
Kruger Gate	905	46,004
Malelane Gate	2,797	46,847
Mjejane Gate	53	1,923
Numbi Gate	6,689	60,022
Orpen Gate	389	50,761
Pafuri Gate	176	2,846
Phabeni Gate	1,275	76,920
Phalaborwa Gate	1,803	25,966
Punda Maria Gate	10,378	2,497
Skukuza Airport	123	1,596

Guest Nights Per Camp (2014-2015):

CAMP	2014-2015 GUEST NIGHTS	CAMP	2014-2015 GUEST NIGHTS
BALULE	15,195	BATELEUR	5,281
BERG-EN-DAL	134,407	BIYAMITI	16,693
BOULDERS	1,635	CROCODILE BRIDGE	35,952
LETABA	121,153	LOWER SABIE	113,186
MALELANE	12,129	MARULA	16,747
MOPANI	62,062	OLIFANTS	64,985
ORPEN	11,130	PRETORIUSKOP	108,182
PUNDA MARIA	39,544	ROODEWAL	2,697
SABLE DAM	1,206	SATARA	202,891
SHIMUWINI	12,627	SHINGWEDZI	63,608
SIRHENI	9,630	SKUKUZA	238,888
TALAMATI	16,495	TAMBOTI	28,855
TSENDZE	18,403	TOTAL	1,353,581

KNP Revenues (2013-2014, VAT exclusive):

Conservation Fees: R107.041-million

Accommodation: R321.484-million

Community Fund: R3.723-million

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO. 1667 {NW1884E}

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 13 of 2015

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 8 May 2015

Mr T Z Hadebe (DA) to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether, with reference to the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park established in 2002 and which forms part of the Peace Park Initiative, she could provide relevant details on the (a) current status of the roll-out of the integration of the parks in (i) Zimbabwe and (ii) Mozambique, (b)(i) extent and (ii) status of removing boundaries between South Africa and (aa) Zimbabwe and (bb) Mozambique and (c) challenges experienced as a result of the boundary removal process in each instance;

(2) what is the anticipated completion date of the entire integration process; and

(3) what total cost has been incurred in the integration process by the Government and other state entities to date?

1667. THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

(a) (i) The physical integration (bridge over Limpopo River and border post) between Kruger National park (South Africa) and Gonarezhou National Park (Zimbabwe) has not been finalised, however, the location which is intended to create a linkage between Kruger National park and Gonarezhou National Park has been identified and agreed to by stakeholders of the two Countries.

(ii) The physical integration between Kruger National Park in South Africa and Limpopo National Park in Mozambique has been achieved through the establishment of Giriyondo Tourists Access Facility (border post) which facilitate movement of tourists between Kruger National Park in South Africa and Limpopo National park in Mozambique.

The programmatic integration: Like other TFCAs, the GLTP provide a platform for coordinating conservation across boundaries. The joint governance structures have been established as provided for by the Treaty that establishes GLTP. These structures provide appropriate environment for parties to the treaty to discharge their duties effectively. The governance structures in GLTP are functional and meet on regular basis. They include Joint Ministerial Committee, Joint Management Board and Joint Park Management Committees which focus on park level collaboration and implementation. Further, a number of joint management tools have been developed and implemented. They include the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Joint Cross Border Operations Protocol among others. Whereas the purpose of the IDP is to guide management of Transfrontier Park as integrated unit, the Joint Cross Border Protocol provide basis for joint operations between country components. Joint operations need to be strengthened for purposes of combating poaching.

(b) (i) 43km of the fence between Kruger National Park and Limpopo National Park has been dropped; and

(ii) (aa) no fence has been dropped between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

(bb) 43km of the fence between Kruger National Park and Limpopo National Park has been dropped.

(2) The completion period for integration process, which involves construction of infrastructure such as the bridge and border post linking Kruger and Gonarezhou National Parks, is dependent on the availability of funds. In the meantime, the three countries are engaging the Security Clusters with a view to promote cross border trails such as hiking, kayaking and cycling activities as part of the integration process which does not require huge investments.

South Africa invested R40 Million in the construction of the Giriyondo Tourist Access Facility. The investment included the installation of Information Technology (IT) equipment.

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO.1666 {NW1883E}

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 13 of 2015

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 08 May 2015

Mr T Z Hadebe (DA) to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether, with reference to the Kruger National Park, she could provide the most recent available figures for the population of (a) sable antelope, (b) roan antelope, (c) blue duiker, (d) red duiker, (e) wild dogs and (f) hippopotamus;

(2) (a) how effective has the conservation and breeding programmes for (i) roan antelope and (ii) wild-dogs proven to be and (b) what (i) challenges and (ii) successes have been experienced in this regard;

(3) whether significant poaching of any animals other than rhinos is taking place; if so, (a) which animals and (b) what are the relevant details of anti-poaching efforts in this regard;

(4) (a) when was the last culling of the elephant population at the Kruger National Park and (b) what are the relevant details of other elephant population control measures?

1666. THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

(a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f)

Species Estimate Comments

Sable 340-600 Free roaming animals and based on adaptive sampling survey

Roan Antelope 90 Free roaming animals and based on adaptive sampling survey

Blue Duiker - Does not occur in Kruger National Park

Red Duiker - Marginal habitat in Kruger. Mainly incidental observations.

Wild Dog 140-160 Estimates from photographic mark-recapture survey

Hippopotamus 5100 Estimate from different river surveys in different years.

(2) (a) (i) Breeding of roan antelope in camps have been successful with annual increases of roan being recorded in both Capricorn and Nwaswishumbe roan camps. Removals have taken place regularly from Nwaswishumbe camp to Capricorn camp.

Free roaming roan antelope are confined to parts of Kruger, with 2 to 3 known herds. They are not actively managed, and their numbers have remained more or less level for the last few years.

(ii) Wild-dogs are not counted annually in the Kruger National Park. Their numbers are determined every 5 years using a photographic survey technique.

(b) (i) and (ii)

Roan releases have had various success rates from our two breeding camps (Nwaswishumbe and Capricorn). More recent releases have been more successful, with animals released in Kruger and Limpopo National Park (NP).

Wild-dog numbers naturally fluctuate widely and are influenced by many variables. Natural immigration is also limited due to fewer dogs still present in the surrounding areas.

(3) (a) and (b)

There has been a dramatic decline in the poaching of animals other than rhino. There are, however, a few sections situated along the park boundary in close proximity with neighbouring communities where relatively low levels of poaching of smaller animal species such as Impala, Steenbuck and Warthog occur. There are also occasionally poaching incidents involving some of the larger species such as Kudu and Buffalo.

The rather intensified counter poaching interventions currently in place in the Kruger National Park are also having a positive impact in addressing and reducing this type of poaching activity.

(4) (a) 1994

(b) Details of elephant population control measures are captured in the approved Elephant Management Plan for Kruger National Park for 2013-2022 and available on http://www.sanparks.org/assets/docs/parks_kruger/elephants/knp-elephant-management-plan.pdf

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO. 1654 {NW1871E}

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 13 of 2015

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 8 May 2015

Ms J Steenkamp (DA) to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs:

(1) Whether her department has received any complaints with regard to the air quality in the (a) Olifantsfontein, (b) Clayville, (c) Tswelopele and (d) Midstream areas of Gauteng; if so, (i) how many complaints and (ii) what action was taken in each regard;

(2) (a) when last was the air quality in the specified areas tested and (b) what were the results of each of these tests;

(3) what (a) are the names of the (i) businesses and/or (ii) organisations found to be polluting the air and (b) action has been taken against them;

(4) (a) how many (i) businesses and/or (ii) organisations in the (aa) Olifantsfontein, (bb) Clayville, (cc) Tswelopele and (dd) Midstream areas have applied for (aaa) exemptions and (bbb) postponements from requirements in the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, Act 39 of 2004 and (b) what are their names?

1654. THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

(1) (a), (b), (c),

The Department of Environmental Affairs has not received any complaints regarding air quality in the areas mentioned above.

(d) (i) and (d) (ii)

During the past 12 months, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) received five (5) complaints relating to fugitive dust and odour. All of these complaints were investigated and addressed by the municipality. The facilities involved were issued with notices and in some instances were required to apply for Atmospheric Emission Licenses (AEL).

(2) (a) The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality currently operates a mobile ambient air quality monitoring station which has been in operation in the area since 2012;

The station has measured particulate matter levels for PM10 that are above the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). Sulphur dioxide (SO2) levels occasionally exceed the NAAQS mainly due to the large volume of heavy duty trucks that operate in the area. The rest of the pollutants measured at the station (oxides of nitrogen, benzene and ozone) are below the NAAQS

(3) (a) (i), (ii); and (b)

As indicated above, a number of facilities were issued with notices and instructed to apply for AELs during the investigations into complaints received by the municipality (detailed information could not be obtained from the municipality before submission of the responses).

In addition to the administrative action taken by the municipality, the DEA issued a compliance notice in 2010 to company by the name of ThermoPower. The facility took correction action as a result of the compliance notice and the municipality has indicated that the facility is currently in compliance with its AEL conditions

(4) (a) (i), (ii) (aa), (bb), (cc) and (dd) (aaa) and (bbb)

No applications for postponement were received from businesses and/or organisations operating in the areas mentioned above.

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO. 1619 {NW1836E}

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 13 of 2015

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 8 May 2015

Ms T Stander (DA) to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs:

What are the (a) details and (b) scope of the tender for the appointment of a service provider to develop and implement a comprehensive national and international communication campaign, with a specific focus on sustainable utilisation of biodiversity, the fight against wildlife trafficking and providing public relations services to her department in preparation for the 17th Conference of Parties (CoP) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to be held in 2016;

(2) why does her department consider it necessary to make this appointment;

(3) what budget has been allocated for this tender;

(4) has the tender been awarded; if not, when will the tender be awarded; if so, to whom was it awarded?

1619. THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

(a) and (b)

The details and scope of the tender is contained in Tender E1297, published in the Government Tender Bulletin on 30 January 2015. The details related to the tender can be accessed on the Department of Environmental Affairs website: https://www.environment.gov.za/procurement/tenders;

(2) Specialist skills are required to develop a comprehensive communication strategy and campaign to assist the department in terms of preparation for the 17th Conference of Parties (CoP) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), with a specific focus on:

sustainable utilisation of biodiversity;
the fight against wildlife trafficking; and
the legacy programme of the Department of Environmental Affairs.

The campaign will assist the Department of Environmental Affairs to communicate proactively, regularly and on a sustained basis with national, regional and international stakeholders relating to the importance of biodiversity, South Africa’s conservation successes and the principles it is based on, the impact of illegal wildlife trade, including the impact on specific species (example, rhino), communities and livelihoods.

Targeted messages will be developed for specific target audiences and the impact of this will be monitored. The key areas to be covered in terms of the communication strategy are (as contained in tender document E1297):

Achievements of South Africa in conserving its wildlife;
Actions/interventions implemented by South Africa to address both illegal killing and illegal trade in wildlife;
The economic, social and environmental impacts of illicit trafficking and wildlife crime;
The promotion and encouragement of community pride in conserving wildlife heritage;
The promotion of the opportunities presented by South Africa’s biodiversity economy and the department’s legacy programme;
Public awareness about the real cost of illegal wildlife trafficking;

Reply received: May 2015

QUESTION NO. 1571 {NW1783E}

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 11 of 2015

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 24 April 2015

Ms T Stander (DA) to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs:

(1) With reference to her reply to question 1067 on 8 April 2015, what is her reasoning for not wanting to release these statistics on a weekly basis; and

(2) has the report on how the Government is performing in the implementation of the Integrated Approach in the fight against rhino poaching been finalised; if not, when does she expect it to be completed; if so, when will it be tabled in the National Assembly?

1571. THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:

It is my view that we should communicate the release of the statistics as and when necessary in accordance with the Department’s work areas and schedules. At this stage it is envisaged the statistics will be released simultaneously with the report on anti poaching measures, in order to allow the Department time to focus on the actual implementation of actions aimed at curbing rhino poaching.

A report on the implementation of the strategic approach to rhino management was provided to the Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs in March 2015, and an updated report will also be provided to the selected committee as soon as the date has been agreed upon.

2015-07-07

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