Environment Quarterly - EzemVelo Ngenyanga Ntathu Mbango wa kotara Mupo nga Kotara
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April – June 2018: Beating plastic pollution and encouraging solutions for a healthy ocean
E uarterly
nvironment
Q
EzemVelo Ngenyanga Ntathu Mbango wa kotara Mupo nga Kotara
www.environment.gov.za : Environment Quarterly i
ii Environment Quarterly : April – June 2018
Content ARTICLES IN ENVIRONMENT QUARTERLY THIS ISSUE : April – June 2018
Cover story
3
4 SA remains committed to minimise plastic
pollution
Features
3 DEA Events
8 SA donates six black rhinos to Chad
10
12
DEA takes plastic pollution awareness to Durban
First visuals of the Cape Canyon seabed
9
13 Government & private sector unlock R110 million
joint investment to launch game reserve
14 SA hosts Interpol pollution crime meeting
16 Minister Molewa launches Weather Radar Project
18 How to stay safe when using pesticides
26 EnviroCareer Focus: Offshore Ecologist
27 Illegal abalone worth over R1 million seized at
airport
18 22
28 iSimangaliso Sodwana Bay Festival shining the
light on communities and conservation
30 SA hosts a successful 4th BRICS Ministerial
meeting
32 SA home to large populations of Albatrosses
34 CSIR launches a bio-refinery facility worth
R37, 5 million 25
35 13087 Young people enrolled for skills
development
36 Reflecting on 20 years of EIA in South Africa
37 DEA celebrates International Biodiversity Day
38 Joint wildlife crime initiative shows promise
Regulars
20 Pull out poster: Easy Guide to Recycling 36
22 Leadership profile: Mr Sonnyboy Bapela: Chief
Director for Compliance
23 Research: SA’s Research team on Gough Island
39 All rise in Court: Disa River wetland to be restored
40 Vox pops: What are your Green New Year’s
Resolutions?
www.environment.gov.za : Environment Quarterly 1
Guest Editorial: Minister Molewa
Let us join hands to eradicate plastic pollution
The Department is in consultation with every citizen to take responsibility for
the cosmetics industry in this regard. keeping their communities clean.
These will be aligned with The Phakisa waste economy, led by DEA
recommendations of a plastic and COGTA, has the potential to address
inequality, poverty alleviation and create
material flow Study undertaken by the
jobs. In this regard, the Department
Department. In line with resolutions manages a number of programmes
taken at the UN General Assembly aimed at waste minimization through
(UNGA) and UN Environmental Assembly the 4Rs; recovery, reduce, reuse, and
(UNEA), the Study showed that only 21% recycling.
of plastic waste is recycled. The Study One such programme, in line with
recommends among other issues, that the objectives of the National Waste
plastics must be collected and removed Management Strategy (NWMS), is
at source. the Recycling Enterprise Support
Programme (RESP).Through this, we
The Departments of Environmental
provide developmental funding for
Affairs (DEA) and Trade and Industry (DTI) projects in the form of start-up grants.
as well as the DTI agencies, the South These projects are either start-up or pre-
African Bureau of Standards (SABS) and existing enterprises and include Buy-Back
Dear Valued Stakeholder,
the National Regulator for Compulsory Centres, Material Recovery Facilities,
E
Specifications (NRCS) as well as National Construction & Demolishing solutions as
Treasury will shortly be reviewing the well as plastic palletisation plants.
radicating plastics pollution begins implementation and impact of our
with small, individual consumer country’s plastic bag policies. RESP has been allocated a budget of
actions such as avoiding single- R194 million over a three-year period
use plastic products; and with Plastic pollution is particularly insidious and has already made a material
because once plastics enter into the impact to the lives of 12 black owned
recycling existing plastic products
environment, they do not biodegrade, and managed enterprises.
wherever possible. but simply break down into smaller
pieces over time. This has a detrimental Furthermore, the Department is currently
As the international community marks
effect on our environment, more so conducting a third periodic review
World Environment Day (WED). This of the National Waste Management
once this pollution enters our oceans
year’s WED theme: Beating Plastic Strategy (NWMS). The review will take
and endangers marine life and fragile
Pollution, urges governments, industries, into consideration our country’s
marine ecosystems.
communities and individuals to come commitment to waste minimisation;
together and explore sustainable The South African government remains the further development of the Circular
alternatives and urgently reduce the committed to implementing the Economy; and overall consider the
production and excessive use of single- recommendations of the plastic material capacity or resource implications for the
flow study. The upcoming launch of implementation of waste management
use plastic products.
the #THUMAMINA/green/good/deeds; functions.
South Africa is committed to minimising for a clean and beautiful South Africa
Our Constitution undertakes all South
plastic pollution and we are looking at campaign, is response to the Presidential
Africans the right to an environment that
introducing a raft of measures to curb THUMA-MINA Initiative.
is not harmful to their health or wellbeing.
plastic pollution. One such measure is This campaign aims to change attitudes Let us join hands in the drive to reduce
phasing out the use of micro-beads in and behaviour towards Waste and not just plastic pollution but all forms of
the production of cosmetics. environment in general and mobilize pollution.
Meet our team
Head of Communications Cover Design Contributors Nomvuyo Mlotshwa
Albi Modise Brian Chapole Dr Alan Boyd Reyhana Mahomed
Eleanor Momberg Tshego Letshwiti
Editor-in-Chief Cover Image
Lavinia Mahlangu-Engelbrecht Gaopalelwe Moroane
Floid Chauke Photography
Garth Barnes
Debbie Cooper Itumeleng Motsepe
Editor Design & Layout
Katlego Manaka Floid Chauke
Zibuse Ndlovu
Brian Chapole Lindy Duffield iSimangaliso
Funeka Simelane Kagiso Letsebe
Editorial Team Lize Redelinghuis
Media Club South Africa
Erica Mathye Itumeleng Motsepe Madimetja Mogotlane
Millicent Makoala
Salome Tsoka Sibusisiwe Nxumalo Mohammad Talip
Paul Sigutya
Veronica Mahlaba
Find more information on: www.environment.gov.za or call 086 111 2468
2 Environment Quarterly : April – June 2018
DEA Events
Unveiling of the environmentally friendly
Biomass Boiler
Flanked by the Executive Vice-President of Unilever SA, Mr Luc-Olivier
Marquet, and the Sourcing Unit Director, Mr Phahle Phalane, is the
Environmental Affairs Deputy Minister, Ms Barbara Thomson and KZN MEC
for Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs, Mr Sihle
Zikalala during the unveiling of the environmentally friendly Biomass Boiler
at Unilever SA’s Maydon Wharf factory in Durban, on 05 June 2018.
Image by Zibuse Ndlovu
The Ecological Infrastructure for Water Security
Project launch
The launch of the Ecological Infrastructure for Water Security Project was attended
by Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr Gugile Nkwinti; Department of Environmental
Affairs’ Deputy Director General: Biodiversity and Conservation, Mr Shonosani
Munzhedzi and Chairperson of the Board at South African National Biodiversity Institute
(SANBI), Ms. Nana Magomola who are seen here ready to hand over Spekboom
plants to learners from Westpark Primary Schoolto signify the value of plants in making
our land, air and water cleaner. The launch occurred at Development Bank of
Southern Africa (DBSA) in Midrand, on 31 May 2018.
Image by Veronica Mahlaba
DEA and UNIDO roadshows to encourage the implementation of the
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP
The Department of Environmental Affairs in collaboration with
the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO)
has embarked on roadshows to engage stakeholders about
the implementation of the Hydrochlorofluorocarbons Phase-
out Management Plan (HPMP) and Montreal Protocol for South
Africa. Above are stakeholders that attended the Durban session
on 14 June 2018. HPMP sets out a pathway for phasing-out and
subsequent elimination of the hydrofluorocarbons in the various
usage types in the foam and refrigeration and air-conditioning
sector respectively
Image by Veronica Mahlaba
Deputy Minister’s
National Imbizo
The Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs, Ms
Barbara Thomson hosted a National Imbizo and
also handed over school uniforms to indigent
learners from 12 different schools as part of
Youth Month celebration in Pietermaritzburg on
18 June 2018.
Image by Veronica Mahlaba
3 Environment Quarterly : January – March 2017
www.environment.gov.za : Environment Quarterly 3
SA remains committed to
minimise plastic pollution
By Zibuse Ndlovu
Images by Veronica Mahlaba and Paul Sigutya
Above: Marine pollution is one of the biggest challenges and it threatens Above: The Minister emphasised that the waste sector remained
fragile ecosystems. South Africa has a number of measures in place to tackle the most important emerging contributor to the generation of
this problem. jobs in the green economy.
I
n line with resolutions taken at The Department is also consulting and above 58% the amount of
the UN General Assembly and with the cosmetics industry to waste diverted from landfill,” said
UN Environmental Assembly phase out the use of micro beads Environmental Affairs Minister, Dr Edna
respectively, this year the in cosmetics. Together with the Molewa during the tabling of the
Department of Environmental Affairs Department of Trade and Industry Department’s 2018/19 Budget Vote,
(DEA) has conducted a Plastic (DTI) and its agencies SABS, NRCS in Parliament, on 16 May 2018.
Material Study in collaboration and National Treasury, the DEA will
In response to the Presidential THUMA-
with industry, the South African also be reviewing the impact of the
MINA initiative, the Department will
Bureau of Standards (SABS), the implementation of the plastic bag
be launching the Keep South Africa
National Regulator for Compulsory policies.
Clean campaign; to mobilize every
Specifications (NRCS), the National “We will continue to work with the citizen to become environmentally
Treasury and the Department of packaging sector (paper, glass, conscious. “We want to see a
Health. plastic and metal) to increase over South Africa free of litter and illegal
About the contributor: Zibuse Ndlovu
Zibuse Ndlovu is the Assistant Director: Editorial Services at the Department of Environmental Affairs, within the
Communications Chief Directorate.
Above Waste economy has the potential to address inequality, Above: Minister Molewa donated wild animals to the Double Drift Wildlife
poverty alleviation and create jobs. Economy Project on 07 March 2018 in the Eastern Cape. The project
emphasizes the need for transformation of the biodiversity economy sector.
dumping. The main purpose of this which threatens both freshwater and R 194 million over a three-year
campaign is to change attitudes marine ecosystems.” period. We are currently reviewing
and behaviour towards waste - and for the third time, the National Waste
Government’s approach to circular
enable people to take responsibility Management Strategy (NWMS).
economy is to decouple material
for keeping their communities clean.” It will take into consideration our
and resource efficiency from
commitments to waste minimisation,
The National Pollution Laboratory economic growth while dealing the further development of the
(NPL) operated by the Walter Sisulu with wasteful patterns of production Circular Economy and consider the
University (WSU) has been established and consumption. “The Recycling capacity or resource implications
and laboratory work will soon be Enterprise Support Programme (RESP) for the implementation of waste
commencing. This will allow for has already made a material impact management functions.”
in depth analysis of the samples to the lives of 12 black owned and
that could not be done in the field managed enterprises,” said Minister “In this sector we are working to
(mobile laboratory). Molewa. formalise the waste pickers. We
are also advancing our efforts to
In addition, South Africa is amongst “The primary objective of implement a Circular Economy
the countries to have endorsed the this programme is to provide approach, which sees the
UN Environmental Programme’s developmental funding for projects decoupling of material and the
Clean Seas Campaign. The in the form of start-up grants. These development of resource efficiency
campaign is aimed at stepping up projects are either start-up or pre- from economic growth, while dealing
international, regional and national existing enterprises establishing Buy- with wasteful patterns of production
efforts to combat marine litter. “In Back Centres, Material Recovery and consumption,” she said.
implementing this campaign; I Facilities, Construction & Demolishing
would like to announce the piloting With regards to chemicals, Cabinet
solutions and plastic palletisation
of the Department’s Source to Sea has recommended to Parliament
plants in line with the Operation
Initiative. It is an ambitious new that South Africa ratify the Minamata
Phakisa initiatives.
strategy to investigate, combat Convention on Mercury and the
pollution in particular plastic pollution This has been allocated a budget Kigali Amendment to the Montreal
“In response to the deal with the impacts of drought, identified 2 000 000 hectares of land
flooding and other extreme weather suitable for biodiversity economy
Presidential THUMA- events on crops and food supplies, activities, and updated our National
MINA initiative, the infrastructure and livelihoods. Biodiversity Economy Strategy to
include specific, measurable and
During the SONA in February, President
Department will Ramaphosa highlighted a number
achievable targets.
be launching the of actions and commitments to
The National Environmental
create jobs and address the plight
Keep South Africa of youth. The Department continues
Management: Biodiversity Act
(NEMBA) has also been amended
Clean campaign; to create work opportunities through
to specifically address the Bio
the number of environmental
to mobilize every programmes being rolled-out.
prospecting and Bio Trade Sectors.
citizen to become Amongst the highlights achieved in
In the past year 292 permanent jobs
the past financial year include:
environmentally have been created in the Bio trade
• The creation of 71 948 work and Bio prospecting sector, and 989
conscious” opportunities and 28 243 Full in wildlife economy pilot projects
Time Equivalents (FTEs) created such as Balepye, Double Drift and
Protocol on the Protection of the with more than 60% of these Mfolozi Big Five.
Ozone Layer. The Kigali amendment participants being young people
will have co-benefits for mitigating and women. Our plans for the 2018/2019 financial
climate change and also ozone- • 140 wetlands have been year include increasing the supply
depletion. It is worth noting that rehabilitated as part of the of indigenous species by adding
we met our targets to reduce our Working for Water effort to at least 500 hectares of land to be
consumption of HCFC’s by 20% in achieve the goal of land cultivated with high value species.
the 2017/18 financial year. degradation neutrality in South
Africa. This will be complemented by
Job creation Initiatives • Placing 56 660 hectares of ongoing implementation of a game
land under rehabilitation and/or donation and custodianship policy
Delivering her address during the restoration framework.
DEA’s Budget Vote in the National • Providing initial treatment to 171
Assembly Deputy Minister, Ms Barbara 198 hectares of land invaded The South African National Parks
Thomson said that conservation by invasive alien plants and (SANParks) remains the jewel in our
of the environment should play undertaking follow-up treatment conservation crown; continuing to
an important role in improving the on 601 944 hectares of land. attract record numbers of visitors.
lives of all South Africans. “Without A total of 77 340 people visited
the sustainable use of our rich and The department works with the various parks for free during
abundant natural resources, we will all provinces, municipalities, SANParks week in the last financial
decimate our environment – an Community Based Organizations, year. The number of participants
act that will be to the detriment of Traditional Authorities and public in our Environmental Education
humankind,” said Ms Thomson. entities to implement environmental Programmes last financial year was
programmes. 208 495.
The government has prioritised Biodiversity Economy Looking to the year ahead, SANParks
attracting investment into the has initiated a 5-year new Revenue
South African economy. From an South Africa has a multi-faceted Generation Framework. It identifies
environmental perspective, it is approach to the management of projects to be initiated, ranging from
the Department of Environmental its rich natural heritage; one that new infrastructure plans and new PPP
Affairs’ mandate to facilitate an focuses on an inclusive, value-chain arrangements to improving tourism
economic growth path that is approach to the development of products.
equitable, inclusive, sustainable and the biodiversity economy.
environmentally sound. “Without the The Richtersveld Park Management
sustainable use of the country’s rich Our communities are the primary Plan has been completed, while
and abundant natural resources, we custodians of our country’s the Kruger Park Management Plan is
will decimate the environment – an biodiversity. Strategic investments undergoing a final review process.
act that will be to the detriment of will ultimately enhance our domestic In support of the transformation of
humankind,” said Ms Thompson. industrialization processes as we the wildlife sector, five buffalos were
To address the negative impacts produce final high value products for donated to the Matsila Community
of climate change, particularly the the global market. Trust in May 2017 and 65 different
increase extreme weather conditions types of plain game were donated
in the country, the Department In line with the President’ investment to the Komani San Community
has introduced a number of drive, we will be launching the Property Association late last year.
measures to ensure that all people Biodiversity Economy Investment A technical site inspection has also
– children, women, the elderly and Catalogue, that profiles investment been done for a game donation
poor communities – are able to ready biodiversity economy projects. to the Motlhabatse Community
Over the past year we have also Property Association.
6 Environment Quarterly : April – June 2018
June is Environment Month
Be part of the worldwide movement to clean up the planet
DESIGNED BY DEA COMMS
Call centre: +27 86 111 2468 or
Website:
Visit our www.environment.gov.za
Website: www.environment.gov.za
Beat Plastic Pollution
If you can’t reuse it, refuse it!
SA donates six
black rhinos to Chad
By Veronica Mahlaba and Madimetja Mogotlane
T
he Minister of Environmental After travelling a long distance,
Affairs, Dr Edna Molewa and the
“In years to come, the six black rhino arrived safely
Ambassador of the Republic the peoples of our in Chad from the Addo Elephant
of Chad to South Africa, His National Park under the watchful
Excellency, Mr Sagour Youssouf
two countries will look eyes of the SANParks and African
Mahamat Itno witnessed the loading back on this occasion Parks Foundation veterinarians who
of six black rhino from the Addo that marks the return made sure that their welfare is well-
Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape managed. Their arrival on 04 May
to Chad on 03 May 2018. of the black rhino to 2018 in Zakouma National Park
Minister Molewa said the day was a Chad for the first time culminated with wild celebration
amongst the Chad people that
great leap forward for conservation in 46 years as having have last witnessed the existence of
on the African continent, and heralds
a glorious new era of cooperation been a fundamental the endangered species in the early
1970s.
between our two countries. “In building block of
years to come, the peoples of our Chad was historically home to at
two countries will look back on this Africa’s Renaissance. least two rhinoceros species. The
occasion that marks the return of northern white rhinoceros and the
the black rhino to Chad for the first western black rhinoceros lived in
time in 46 years as having been In October 2017, the Minister Zakouma up to 1972 when the rhino
a fundamental building block of Molewa and the former Minister became locally extinct because
Africa’s Renaissance. It has been a of Environment and Fisheries of of poaching. The MOU on the re-
long journey, and one that certainly the Republic of Chad, Dr Ahmat introduction of black rhino in Chad
hasn’t been without its challenges,” Mbodou Mahamat, signed a seeks to re-establish a rhinoceros
said the Minister. Memorandum of Understanding in population in Chad as part of
the field of Biodiversity Conservation the broader biodiversity initiatives
The translocation of black rhino was and Management in Pretoria. between South Africa and Chad.
achieved through a collaboration
between the Department of The Ministers had also signed a The extinction of rhinos in Zakouma
memorandum that allows for the
Environmental Affairs (DEA), the was the results of the onslaught that
translocation of six black rhino from
government of Chad, South African ravaged the country in the 1970s,
South Africa to Chad as part of an
National Parks (SANParks) and the however the hopeful story about
initiative to reintroduce rhino to the
African Parks Foundation. their revival was achieved when the
African country.
About the contributors: Veronica Mahlaba and Madimetja Mogotlane
Veronica Mahlaba is the Senior Communication Officer: Editorial Services at the national Department of Environmental Affairs. Ms
Mahlaba has experience as a Lecturer in the Media Studies Department at a private college. She has worked as writer for a metropolitan
municipality and she is a keen photographer.
Madimetja Mogotlane is a Senior Communications Officer, Internal Communications and Events in the Chief Directorate: Communications
at the Department of Environmental Affairs.Above: Minister Molewa and CEO of SANParks, Mr Fundisile Mketeni being Above: One of the rhino that was translocated from Addo Elephant
interviewed by the media at the loading of rhinos at Addo Elephant National Park is kept in a boma to acclimatise to wildlife conditions
National Park, Eastern Cape. in Chad.
park was transformed into a secure I would like to also tell you that socio-economic development for
and flourishing park after African the reintroduction of rhinos would our country,” said the Ambassador.
Parks Foundation, in partnership with not have been achieved with the
Security issues were of great
the government of Chad, assumed reintroduction only, but it also needs
concern during the talks of having
management in 2010. follow up and security for the country.
the rhino translocated to Chad. The
So I would like you to work with the
Current Chad Minister of Ambassador explained that the park
government in order to ensure the
Environment, Water and Fisheries, Mr has a huge team of rangers now.
safety and the developments of our
Siddick Abdelkarim Haggar lauded “For security purposes the rangers
rhinos,” he said.
the reintroduction of rhinos as a have been trained very well and we
great step towards the conservation Also speaking on this auspicious have aerial surveillance measures
collaboration between Chad and occasion, the Ambassador of Chad prepared to secure the animals.
South Africa, and also pleaded with to South Africa, His Excellency, Mr We want to make sure that there is
the Chadians to take care of the rare Sagour Youssouf Mahamat Itno no poaching and we want to have
species in their country. expressed that it had been the two these animals for a long time for
governments that decided to protect benefit of people of Chad.”
“Despite the corporations between
South Africa and Chad, we the biodiversity of Chad. “The signing Upon arriving in Chad, the rhinos
are intensifying the relationship of the custodianship agreement were each kept in separate bomas
between the two countries that was in 2013 by former President Jacob in the national park to acclimatise to
realised by the reintroduction of Zuma and President Idris Deby to the wildlife conditions in Chad, and
the rhinos in the country. This is the translocate and reintroduce black were later released after two weeks
fruitful development and progress rhinoceros to Chad will bring about to roam freely around the park.
regarding the conservation policy.
Above: SANParks staff member trying calmly get the rhino to enter into the Above: The rhino container was loaded on the plane to Chad.
container for travelling purposes at the Addo Elephant National Park.
www.environment.gov.za
www.environment.gov.za :: Environment
Environment Quarterly
Quarterly 99DEA takes plastic pollution
awareness to Durban By Gaopalelwe Moroane and Tshego Letshwiti
Image by Floid
By Debbie Chauke
Cooper
Above: The Department of Environmental Affairs’ flagship vessel, the SA Agulhas II.
A
s part of this year’s World Molewa; adding: “Plastic products Members of the public who
Oceans Day celebrations, the end up polluting our environment participated in the World Oceans
Department of Environmental and oceans, endangering marine Day celebrations were given the
Affairs (DEA) held exhibitions life and threatening human health. opportunity to sign a pledge which
at the Durban Harbour and aboard As consumers, we need to take steps to do their bit to stop Plastic pollution
the DEAs research vessel, the SA at home, in the workplace, and in our in order to keep the oceans healthy
Agulhas II from 08- 09 June 2018. everyday lives to limit the amount of for current and future generations.
plastic we use and how we dispose
The event this year was observed Also as part of the celebrations, the
of it.”
under the theme: Preventing plastic DEA took school learners from Durban
pollution and encouraging solutions Oceans make up 80% of the earth’s and students from KZN Maritime
for a healthy ocean. Research surface, and are the planet’s life schools on exhibition tours to teach
conducted in 2015 found that support system. With an estimated them about the many opportunities
between 90 000 and 250 000 300 million tonnes of plastics and wonders of the oceans. These
tonnes of litter enters South Africa’s entering the world’s oceans every exhibitions by our partners were
oceans every year, the Department year, there is an urgent need to made up of displays by amongst
of Environmental Affairs is using the tackle and eradicate the problem. others, Wild Oceans South Africa,
occasion of World Oceans Day to Litter harms marine life in a number AMSOL, eThekwini Municipality, SKA
draw attention to the issue of marine of ways. Physical harm is caused and the Kwa-Zulu Natal Sharks Board.
pollution. when animals become entangled
Over 2000 people were hosted
in plastic or discarded fishing lines,
“It is important to remember that aboard the vessel on 08-09 June
or the rubbish could be mistaken for
we need to tackle the problem 2018 and were given the opportunity
food and eaten leading to death. to explore the ship and the
of marine litter at source,” says Dr
About the contributors: Gaopalelwe Moroane and Tshego Letshwiti
Gaopalelwe is an Assistant Director: Internal and External Communications in the Chief Directorate: Communications of the Department of
Environmental Affairs. She joined the department in 2012 as an intern after completing her studies at Rhodes University
Ms Tshego Letshwiti is an Assistant Director within the Internal and External Communications Sub-Directorate at the Department of
Environmental Affairs, in Cape Town. She joined the Department in February 2014 after working in print and broadcast Media. She holds a
BA Honours Degree in Journalism from the University of Johannesburg.
10 Environment Quarterly : April – June 2018Above: Over 2000 people were hosted aboard the vessel on 08-09 June 2018 and Above: Members of the public sign their pledge to do their bit
were given the opportunity to explore the ship and the Department’s work in the to stop plastic pollution.
oceans and coastal environment.
Department’s work in the oceans Also as part of the tour, members Quick facts about the
and coastal environment. of the public were guided through
the scientific labs on board. SA Agulhas II
The SA Agulhas II is a state of the
Guided by our dedicated scientists
art South African owned polar • She was built in 2012 and II was
and technicians, members of
research and supply vessel which designed to be an ice-breaking
the public saw how the different
was a first of its kind acquired by scientific research vessel and to
tools and instruments on boarded
the Department in 2012. supply South African research
operate. Some of the tools on
Visitors from different communities display include the Ski-monkey stations in the Antarctic and to
in and around Durban enjoyed which is a deep sea camera Marion and Gough Islands.
guided tours of the vessel, from its system which allows to get video/ • She was built by STX Finland in
state of the art laboratories to the pictures footage of the sea floor Rauma, Finland, to replace the
lounge area which is dedicated and the Conductivity Temperature aging SA Agulhas, which was retired
to the very popular bridge where Depth (CTD) which is used to from South African National Antarctic
navigation of the vessel takes measure salinity, temperature Programme (SANAP) duty.
place. oxygen, and depth of the water
column. • The SA Agulhas II is dedicated to
the late songstress Miriam Makeba
and has a lounge aboard the vessel
named after her.
• The vessel has a length of 134
metres and weighs over 12,000 tons.
It can it can accommodate 100
passengers.
• Every year, she travels to Marion,
Gough Islands and Antartica with a
host of researchers from DEA and
various institutions to do research
on sea surface temperature,
oxygen and carbon measurements
which are key in enhancing our
Above: DEA’s Science Manager Mthuthuzeli Gulekana, demonstrates how the Conductivity understanding of global climate
Temperature Depth (CTD) functions. It is used to measure salinity, temperature oxygen, and change.
depth of the water column.
Above: The Ski-monkey is a deep sea camera system which Above: One of the areas visitors get to see during the SA Agulhas II Open is the
allows one to get videos/pictures footage of the sea floor. Bridge, where navigation of the vessel takes place.
Laurenne Snyders a Scientific technician from DEA elaborates on
its functions.
www.environment.gov.za : Environment Quarterly 11First visuals of Cape
Canyon seabed By Gaopalelwe Moroane
Above: Images showing the diverse habitats and associated benthic communities observed within the different functional units of the Cape Canyon.
T
he Department of Environmental The Cape Canyon is situated along ecological hotspot that host fragile
Affairs (DEA)) Oceans and Coastal the South-Eastern Atlantic, where habitat-forming species, known to
Research scientists conducted the head cuts the continental shelf be vulnerable and instrumental in the
the final phase of the three-year off St Helena Bay and the feature life history of commercial resources.
multi-institutional scientific program continues to extend offshore to 3000
m. The broad project objective was to
on the Cape Canyon on 5-29 March
2018. The Cape Canyon is situated collect basic physical, chemical,
The west coast not only includes biological and oceanographic data
along the Southern Benguela on the the Cape Canyon, but the region is
West Coast of South Africa. The DEA that will enable the understanding
also home to Langebaan Lagoon
led collaborative research project Robben and Dassen Island. The of the environment of the canyon
was conducted in partnership with cruise covered an area of over 100 and assess the spatial distribution of
the South African Earth Observation x 300 km2 where information on benthic species within and around
Network (SAEON), South African the biodiversity, oceanography and this geo-physical feature.
National Biodiversity (SANBI), Council geology was collected throughout
of GeoScience, Nelson Mandela the operational area. “Submarine canyons fall within the
University (NMU), and was the first category of threatened benthic
The Cape Canyon is one of two habitats and are furthermore are
known multi-disciplinary study on the
submarine canyons off the west classified as Vulnerable Marine
Cape Canyon. coast of South Africa, and displays Ecosystems,” said Chief Researcher,
The overarching aim of this interesting pelagic and benthic Ms Zoleka Filander. “They also function
expedition was to document and features. The area is documented as tunnels that transport organic-rich
explore some of the uncharted to be important for pelagic fish, sediment to offshore areas and are
areas of largest known submarine foraging marine mammals and documented to host high levels of
several threatened seabird species.
canyon off the South African west biodiversity. We therefore thought it
The canyon, the surrounding mud
coast- the Cape Canyon. To this important to study this area in order
belts, and the rocky shelf edge are
end the team returned with the first habitats of limited extent and are to improve the knowledge-base of
visuals of the rocky habitats of Cape considered Critically Endangered. South African canyons, which will
Canyon seafloor, and in doing so ultimately assist with protecting and
advance the knowledge of deep- The findings from the cruise confirm conserving the crucial ecological
sea research in the country. that the Cape Canyon is an services the feature provides”.
Above: Leg 1 participants of the third Cape Canyon science Above: Ski-monkey camera system used by the biodiversity team to
expedition. conduct a camera tow to gather in-situ footage of the seabed and
organisms on the seabed along to Cape Canyon.
12 Environment Quarterly : April – June 2018Government & private sector unlock R110 million
joint investment to launch game reserve
By Zibuse Ndlovu
Above: Mkhambathini Local Municipality Deputy Mayor, Cllr Lindiwe Lembethe, Environmental Affairs Deputy Minister, Ms Barbara Thomson, Mr
Welcome Maphanga, Chairperson of Mayibuye Community Trust, and Chief Sikhosiphi Mdluli.
E
nvironmental Affairs Deputy The project was funded and game, and all the services and
Minister, Ms Barbara Thomson, implemented through the goods required to support this value
handed over the Mayibuye Department of Environmental Affairs’ chain. The key drivers of this value
Game Reserve (MGR) Wildlife Extended Public Works Programme chain include domestic hunters,
Economy project worth R10 million (EPWP), with an aim to guide the international hunters and a growing
in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal on sustainable growth and provide a retail market demand for wildlife
12 April 2018. basis for addressing constraints to products,” said Deputy Minister.
the growth of environmental sectors.
The project has unlocked R110
million private investment for the The Mayibuye Game Reserve is
“The beneficiary communities will located in the Umkhambathini
development of the eco-estate, have a 51% shareholding in the
with a total of 76 job opportunities Local Municipality area. The local
company that is rolling out this community, the Ximba people, were
created, and 15 Field Rangers exciting new development that will
having been trained and employed awarded a land restitution claim in
be a game changer for land reform terms of a settlement agreement in
through the project. in our country,” said Ms Thomson. April 2007.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister The Deputy Minister further explained
said Mayibuye Game Reserve Ms Tholi Ndwandwe is one of the
that this will be done through
was a success story in the making benefiaries of the project, she said
creating opportunities, ensuring
that will fundamentally transform she was overjoyed with the launch.
a conducive environment for
the rural economic landscape in “This is a confirmation that as
business to operate, developing and
the area. “It is a consequence of community members we will now
implementing support mechanism
our commitment as government be able to participate in the wildlife
that will see meaningful participation
and relevant stakeholders to work of previously disadvantaged economy,” said Ms Ndwandwe.
together to ensure a thriving, inclusive individuals including communities in
and sustainable wildlife economy for the mainstream economy. Deputy Secretary of the Mayibuye
the well-being of all South Africans. Community Trust, Ms Sibenzile
The biodiversity economy (in this “To give you some perspective of Ndokweni said many lives have been
case the wildlife and bio-prospecting the enormous potential of the South changed through the Mayibuye
sector) has not reached its full African wildlife sector, I have been Project. “Families, widows, and child-
potential in terms of contributing informed that the sector currently headed households are now able
towards livelihoods and the economy employs approximately 100 000 to put food on the table. We are
of the country as it remains largely people across the value chain. The also learning a lot from the trainings
unrecognised, underdeveloped sector’s value chain is centred on on game reserve management
and untransformed. This project is a game and wildlife farming/ranching and wildlife economy provided by
pioneer in leading this sector to its full activities that relate to the stocking, the Department of Environmental
potential,” said Ms Thomson. trading, breeding, and hunting of Affairs,” said Ms Ndokweni.
www.environment.gov.za : Environment Quarterly 13SA hosts
South Interpol
Africa hosts Interpol
pollution crimemeeting
pollution crime meeting By Eleanor Momberg
Above: Delegates from different countries participated in this year’s pollution crime meeting held at KrugerNationalPark to discuss challenges linked
to pollution crime, and opportunities in achieving effective Enforcement against pollution crime.
E
nvironmental crime is no longer crimes (including corporate crimes and find possible solutions. It is
an emerging threat to the global and illegal logging), accounts for comprised of executive level officials
economy, but stands side by approximately 51-152 billion USD. and decision makers from INTERPOL
side with the other categories Illegal fisheries account for an member countries who assist
of crime, says the Deputy Director- estimated 11-24 billion USD, illegal INTERPOL in identifying emerging
General: Legal, Authorisations, mining around 12-48 billion USD and patterns and trends in the field of
Compliance and Enforcement, Mr waste accounts for 10-12 billion USD, environmental crime and in building
Ishaam Abader. per year,” he said. law enforcement responses to
address the identified threats.
The Department of Environmental
Delivering the opening address
Affairs had, from 22 to 24 May 2018, At the 3rd Environmental
at the INTERPOL pollution crime
hosted INTERPOL’s 23rd Pollution Compliance and Enforcement
meeting at Skukuza on 22 May 2018,
Crime Working Group (PCWG) and meeting in Edinburgh in November
Mr Abader told delegates that the
Environmental Compliance and 2017, members took stock of
costs of environmental crime are
Enforcement Committee (ECEC) progress made in the fight against
estimated to be in the region of $250
Advisory Board (AB) meetings at environmental crime; identified
billion annually, which is considerably
Skukuza in the Kruger National Park. further strategies to address key
greater than the amount of money
This was the first time the PCWG had challenges and identified areas to
spent by international agencies in
met in South Africa. harness the critical global support
efforts to combat it.
required to ensure the future security
The PCWG network meets annually and sustainability of the environment.
Some environmental crime
to discuss new and growing global Environmental crime is being
syndicates are among the most
concerns relating to pollution crime, dealt with at the highest levels
profitable criminal organisations
share best practice in dealing with of government across the world,
in the world. The most common
existing and emerging pollution with numerous resolutions and
crimes against the environment
threats, plan joint operations and commitments being made, as part
are connected with the unlawful
also to develop strategies going of the collaborative international
exploitation of wild fauna and flora;
forward. effort.
pollution; waste disposal and its
trade.
The ECEC was established by in Minister of Environmental Affairs,
1992 to identify the various problems Dr Edna Molewa, said during her
“By sector, the amounts are
that arise in connection with budget vote in Parliament on 17
staggering with illegal wildlife trade
environmental crime investigations May 2018 that the Department was
estimated at 7-23 billion USD. Forestry
Eleanor Momberg is a Specialist Writer in the Department of Environmental Affairs. Ms Momberg was a member of
the South African delegation, which attended the CITES 16th Conference of Parties in Bangkok.
14 Environment Quarterly : April – June 2018conducting source apportionment will be country-led and involve in the pollution crime area of work
studies in both the Vaal Triangle environmental and enforcement where these challenges are, in my
Airshed and Highveld Priority Areas agencies worldwide. view, most problematic,” he said
to determine the contributors to air
quality in these areas. The health Among the outcomes recorded Mr Davyth Stewart, Coordinator,
impact study has subsequently been during the 2017 operation were: INTERPOL Environmental Security
completed, and the studies would Criminal Cases uncovered 1.03 Programme said: “If we are going
be utilised in the review of air quality million tons of waste which resulted to address global pollution crime
management plans. in the following: we are going to have to unite law
• 228 violations enforcement at both land and
The Minister said government • 142 illegal shipments sea.” The environment provides a
had agreed on requirements • 86 illegal waste sites foundation for sustainability and
to implement offset projects in • 126 reported individuals environmental crimes are unlike any
• 78 reported companies other, as they have a more profound
partnership with industry with a view
• 413 administrative violations additional cost: namely, the impact
towards resolving evident air pollution
which dealt with 0.52 million tons on the environment and associated
problems in these areas, . of waste cost to future generations.
Mr Abader said one could argue
Marine pollution remains one of the The marine pollution enforcement the economic consequences of
biggest challenges being faced project targeting illegal disposal and environmental crime, but added
today and threatens our fragile trade in waste and illegal discharges this distracted from the more
ecosystems. South Africa has a from vessels is being supported by the fundamental, global problem:
number of measures in place to Norwegian Agency for Development that it impacts the very foundation
tackle this problem. The National Cooperation (NORAD). of sustainability. “Environmental
Pollution Laboratory (NPL) operated crimes are unlike any other as they
by the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) The objective of “30 Days at Sea”, have a more profound additional
has been established and laboratory which is set to take place in June cost: namely, the impact on the
work will soon be commencing. This 2018, is to enhance the cooperation environment and associated cost to
will allow for in-depth analysis of the between law enforcement agencies future generations. The environment
samples that could not be done in through increased capacity by provides a foundation for sustainable
the field (mobile laboratory). targeting criminals and criminal development from its contribution
networks that are committing to health care, food security and
In addition, South Africa is amongst violations likely to cause pollution. economic opportunities. Ecosystems
the countries to have endorsed the Criminal groups involved in pollution provide clean water, air and a
UN Environmental Programme’s offences often base various aspects supply of food which impacts
Clean Seas Campaign. The of their criminal activities in a number physical and mental wellbeing while
campaign is aimed at stepping up of different countries, prioritizing resources from nature also provide
international, regional and national those with weak legal regimes or jobs, contribute to livelihoods, and
efforts to combat marine litter. lacking enforcement capacities. revenue streams for governments,”
They act both domestically and he said.
The Minister also announced the transnationally, on the local, regional
piloting of the Department’s Source and international scales, which Mr Abader said the importance
to Sea Initiative. “It is an ambitious requires an international coordinated of environmental security was
new strategy to investigate, combat enforcement response. understated, with an increase in
pollution in particular plastic pollution transnational crimes that include
which threatens both freshwater The project targets coastal countries hazardous and chemical products,
and marine ecosystems,” said the and will bring together relevant law forest products and illegal animal
Minister. enforcement authorities including trafficking.
the police, port authorities, coast
guards, customs, and marine and “Beyond immediate impacts on
The Pollution Crime Working Group,
environmental agencies. the environment, the illegal trade
together with the Wildlife Crime
Working Group (WCWG); the in natural resources is depriving
In South Africa, the operation will be developing economies of billions
Fisheries (FCWG) and the newly
undertaken under the auspices of of dollars in lost revenues just to
established Forestry Crime Working Initiative 5 of Operation Phakisa which
Group, support the ECEC AB and line the pockets of criminals,” he
focuses specifically on coordinated said. “Sustainable development,
are responsible for the operational and integrated compliance and livelihoods, good governance
and tactical responses within enforcement in the oceans and and the rule of law are all being
INTERPOL in relation to environmental coastal environment. The integrated threatened by the increasing rate of
crime. These working groups focus enforcement teams of Phakisa will expansion of criminal activities.”
specifically on how to tackle crime therefore partner with INTERPOL for
in these areas. the period of this operation and focus Among the matters discussed at the
on combatting marine pollution and Skukuza meeting include an African
The Skukuza meeting concluded targeting priority threats. perspective on addressing pollution
with the launch of “Operation 30 crime, planning for an operation to
Days at Sea”, which is directed at Mr Abader, a member of the ECEC tackle marine pollution, fraud in the
enforcing environmental legislation Advisory Board, said addressing biofuel and carbon emission trade
on particularly industries impacting environmental crime is by no means and the prosecution of pollution-
our oceans. The global operation easy. “This is arguably more evident related crimes.
www.environment.gov.za : Environment Quarterly 15Minister Molewa launches
Weather Radar Project By Veronica Mahlaba
Above: Minister Molewa and North West University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Dan Kgwadi unveiling the plaque for the NWU Lekwena Weather Radar.
I
t was a cheerful occasion when challenges and opportunities,” said toward appropriate planning and
Minister Edna Molewa launched Minister Molewa. adaptation responses. This requires
the North West University (NWU) reliable infrastructure.
Lekwena Weather Radar Project on South Africa is not resistant to climate
22 March 2018 in Potchefstroom. risks such as droughts, floods and “Weather radars therefore provide
other severe weather conditions. agriculture alerts and flood warnings
The research community has They have become more frequent through the monitoring of rainfall
limited access to real-time weather and extreme, as the world’s climate intensity. They are also used regularly
information, which has hindered has changed drastically. Through for recreational planning, and other
the development of solutions the Lekwena Weather Radar, the weather-impacted activities,” she
and research around weather- government will be able to anticipate explained.
based decision support systems. To natural hazards and take decisions to
contribute to this development, the reduce their impact upfront due to To further give an overview of the
NWU with support from the Water early projections. As a result, ordinary radar research, Dr Roelof Burger
Research Commission and the citizens will receive early warnings from NWU stated that through the
National Research Foundation have thus enhancement of safety. infrastructure that was developed
funded the acquisition, installation in the project they are capable of
Other benefits include increasing observing thunderstorms in real time.
and upgrade of the weather radar,
business profitability and tackling “We will generate statistics that can
situated just outside Potchefstroom
the challenges of public health forecast where the storm is moving to
on the Lekwena Wildlife Estate. such as waterborne diseases in the future. We believe that we can
caused by extreme weather be able to get the right information
Minister Molewa said the initiative will conditions and climate variability. to convince relevant people to
indisputably advance the quality of The programme is also directed at change their actions and hopefully
life of many South Africans. “Every day improving productivity, strengthening change the outcome of that day,” Dr
we see communities and businesses national economies, protecting the Burger said.
grappling with environmental environment and providing a more
challenges due to unusual, extreme, secure basis for future planning on Lastly Minister Molewa said that
or changing climate and weather hourly to multi-decade timescales. through a programme like this
conditions. Decision-makers, one, she is hopeful that the people
resource managers, business and Minister Molewa further explained will be better prepared for future
policy leaders, educators, and that one cannot provide appropriate extreme weather events, thus
citizens are increasingly requiring adaptation responses without ensuring a reduction in loss of life
information to help them understand the necessary climate data or and infrastructure, and contributing
information to inform us of what to the country’s progress towards a
and address climate-related
the climate risk is, or to guide us climate-resilient nation.
16 Environment Quarterly : April – June 2018Did you know?
A permit is required to utilise a Category 2 Listed Invasive Reptile Species,
in terms of the NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT BIODIVERSITY ACT, 2004 (ACT NO. 10 OF 2004);
ALIEN AND INVASIVE SPECIES REGULATIONS, 2014 (AS AMENDED)
Soft-shell terrapins (Apalone species)
Oustalets’s chameleon Panther chameleon Tokay gecko
(Furcifer oustaleti) (Furcifer pardalis) (Gekko gecko)
Carpet/diamond Python Burmese python
(Moreila spilota) (Python bivittatus)
Should you need to conduct any restricted activities involving a Category 2
listed invasive species, please apply for a permit.
AISpermits@environment.gov.za
Call centre: +27 86 111 2468 or visit our Website: www.environment.gov.za
environmental affairs
Department:
Environmental Affairs
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
www.environment.gov.za : Environment Quarterly 17How to stay safe
when using pesticides By Mohammad Talip
Above: Pesticides users should always wear protective gear when using Above: Inadequate absorbent materials used at herbicide storage
hazardous chemicals. area. Inadequate labelling. Poor housekeeping.
P
esticides users should always 10% of the NRM budget is spent on began to be used in 2013 when the
wear protective gear when pesticides annually – amounting to non-plant invasives programmes
using hazardous chemicals,” approximately R140m,” said Ms Muir. were started.
advised the Natural Resource
Management: Bio Control: Deputy The pesticides that NRM uses are The herbicides used in NRM are
Director, Ms Debbie Muir. According mostly herbicides, with a smaller mostly class II, III and IV (The
Ms Muir, the Department’s Natural amount of avicides, which is a World Health Organisation (WHO)
Resource Management (NRM) classification are classifications of
programme uses herbicide groups “World Health pesticides according to their hazard
B, G, O and C2. “These groups Organisation’s and risk.). The classes are as follows:
denote what compounds are • WHO group II – moderately
used, herbicides are, by nature,
requirements that hazardous
hazardous. Therefore measures are pesticide application • WHO group III – Slightly hazardous
taken to mitigate risk of poisoning is only to be performed • WHO group IV – unlikely to
by, amongst other means, providing present acute hazard
personal protective equipment (PPE) by trained pesticide
and selecting the least hazardous applicators, is seldom The Hazard Resistance Action
pesticide,” said Ms Muir. Committee (HRAC), which is
adhered to in the a classification of a herbicide
Natural Resource Management
(NRM) is a Chief directorate within
agriculture sector.” according to its active ingredient,
site of action and chemical family,
the Environmental Programmes
classifies their herbicides into groups.
branch. “The use of pesticides within
substance that is used to kill birds.
these programmes is integral to the
These pesticides are used on a The risk mitigating process also
functioning of NRM because the
daily basis to control invasive alien includes a process called Hazard
mandate of the Chief Directorate is
species. The NRM has been using Identification and Risk Assessment
to control Invasive Alien Species (IAS)
herbicides since its inception in 1995 (HIRA) which includes Safe Work
while addressing unemployment. As
whereas avicides and pesticides Procedures that help to address
part of the strategy to control IAS,
About the contributor: Mohammad Talip
Mr Mohammad Talip is appointed as the Deputy Director: Health and Safety within the CD: IMSC. His scope of work
entails the development, management and implementation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Management
systems to mitigate, reduce and manage Occupational OHS risk, within the Branch: Environmental Programmes.
18 Environment Quarterly : April – June 2018Above: Inadequate absorbent materials used at herbicide storage Above: Legally sold pesticides should be in their original container with
area. a label and / or safety information insert on it.
the HIRA. (These tools have been codes found on the labels. The This means that their risk of exposure
developed in partnership with challenge is that these labels, can to health effects associated with the
the University of Cape Town’s be overloaded, complex and too use of pesticides, will increase.
Occupational Health Institute.) “This technical, resulting in users not
risk assessment serves a dual purpose reading the labels. To add to these Recommendations to practitioners:
of not only providing information challenges, labels are not always
pertaining to the successful available in the users’ preferred 1. Only use trained pesticide /
registration, but also providing safety language,” said Ms Muir. herbicide applicators;
information to affected persons 2. All users of pesticides and/or
with respect to the safe handling Trained pesticide applicators herbicides must be trained on
and precautionary measures to be the Department’s Environmental
adhered to when handling these World Health Organisation’s Programmes internal “Herbicide
pesticides,” said Ms Muir. requirements that pesticide Policy and Standards”
application is only to be performed requirements, which focusses on
Based on previous studies by trained pesticide applicators, is the following:
concentrating on safe work seldom adhered to in the agriculture i. health effects on users and
procedures (the use of PPE, reading sector. This could be attributed to a children when exposed;
instructions, not eating, drinking high labour turnover due to seasonal ii. the use of recommended
or smoking during application, work and providing training to new personal protective equipment;
washing hands and washing clothes workers could be costly; and not iii. safe work instructions on
separately) a common trend of always reasonably practical to exposure reduction methods,
unsafe use of pesticides in these implement. This practice, however, not eating, drinking or smoking
countries has been identified. means that untrained users, with little during application, washing
This is associated with the lack of formal education, will not understand hands and washing clothes
knowledge, more found amongst the complex and technical safety data separately;
primary education level. sheets. iv. safe disposal of expired
pesticides;
“In light of this, it is recommended v. safe disposal containers;
that pesticide users, with limited vi. procedures to address
formal education, are adequately accidental spillage.
informed of pesticide risk and 3. Simplify the layout and prioritise
that safe work practices are
Hazard Identification and
implemented to eliminate or reduce
Risk Assessment, with specific
risk. This information should be
relevant to:
communicated by industry in the
I. risk associate with pesticides;
form of comprehensive, structured
II. how pesticides / herbicides can
and simplified safety data sheets,”
enter the body;
advised Ms Muir.
III. body mapping of exposure;
IV. exposure reduction methods
Communicating Safety Information
Users’ knowledge, pertaining to
“Generally in South Africa, legally
sold pesticides should be in their the hazards and risk associated
original container with a label and with pesticide / herbicides use are
/ or safety information insert on it. important for the prevention of acute
Above: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and chronic poisoning.
This information is communicated includes clothing and devices that protect
through hazard and precautionary the body from contact with chemicals such
statements, pictograms and colour as pesticides.
www.environment.gov.za : Environment Quarterly 19You can also read
