ATC241206: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment on an Oversight to Mpumalanga and Gauteng Provinces from 7 to 11 October 2024, Dated, 06 December 2024

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT ON AN OVERSIGHT TO MPUMALANGA AND GAUTENG PROVINCES FROM 7 TO 11 OCTOBER 2024, DATED, 06 DECEMBER 2024

The Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, having conducted an oversight visit to Mpumalanga and Gauteng Provinces, from 7 to 11 October 2024, reports as follows:

INTRODUCTION

The Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, during its meeting on 24 July 2024, resolved to undertake an oversight visit to Mpumalanga and Gauteng as part of a broader mandate from 7 to 11 October 2024, as well as to address critical shortcomings identified in the 2019-2024 Legacy Report. This visit was not only a follow-up on Parliament’s mandate but a crucial step towards ensuring accountability, progress, and sustainable outcomes in key areas of environmental management, community upliftment, and economic transformation.

Significance of the oversight visit on infrastructure investments and stakeholder engagement

In Mpumalanga, the Committee focused on the unresolved issues surrounding wildlife beneficiation in communities neighbouring Kruger National Park. These communities had experienced minimal benefits due to dysfunctional Community Property Associations (CPAs) and challenges in benefit-sharing with South African National Parks (SANParks). Despite previous efforts by Parliament, these issues persisted, impacting community welfare. The oversight visit aimed to assess progress, hold stakeholders accountable and chart a path forward for equitable benefit-sharing. The Committee also evaluated progress on tourism infrastructure development, funded to the tune of R700 million in the 2023/24 financial year, and R1.041 billion in the medium-term. Additionally, the Committee assessed anti-poaching efforts in Kruger National Park, which are crucial for environmental conservation and economic viability. The engagement with Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNRs) explored their role in the wildlife economy, community benefits, and sustainable conservation practices.

In Komati, the Committee examined the implementation of the Just Energy Transition, with a specific focus on the decommissioning of the Komati Power Station. The transition aimed to shift from coal-fired power to renewable energy, addressing concerns about community consultation, socioeconomic impact, and the effective utilization of the allocated US$497 million. The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) released a report that listed shortcomings in the implemented Just Energy Transition, that needed to be addressed to achieve the Just Energy Transition objectives. Parliament needed to engage directly with affected and interested communities and stakeholders to hear firsthand their experiences, concerns, and aspirations. By engaging with stakeholders from the Steve Tshwete and eMalahleni Local Municipalities, Parliament could gain a comprehensive understanding of the local context and the specific needs of the affected communities. Parliament has a responsibility to promote a just transition through open dialogue, oversight and public engagement to ensure a fair and equitable transition that benefits all stakeholders.

The Committee's visit to the Environment House assessed the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) funding model for the green building project. The project, initiated in 2012, aimed to create a sustainable working environment and address office space shortages. The Committee evaluated the project's financial viability, environmental impact, knowledge transfer, and long-term sustainability. Additionally, the Committee visited the South African Weather Services (SAWS) to assess progress in weather, air quality, and meteorological infrastructure upgrades and protection. The R530 million allocated for these upgrades

to improve data quality and reliability.

Visits to the National Zoological Garden and the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens provided insights into state-funded tourist attractions and infrastructure upgrades under the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). The National Zoological Garden underwent significant renovations and maintenance, while the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens expanded its operations. The Committee assessed the impact of these investments on tourism, biodiversity, and environmental education, as well as their long-term sustainability and public value.

Composition of the Delegation

A multiparty delegation of eight Committee Members, supported by various Parliamentary staff, participated in the oversight visit (Table 1). The delegation was further complemented by the presence of Hon. MC Sedibe, the Chairperson of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature's Portfolio Committee on Agricultural, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, during the visit to Kruger National Park (KNP).

Table 1: Committee delegation during the oversight

Members of Parliament	Political Party
Hon Ms R Nalumango – (Leader of the delegation) Hon Ms N Makasi Hon Ms J Q Khumalo	African National Congress
Hon Mr A De Blocq Hon Mr W Peach	Democratic Alliance
Hon Mr S Mkhize Hon Mr A Themba	uMkonto weSizwe Party
Hon Dr L Managa	Economic Freedom Fighters
Hon Dr L Managa	Economic Freedom Fighters
Support Officials
Ms N Njokwana	Stand-in Committee Secretary
Mr D Arendse	Committee Assistant
Ms N Giba	Unit Manager
Mr M Pietersen Mr H Raymond Mr E Leshope	Protection Services

Government officials from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE or the Department), Mpumalanga and Limpopo Commission on Restitution of Land Rights, South African National Parks, Steve Tshwete and eMalahleni Local Municipalities, Eskom, SAWS, and SANBI attended the Committee meetings.

Structure of the report

This report presents an account of a four-day oversight visit conducted by the Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, having conducted an oversight visit to Mpumalanga and Gauteng Provinces, from 7 to 11 October 2024. It documents the delegation’s engagement with presentations made during briefing sessions, engagement with stakeholders from villages adjacent to Kruger National Park, stakeholders affected by the Just Energy Transition at Komati Power Station and observations made during project site visits where the delegation observed infrastructure upgrades.

Following this introduction, the report proceeds as follows:

Section 2 outlines the Terms of Reference;
Section 3 presents a summary of inputs by the DFFE, SANParks, ESKOM and SANBI and observations from the sites the delegation visited;
Section 4 highlights observations of the Committee; and
Section 5 concludes by proposing recommendations to the National Assembly for the attention of the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment.

Terms of Reference

The Committee's oversight activities are rooted in Section 55(2) of the Constitution, which mandates the National Assembly to ensure the accountability of the executive organs of the state and maintain oversight over the exercise of national executive authority and the functioning of state organs. Oversight visits are a crucial tool for the Committee to fulfil this constitutional obligation. By conducting these visits, the Committee can directly assess the performance of government departments and agencies, identify challenges, and ensure that public funds are being used effectively and efficiently. Additionally, oversight visits provide an opportunity for the Committee to engage with stakeholders, including civil society organisations and affected communities, to gain firsthand insights into the impact of government policies and programmes.

Objectives of the oversight visit

The Committee oversight visit sought to:

Get a progress update from the Mpumalanga and Limpopo Commission on Restitution of Land Rights in addressing unresolved Kruger National Park land claims, fair compensation and recognition for affected communities.
Assess progress on cooperation among countries under the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area, progress on park infrastructure development and anti-poaching efforts.
Progress on finalising and implementing the wildlife beneficiation scheme, including resolving the concerns on the scheme proposals advanced by SANParks and communities and benefit-sharing with SANParks.
Engage the Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR) to understand their role in wildlife economy, and benefits for local communities, address human-wildlife conflict, and promote sustainable conservation practices.
To engage directly with affected communities and stakeholders to understand the challenges and opportunities of the Just Energy Transition implemented in Komati Power Station and promote a fair and equitable transition that benefits all stakeholders, particularly those in the Steve Tshwete and eMalahleni Local Municipalities.
Assess the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for the Environment House, focusing on its financial viability, environmental impact, knowledge transfer, and long-term sustainability.
Assess the progress made in upgrading and protecting weather, air quality, and meteorological infrastructure.
Assess the progress made in maintaining and upgrading the infrastructure at the zoological and botanical gardens.

Committee approach and sites selection

The Committee established a comprehensive oversight schedule that included a series of briefing sessions with key stakeholders. These stakeholders included the Department, the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights, SANParks, APNRs, Eskom, SAWS and the SANBI. Furthermore, the Committee engaged with Community Property Associations (CPAs) neighbouring Kruger National Park and communities affected by the decommissioning of the Komati Power Station, as part of South Africa's Just Energy Transition. These engagements provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing these sectors and allowed the Committee to assess the effectiveness of government policies and programmes.

Briefings

Kruger National Park

Overview of the park and its infrastructure plan

The SANParks Board Chairperson, Ms P Yako, and the CEO, Ms H Sello, lead the presentation of SANParks as supported by other Executive Committee Members. The presentations highlighted its significance as South Africa’s flagship national park, encompassing 2 million hectares and forming part of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area. KNP plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation, housing diverse wildlife and rich cultural heritage. Managed by SANParks, it aims to balance ecological integrity, social acceptability, and economic viability. KNP has faced challenges such as ageing infrastructure, competing demands on resources, and the need for sustainable tourism practices. The park’s tourism statistics indicated a strong recovery post-COVID-19, with a focus on maintaining visitor engagement while conserving the environment. KNP is a major economic driver for surrounding communities, providing jobs and revenue through tourism. The park’s biodiversity is supported by its diverse landscapes and significant cultural heritage spanning several historical eras. KNP’s management faces challenges from ageing infrastructure and high visitor demand, necessitating sustainable development practices. The park is part of a transfrontier conservation area, promoting collaboration across borders for wildlife conservation. There is a need for a KNP Conservation Endowment Fund to address funding challenges and ensure long-term conservation efforts.

The presentation outlined the progress made on SANParks’ 5-Year Maintenance and Recapitalisation Plan, highlighting the condition of infrastructure assets, maintenance needs, and upgrades across various parks. With a total of 15 221 assets valued at R16.173 billion, the overall health of these assets was rated as “good,” although a significant maintenance backlog existed. Key projects included upgrading staff accommodation, enhancing tourism infrastructure, and implementing energy and water efficiency measures. The financial analysis indicated a growing shortfall in both operational and recapitalisation budgets, necessitating innovative approaches to funding and resource management. Sustainable energy initiatives were also implemented to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Land claims and biodiversity beneficiation

The presentation by Mr F Beukman, Deputy Land Claims Commissioner from the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights and SANParks outlined the current status of land claims, the development of a Beneficiation Scheme, and the ongoing negotiations between SANParks and land claimants outlines the ongoing land claims associated with Kruger National Park (KNP), detailing the status of 15 claims, 7 of which have been settled through 2016 agreements. It discusses the development of a Beneficiation Scheme aimed at providing shared and specific investment opportunities for claimant communities, addressing contentious issues such as co-management rights. As negotiations progressed, additional demands emerged, including revenue-sharing proposals and community investment rights. The additional demands from the claimants have prompted SANParks to refine the Beneficiation Scheme, aiming to meet community needs while ensuring the park’s financial sustainability. Key contentious issues include the demand for co-management agreements, entrenchment of rights, and developmental rights. The valuation of proposed benefits is extensive, covering various direct and indirect benefits, including profit-sharing from KNP’s revenues. The presentation concludes with a risk assessment of the financial proposals, highlighting the potential impact on KNP’s sustainability.

Mr Amos Mdluli, representing the CPAs, expressed deep concern over the reduction in the claimed land, which significantly impacted the value of the development fund. He emphasised the need for clarity regarding the development fund and called for a review of the land evaluation process. Mr Mdluli asserted that the CPAs represent the interests of the Gomondwane, Mahashi, Mhlanganisweni, Ngirivani Mathebula, Muyexe, Ndindane, Madonsi and Makuleke communities, which have signed settlement agreements. He acknowledged the appointment of a mediator, Retired Judge Museneke, to facilitate negotiations between the communities and state parties. However, he noted that disagreements persist, particularly regarding financial figures, leading to a deadlock which has now resulted in the arbitration process. The ongoing arbitration process created an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear among the CPAs, potentially hindering their ability to fully participate in the meeting. They were concerned that any statements or disclosures made during the meeting could negatively impact their ongoing legal case. The CPAs indicated their readiness to engage further through legal representation, if necessary. They also offered to share the Moseneke report with the Committee for further review and consideration. The CPAs expressed hope that the Committee would take their concerns seriously and work towards a fair and equitable resolution. They emphasised their desire for a sustainable and harmonious relationship with SANParks, based on mutual respect and shared benefits.

Associated Private Nature Reserves

The briefing by Mr D Huysamer, the Chairperson of the Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR), outlined the collective impact of various governance and management initiatives at the APNR. It emphasised the importance of community engagement, biodiversity conservation, and socio-economic management within the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA). The APNR, comprising several local municipalities and traditional authorities, worked together to empower communities and enhance conservation efforts. The presentation detailed commercial activities, including job creation and funding for conservation, while addressing safety and land inclusion policies. The off-take application process for hunting and animal management was described, highlighting the collaborative approach with provincial authorities and compliance with established protocols.

Komati Power Station

The Eskom presentation on the transition to renewable energy of the Komati Power Station was led by Dr V Rajpaul and emphasised the shift from high-carbon energy sources to cleaner ones, such as solar and wind power. The presentation highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of this transition, including job creation and reduced environmental impact. It also discussed the training and development initiatives implemented for the local community, aiming to upskill individuals in renewable energy technologies. The document outlined the various stages of the transition, from decommissioning coal plants to repurposing and repowering them with renewable energy sources. Additionally, it underlined the importance of collaboration between Eskom, the government, communities, and other stakeholders to ensure a successful and just energy transition.

The community expressed concern that the repurposing of the Komati Power Station could be a way to avoid necessary land rehabilitation. They also questioned Eskom's decision to transition to renewable energy, raising doubts about the replacement of high-capacity coal power with potentially lower-capacity renewable energy sources.

The community further highlighted a lack of transparency in the process, as reports commissioned by Eskom were not shared with them. They questioned the rationale behind the closure, suggesting that it was driven by external pressures rather than the end-of-life of the plant or compliance with environmental regulations. The community also raised concerns about job security and economic diversification. While acknowledging the potential for job creation in renewable energy, they expressed doubt about the ability of the sector to absorb all jobs lost in the coal industry. They also questioned the long-term sustainability of new jobs and the potential for social and economic disruption. Moreover, the community raised concerns about the impact of the closure on essential services, such as water, healthcare, and education. They questioned the clarity of the handover process for these services to local authorities. The community emphasised the need for inclusive decision-making and community-driven solutions. They criticised the top-down approach adopted by Eskom, which limited community participation and ownership of the transition process. They called for transparency, access to information, and meaningful engagement with affected communities.

Department

The briefing on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) funding model included the project’s background, including the need for a green building to address office space shortages and create a sustainable working environment. The Environment House project was initiated in 2012 to address the Department of Environmental Affairs' need for office space and to create a sustainable working environment. The project, initiated in 2012, aimed to reflect environmentally friendly values through efficient energy and water use, waste management, and cutting-edge technology. It emphasised the importance of lessons learned, challenges faced during implementation, and the potential for adopting similar models in future government projects.

The Environment House achieved a six-star rating and incorporated advanced energy consumption mechanisms. A comprehensive PPP funding model was established to cover construction and operational costs through unitary payments. The project emphasised sustainability with features like rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and extensive use of photovoltaic panels. Effective contract management and oversight were crucial for ensuring compliance with the PPP agreement and achieving project outcomes. Lessons learned highlighted the importance of needs identification, project management, and skills transfer to ensure smooth implementation.

SAWS

The briefing focused on the infrastructure and upgrades of SAWS, including their RADAR systems, Lightning Detection Network, Automatic Weather Stations, and ambient air quality monitoring. The SAWS is upgrading its technology to enhance weather forecasting and monitoring capabilities, with projects aimed at improving power reliability, security measures, and system performance. The financial overview highlighted a total revenue budget of R681.80 million for 2024/25, with concerns about potential deficits due to decreasing government grants and the need for improved commercial revenue generation.

SANBI

The SANBI presentation highlighted the significant contributions of the National Zoo and Botanical Gardens across South Africa’s eight provinces. SANBI oversees eleven National Botanical Gardens and two Zoological Gardens, with core functions encompassing biodiversity conservation, education, tourism, and scientific research. In the 2023/24 period, over 1.4 million visitors engaged with these gardens, stimulating local economies. Educational initiatives reached over 217,000 individuals, primarily children, fostering environmental awareness. The facilities underwent infrastructure upgrades and maintenance to enhance visitor experiences and conservation efforts. Partnerships were formed to breed endangered species and combat wildlife crime through DNA profiling. Plans include expanding the network of botanical gardens to all provinces. The National Zoological Gardens reported a significant number of visitors, underscoring their role in local economies. Educational programmes successfully engaged many young people, promoting biodiversity awareness. Infrastructure improvements and maintenance efforts aimed to enhance visitor experiences and operational efficiency. Collaborative conservation efforts, including breeding endangered species and utilising DNA profiling, were highlighted as key strategies for protecting biodiversity.

COMMITTEE OBSERVATIONS

The Portfolio Committee, having interacted with the Departments of Forestry, Fisheries and Forestry, South African National Parks, ESKOM and South African National Biodiversity Institute, stakeholders from CPAs adjacent to the Kruger National Park, stakeholders around Komati Power Station, and observations from the sites the delegation visited, visited infrastructure sites, made several observations as follows:

Kruger National Park

The Committee was not happy that the relations between SANParks and the adjacent communities have not improved and lack trust and common understanding.
Lack of meaningful progress since the previous Portfolio Committee interacted with the involved parties during the sixth parliamentary term mainly due to lack of compromises among the involved parties.
The lawyers of the land claimants are likely the drivers of the frustrations of the process, making it drag. The involvement of legal representatives may not be in the best interest of the involved communities. It could potentially delay the finalisation of the beneficiation process and lead to increased legal fees that the CPAs would have to pay from their settlements.
The CPAs were hesitant to fully participate in the meeting, as the ongoing arbitration with SANParks led to concerns that open discussion could negatively impact their case.
The land claimants want a 2.5 % share of the gross revenue while SANParks would prefer a 1 % net profit share as more viable and sustainable for commercial businesses.
SANParks rely on income from Kruger National Park and Table Mountain National Parks to sustain the other non-commercially viable parks, as most of the parks are not profitable.
The Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area continues to make significant socio-economic contributions to local communities, despite funding shortfalls for operations. Each member country is responsible for funding operations within its jurisdiction.
SANParks launched Vision 2040, a strategy that reimagines conservation as a catalyst for social justice, integrating conservation with local economic advancement, and job creation.
The year-on-year reduction in rhino losses observed since 2014 can be attributed largely to the implementation of the Rhino Conservation Plan. However, the increasing prevalence of snaring and poisoning, driven by bushmeat consumption and inadequate sanctions against poachers, remains a significant concern.
Insufficient CCTV surveillance or coverage due to limited funding in parts of the park.
Committee was unable to visit other residential areas in the park.

Komati Power Station

The Committee noted with disappointment that the decommissioning of the Komati Power Station was implemented without consultation, socio-economic impact studies and a clear plan to transition the facility to a renewable energy plant that does not compromise local socio-economic indicators.
The absence of transparency, limited access to information, and inadequate opportunities for meaningful engagement with affected communities are exacerbated by structures that fail to provide platforms for community representation.
There will be limited power generated from renewable energy after the decommissioning of the coal-fired power station. Instead, the power station is transitioning into a skills hub and a pilot site for microgrids and agrivoltaics.
Eskom has completed socio-economic impact studies at 10 power stations (Komati, Grootvlei, Hendrina, Camden, Arnot, Kriel, Matla, Duvha, Tutuka and Kendal) in Mpumalanga that are earmarked for decommissioning and will potentially remove 24.8 GW of their total installed capacity. The future energy supply to replace this lost capacity remains uncertain, with hopes pinned on private sector investment.
High job losses in the coal value chain are more likely than the uncertain permanent jobs from renewable energy installation and generation, and there are no clear mitigation measures.
The decommissioning of the coal-fired power stations will contribute to improved air quality, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and realisation of environmental rights for residents in the highveld region of Mpumalanga province.
There is a lack of clarity on the transfer of assets, facilities and services such as water, roads, healthcare, and education from Eskom to the local municipality since the decommissioning of the power station.
The community representatives and ordinary members were disempowered from participating meaningfully in the meeting because they did not have copies of the presentation made by Eskom.
Communities are not given opportunities to come up with community-driven solutions and projects, instead programmes and projects are imposed on affected communities without consultations.

Environmental House

The Committee commended the state-of-the-art building, which offers renewable energy, water and energy efficiency, and waste management solutions, benefiting both users and the environment.
Originally designed to accommodate just 1 305 personnel, the building now faces capacity challenges due to the Department's growth to over 3 000 staff, a consequence of cabinet restructuring. To alleviate this, certain departmental functions have been housed in other buildings.
The Department has not yet determined how the building will be managed after the July 2039 contract with the private partner is up, including whether it will be extended or transferred to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
The National Treasury provided a capital injection to ensure affordability, value for money, and risk transfer. Some risks were transferred to the private party (e.g., building technical aspects and operational risks), while the Department retained others (e.g., parking, access, and security).
The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system was not working as it should, and the partner is carrying the costs of resolving it.
The current PPP may not be viable for adoption at municipal levels, but viable at the national government level.
To facilitate a smooth contract handover, the Department has invested in building technical capacity to match that of its partners, encompassing technological management and operations for the building.
The building's AAA sustainability rating increases the Department's unitary fees (UF) for operations, soft services, and equity, which are adjusted annually based on the CPI rate.

SAWS

The committee acknowledged the enthusiasm and significant contributions of SAWS officials, who have achieved remarkable results despite constrained financial resources for infrastructure upgrades.
The income from SAWS has recovered to the same levels as pre-COVID, however, it is insufficient to cover infrastructure upgrades.
By gradually replacing manual rainfall stations with automated weather monitoring stations, SAWS can enhance its ability to accurately predict extreme weather conditions and potential disasters.
While SAWS can monitor air quality in different areas where they are managing the air quality monitoring stations, enforcement remains the responsibility of the DFFE.
SAWS tightly controls data sharing to preserve its market advantage, viewing free data distribution as an existential threat.
The partnerships that SAWS is establishing with different industries will enable better coverage of under-serviced areas.

NZG and WSNBG

The Committee commended SANBI for its outstanding contributions and recognised the diverse and dynamic research community, which encompasses a wide range of disciplines. This community plays a crucial role in supporting vital areas such as conservation efforts, law enforcement operations, research and development initiatives, educational programmes, and many more.
Zoos are becoming crucial sanctuaries, breeding endangered species to bolster wild populations.
Training programmes delivered by SANBI are designed to empower traditional healers by teaching them sustainable cultivation practices for their medicinal plants. The goal is to transform the garden into a hub for preserving and sharing traditional and indigenous knowledge.
The thousands of captive-bred lions in South Africa require careful management decisions, including potential rewilding and genetic studies. However, SANBI lacks the resources to manage any additional captive-bred lions.
Land reform initiatives hinder SANBI's expansion plans as some communities opt for financial compensation or the restoration of land for personal use, such as gardening, rather than conservation efforts.
Education and awareness programmes need to be improved to reach more schools in districts where SANBI does not have gardens.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, having interacted with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment; further having visited projects and interacted with beneficiaries; and given the observations discussed above, the Committee makes the following recommendations to the National Assembly:

For the Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

At the end of the arbitration process, the Portfolio Committee will invite the CPAs separately from SANParks to better understand the status of affairs and proposed solutions.
The Portfolio Committee to organise a briefing meeting for SANParks to present Vision 2040 and how it will address transformation, expansion of the Protected areas, and beneficiation.
The Committee to register its disappointment about the absence of the Minister or Deputy Minister at Kruger National Park.
The Committee should formally request that Steve Tshwete Local Municipality provide a comprehensive list of services that Eskom has discontinued for more than ten years.
The Committee should get an update on whether Eskom and the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality have resolved the confusion on transferred assets and their management plans.

For the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights

There should be a transparent process that will review the size reduction of the originally claimed land and devise an equitable and fair compensation.

For SANParks

SANParks must submit in writing the following to the Portfolio Committee by 22 October 2024:

The Moseneke Report that the community representatives kept referring to.
The analysis report (SWOT) preceded the development of the tourism infrastructure as some have low occupancy rates.
The breakdown of beneficiation benefits that were rejected by the communities.
The Condition Assessment Report of the infrastructure.
The detailed statistical report on recruitment, specifying whether they are locals, qualification criteria, skills and investment.

For Eskom

Eskom should prioritise regular in-person community engagement with affected communities, providing clear and transparent information on all aspects of the transition process. This includes sharing reports, studies, and timelines for plans.
Eskom should send the presentation made to the Portfolio Committee to all the stakeholders that were present in the meeting.
Eskom should submit to the Committee a verified list of individuals who have undergone training, specifying their localities and nationalities by 22 October 2024.
The Steve Tshwete Local Municipality and Eskom should exchange a comprehensive and verified list of services, assets and land portions transferred to the municipality to ensure clarity and avoid potential disputes.

For DFFE

Skills transfer relating to the management of the Environmental House between the DFFE and the private partner should be finalized during the term of the current PPP contract.

For SAWS

SAWS should have a clear programme to strengthen partnerships with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and traditional leaders to extend their public awareness reach.
Explore external funding options such as the Global Environmental Facility to cover some infrastructure upgrades.
SAWS should continue prioritising the security and relocation of their infrastructure to ensure consistent service delivery.

For SANBI

SANBI should partner with other conservation bodies to ensure an increase in awareness in schools in other provinces or areas where there are no zoos or botanical gardens. There should be a plan and resource allocation to achieve the plan.
Speed up the process of changing the entrance to the zoo to enhance visitor experience and ease accessing the zoological garden.
Upgrade ageing infrastructure and prioritise facility upkeep to enhance visitor satisfaction and online reviews.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, its Entities and Eskom should respond to the recommendations within three months of the adoption by the National Assembly, unless otherwise specified in this report.

Report to be considered.

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