Minister drives Thuma Mina call for a cleaner SA
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Sowetan Friday June 29 2018
News 1
Minister drives Thuma
Mina call for a cleaner SA
Molewa urges South Africans to heed Africa free of litter and illegal
dumping. The main purpose
other issues, that plastic must
be collected and removed at
However, the department
will continue to work with the
President’s call in environment sector of this campaign is to change
attitudes and behaviour to-
source.
The DEA, the Department
packaging sector – paper, glass,
plastic and metal – to increase
wards waste, and enable peo- of Trade and Industry and its over and above 58% the amount
ple to take responsibility for agencies, the South African of waste diverted from land-
keeping their communities Bureau of Standards, the Na- fills.
clean,” said Molewa. tional Regulator for Compul- “This has a detrimental ef-
Marking this year’s interna- sory Specifications and the fect on our environment, more
tional World Environment National Treasury will be re- so once this pollution enters
Day themed “Beating Plastic viewing the implementation our oceans and endangers ma-
Pollution”, governments, in- of the country’s plastic bag rine life and fragile marine
dustries, communities and cit- policies. ecosystems,” said the minister.
izens are urged to unite in ex-
ploring sustainable alterna-
tives to speedily reduce the
production and excessive use
of single-use plastic products.
Her call comes after the de-
partment’s budget vote speech
last month, where minimising
plastic pollution was priori-
tised.
Out of a range of measures
to curb plastic pollution, the
department was in consulta-
tion with the cosmetics indus-
try as part of an attempt to
phase out the use of micro-
beads in the production of cos-
metics.
“Plastic pollution is particu-
larly insidious because once
plastics enter the environ-
ment, they do not biodegrade,
they simply break down into
smaller pieces over time,” the
minister said.
Minister of Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa participates The DEA is looking to intro-
in a clean-up operation as part of a campaign to encourage duce a range of measures to
all South Africans to do their part to combat plastic pollution, curb plastic pollution.
including sustainable recycling options. These will be aligned with
recommendations of a plastic
material flow study undertak-
Minister of the Department Responding to the Presiden- en by the department. The
Environmental Affairs (DEA) tial Thuma-Mina initiative, study, in line with the resolu-
Edna Molewa encouraged the department will be tions taken at the UN General
South Africans to exercise launching the Keep South Assembly (Unga) and the UN
small consumer actions such Africa Clean campaign to mo- Environmental Assembly
as avoiding single-use plastic bilise each citizen to become (Unea), showed that only 21%
goods to assist in eradicating environmentally conscious. of plastic waste is recycled.
plastic pollution in the country. “We want to see a South It recommended among
2 News ENVIRONMENT: WORLD OCEANS DAY – POLLUTION Friday June 29 2018 Sowetan
Thuma Mina –
Green Deeds
Projects support impact to the lives of 12 black-
owned management enter-
the environment prises.
“President Ramaphosa has
By Sandra Luiz through the Thuma Mina Ini-
tiative, affirmed the need for
To mark World Environment us to take charge of our own
Day earlier this month, Minis- destinies as citizens; and I en-
ter of Environmental Affairs courage all sectors of society to
Edna Molewa announced the join hands with us to keep SA Workers from The Coast Project contribute by removing
launch of the Thuma Mina – Circular Economy in Action: clean,” said Molewa. litter, including harmful plastic, from our beaches as they try
Green Goods Deeds, in re- Environmental Affairs In response to the Presiden- to cover the entire coastline. / T S H E G O L E T S H W I T I
sponse to the Presidential Director-General Nosipho tial Thuma-Mina initiative,
Thuma-Mina initiative. Ngcaba led recent the public the department will also be
The campaign aims at
changing attitudes and be-
hearings on the Waste Tyre
Management Plans, which
launching the Keep South
Africa Clean campaign, to mo-
Focus on tackling
haviour towards waste and en-
vironment in general and to
are part of government’s
response to bringing
bilise citizens to become envi-
ronmentally conscious.
plastic pollution
unify all citizens to take re- industries on board with Meanwhile, the country had
sponsibility for keeping their managing the waste which adopted the entire month of SA launches anti- • Communities do not have
communities clean. they create, while ensuring June to heighten awareness of the facilities or means to dis-
Molewa said the Phakisa sustainable jobs are created environmental issues since it litter campaigns pose of waste. Communities
waste economy, which is led marked the World Environ- need to be taught that wealth
by her department and the De- ment Day, which is commem- By Sandra Luiz can be earned from waste. It
partment of Cooperative Gov- plants. orated annually on June 5 (??). is important to educate com-
ernance and Traditional Af- The RESP programme was World Oceans Day and the Marine pollution is now con- munities living near rivers.
fairs, has potential to address allocated a budget of R194 mil- World Day to Combat Deserti- sidered to be in the same • 56% of SA’s waste is mis-
poverty alleviation, inequality lion over a three-year period fication are also celebrated in league as some of the world’s managed.
and create jobs. and has now made a material the same month. most pressing environmental • Roughly, only 20% of used
The department manages challenges such as climate plastics in SA are recycled.
several programmes aimed at change. Over 300million tons Municipalities and commu-
waste minimisation through of plastic litters the oceans, nities must commit to im-
the 4 Rs – recovery, reduce, with an average of 8million prove the recycling rate.
reuse and recycling. tons added each year. Plastic recycling:
The Recycling Enterprise This year’s World Oceans * Working for the Coast
Support Programme (RESP) Day focuses on plastic pollu- Project removes litter and
was one such programme that tion, in particular, marine plastic from SA’s beaches.
was in line with the objectives pollution, which is also the 2. The annual Internation-
of the national waste manage- biggest challenge in South al Coastal Clean-up raises
ment strategy. Through the Africa as over 80% of all ma- public awareness and en-
programme, the department rine litter is composed of courages litter collection
provides developmental fund- plastic. 3. Carefully sort your
ing for projects in the form of According to a 2015 inter- waste as only 21% of plastic
start-up grants. These projects national research, SA’s waste is recycled.
are either start-up or pre-exist- oceans have between 90 000 4. The Cosmetics, Toi-
ing enterprises which include and 250 000 tons of litter letries and Fragrance Asso-
buy-back centres, material re- each year, which harms ma- ciation of SA will voluntary
covery facilities, construction rine life. phase out plastic microbeads
and demolishing solutions as Challenges in plastic litter: found in cosmetics.
well as plastic palletisation
Deputy Minister welcomes Unilever’s en pallets, waste wood and off-
cuts from local manufacturers.
In a South African study of de-
sustainable packaging commitment bris sampled along the country’s
coastline, plastic items were
found to be comprising 99% of
coastal litter, the minister ex-
plained. The Durban harbour,
which was buzzing with colour-
ful crabs and creatures, was in
2017 found with not a single crab
in the section of mangroves.
“The reason? The biologically
rich environment has been
smothered by a thick layer of
plastic and other litter. Further-
more, recent studies by biology
students at the University of
KwaZulu-Natal found that sev-
Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs Barbara Thomson at the launch of Unilever ’s Biomass Boiler eral species of juvenile fish off
the Durban coastline were grow-
ing more slowly and dying more
Firm commended their commitment to ensuring carbon dioxide by 30%. to make sustainability an inte- frequently from eating micro-
sustainability forms part of their The R50million boiler was un- gral part of how they conduct plastics.
for its ‘green’ move business, after they unveiled the veiled at Unilever’s Maydon their business. We appreciate “The crucial point about these
new Biomass Boiler in Durban. Wharf Factory, after the signing their commitment to balance findings is that if we do not do
By Sandra Luiz The new environmentally- of the sustainable packaging their vision to grow their busi- something urgently, the moun-
friendly Biomass Boiler, which commitment, which resonates ness with the need for a smaller tain of plastic waste will contin-
Deputy Minister of Environ- was launched as part of World with the WED theme – Beat environmental footprint and ue to grow, resulting in a perma-
mental Affairs Barbara Thom- Environment Day (WED), uses Plastic Pollution. greater positive social impact,” nent contamination of marine
son has commended consumer sustainable fuel to reduce their “I wish to commend our host, Thomson said. ecosystems and our natural envi-
goods company Unilever for electricity consumptions and Unilever, for their commitment The boiler is fuelled by wood- ronment.”
Sowetan Friday June 29 2018
ENVIRONMENT: WORLD OCEANS DAY – POLLUTION News 3
Focus on marine
life and ecosystem
crisis needed as
World Oceans Day: our
plastic waste clogs waters choking on litter
our oceans
By Sandra Luiz
On the occasion of World
Ocean’s Day, Minister of Envi-
ronmental Affairs Edna Molewa
has urged South Africans to
keep the country’s oceans and
water systems clean and litter-
free to fight marine pollution.
World Oceans Day is celebrat-
ed annually on June 8, after it
was officially recognised by the
United Nations in 2008.
This year’s theme is “Prevent
plastic pollution and encourage
solutions for a healthy ocean”, as
plastic is a worldwide problem The country faces a huge problem of pollution which poses a
affecting human health, marine threat to marine life and the entire ecosystem.
and wildlife, and costs millions in
wasted resources and revenue.
Research conducted in 2015 problem of marine litter. Plastic recreation and transport.
found that between 90 000 and products pollute our oceans, en- But to realise the full socioeco-
250 000 tons of litter enter the danger marine life and threaten nomic potential of ocean re-
country’s oceans each year. To human health. We need to limit sources, it is important to
curb this, the department is en- the use of plastic in our everyday strengthen management efforts
gaging with key stakeholders to lives and watch out on how we to control negative human im-
improve the collection of litter in dispose of it,” Molewa said. pacts on the ocean.
areas within catchments, to pre- Globally, plastic and synthetic
vent it from reaching the sea. materials constitute most of ma-
This includes the Source-2- rine litter that cause the most
Sea campaign, to be launched problems for marine life.
soon, to increase activities such SA is a maritime nation sur-
as community-based waste-sort- rounded by the Atlantic, Indian
ing and recycling. A National and Southern Oceans, which of-
Pollution Laboratory has been fer a resource-rich and biologi-
established at the Walter Sisulu cally diverse environment.
University in Eastern Cape, About 40% of SA’s population
which will monitor water quali- lives within 100km of the coast-
ty along the country’s coastline. line and rely on coastal resources
“It is important to tackle the for commercial purposes, food,
SA Agulhas II open day: Members
All aboard
spotlight on research of the
public sign
the DEA’s
their
Department’s work in oceans and pledge to
do their bit
research
coastal environment comes to light to stop
plastic
vessel
pollution.
By Tshego Letshwiti the balance of earth, ocean World Oceans
and atmosphere interactions.
Every year the Department of South Africa, through various
Day experience
Environmental Affairs (DEA) institutions of higher learning
hosts about 2 000 people at its and international collabora- By Gaopalelwe Moroane
SA Agulhas II open day. tions, has gathered extensive The and Tshego Letshwiti
This year it was Durban’s data on the Southern Ocean Ski-Monkey
turn to explore the state-of- and the resources therein. is a deep- As part of World Oceans
the-art research and polar ves- The studies in Antarctica, sea camera Day, the Department of En-
sel at the Port of Durban. Subantarctic and the South- system vironmental Affairs (DEA)
The day gave the public an ern Ocean have produced nu- which held exhibits at the Durban
opportunity to walk around merous national and interna- captures Harbour and on its research
the ship and learn about the tional research publications in video and vessel, the SA Agulhas II,
DEA’s work in the oceans and areas such as ocean biogeo- picture from June 8-9.
coastal environment. chemistry, ornithology, geolo- footage of The event was observed
For more than 50 years, gy, zoology, botany, meteorolo- the sea under the theme: Prevent-
South Africa has maintained a gy and space science. floor. ing Plastic Pollution and En-
presence in the Antarctic and The weather systems of couraging Solutions for a
Subantarctic by establishing South Africa originate in the Healthy Ocean.
permanent research bases on Southern Ocean, and having DEA’s “It is important to remem-
Marion Island, Gough Island weather stations at these science ber that we need to tackle
and in Antarctica. remote sites allows the South manager the problem of marine litter
Having a year-round pres- African Weather Service to Mthuthuzeli at source,” said DEA Minis-
ence in these remote locations forecast severe weather and Gulekana ter Edna Molewa.
enables researchers to conduct destructive events. shows how The SA Agulhas II was
seasonal data analysis on vari- Antarctica and the Sub- the CTD built in 2012 and was de-
ous disciplines, allowing a bet- antarctic present opportuni- instrument signed to be an ice-breaking
ter understanding of ecosys- ties for people with technical functions. scientific research vessel
tem behaviour and function- expertise to support the expe- and to supply South African
ing of the earth system. dition teams by ensuring opti- research stations in the
The Southern Ocean on the mal operation of communica- Antarctic and Marion and
doorstep of South Africa is a tions and power-generation Gough Islands.
key resource in understanding systems.
4 News SPOTLIGHT ON: ENVIRONMENTAL CAREERS Friday June 29 2018 Sowetan
The IIOE Expedition team aboard the SA Agulhas II after arriving in Tanzania.
SA’s IIO2 voyage set
to enhance research
and training
Expedition is a well as geology, which will
place developing countries of
voyage of scientific the Indian Oceans in a better
discovery sor SA position to conserve the in-
tegrity of its oceans.
Observers search for
By Tshego Letshwiti whales, sharks, turtles and
marine birds as environmen-
The Department of Environ- tal sampling continues.
mental Affairs’ (DEA) re- This is an equally important
search and polar vessel, the exercise as generated data,
SA Agulhas II, has entered in- whether it be diversity or
to its second year of participat- abundance, can be used in the
ing in the International Indian ecosystem level management
Ocean Expedition (IIOE2), as The contents from a Dredge, approach; and will help in get-
part of SA’s training and ca- used to sample the sea floor. ting a holistic view of ecosys-
pacity building voyage. tems.
On board are DEA research The IIOEII voyage is
staff and trainee participants the Indian Ocean and its influ- amongst the initial steps taken
from Tanzania, Comoros, ence on the climate and its towards a region wide co-ordi-
Kenya, Madagascar, Congo, marine ecosystem. nated research effort which is
Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The IOC recognised that aimed at better conservation
The second voyage started there was a persistent lack of management of common DEA researchers with a North-West University trainee sampling the
on June 10 and will end on Ju- basic long-term environmen- species between the Indian seawater.
ly 13, where a total of 46 sta- tal information in the Indian Ocean nations in Africa. One
tions (stops made to assess the Ocean, particularly for devel- such species is the migratory
ocean and its inhabitants) will oping countries surrounding humpback whale, which oc- Samples of
be completed at the end of the the Indian Ocean. As a result, curs in the waters of Tanzania, dissolved
research cruise, having cov- the IOC decided to declare the Comoros, SA and many other oxygen,
ered. beginning of the IIOE2, 50 islands alkalinity,
The IIOE2 is a multi-nation- years after the first IIOE. SA has also committed to nutrients and
al programme of the Intergov- The data collection will cov- this very important initiative chlorophyll
ernmental Oceanographic er physics, chemistry, plank- with research voyages in our being taken.
Commission (IOC) which em- ton, biodiversity, large animals own waters of the Indian
phasises the need to research such as whales and seabirds as Ocean.
Students receive assistance from DEA bursary
Department initiative
bridges gap
By Nonkululeko Mazibuko
According to a September report
by Statistics South Africa, there
are 10million South Africans be-
tween the ages of 15 and 24, 54% of
whom are unemployed.
Once they have completed their Chulumanco Thandekile
studies, the Department of Envi- Since the inception of the bursary programme at the Department of Environmental Affairs Myataza, is also a Khumalo, 2013
ronmental Affairs (DEA) bursary (DEA) in 2004, an average 30 students have been awarded bursaries. DEA bursar DEA bursar
holders are given the opportunity
to serve through the department’s workplace performance. and now I have completed my fees, as I was working part time conservation areas. The DEA’s
internship programme for a Bursary recipients Thandekile studies in Community and to cover my tuition and other ex- bursary programme opens each
maximum of two years. Khumalo and Chulumanco Development Studies at the Uni- penses,” she said. year before the end of October.
The DEA internship pro- Myataza share how the DEA versity of KwaZulu-Natal.” Mr Myataza is working as an The internship for the year
gramme is in line with Depart- bursary has affected their She was a Stakeholder Enga- intern in the Biodiversity and 2018/2019 is advertised between
ment of Public Service & Admin- careers. gement and Public Awareness Conservation Branch under the November and December.
istration’s initiative established in Khumalo said: “I received the intern. subdirectorate of Transfrontier For more information and ap-
2002, which seeks to bridge the bursary in 2013 while I was do- “The DEA bursary lifted a Protected Areas,that monitors plication forms, visit: www.envi-
gap between academic study and ing my second year at university, huge weight in terms of tuition compliance within transfrontier ronment.gov.za
4 News SPOTLIGHT ON: ENVIRONMENTAL CAREERS Friday June 29 2018 Sowetan Sowetan Friday June 29 2018
SPOTLIGHT ON: ENVIRONMENTAL CAREERS News 5
Plenty of careers
in environment
to choose from
Trainees from Tanza-
nia and the University
You can qualify via degree or diploma
of Fort Hare with their
trainer examine some By Sandra Luiz
The IIOE Expedition team aboard the SA Agulhas II after arriving in Tanzania. Zoleka’s work is to of the samples found
and rural development – BA
degree with subjects such as
after the Dredge was
protect oceans sent out.
The environment is filled with anthropology, development
SA’s IIO2 voyage set exciting, interesting and satis-
fying career choices stretching
across a wide range of fields
and disciplines. A career in the
studies, geography and envi-
ronmental studies.
● Environmental educators –
HDipEd, with subjects such as
to enhance research environment sector is reward-
ing as you can contribute to the
conservation and mainte-
nance of essential life systems
geography or biology. Formal
environmental education
courses pursued at postgradu-
ate level
and training necessary for human survival. ● Environmental lawyers –
Since the government has LLB degree with environ-
put environmental legislation mental law as a major subject.
in place and called for more in- ● Environmental journalists –
novation, there is a nationwide journalism degree or diploma.
Expedition is a well as geology, which will need for environmentally ● Cultural resource specialists
place developing countries of trained professionals to reverse – BA degree with subjects
voyage of scientific the Indian Oceans in a better environmental deterioration. such as archaeology, anthro-
discovery sor SA position to conserve the in-
tegrity of its oceans. Where do I start?
pology, political and social
studies or social history.
By Tshego Letshwiti
The Department of Environ-
Observers search
whales, sharks, turtles and
marine birds as environmen-
tal sampling continues.
for
The joy of being an For a career in the sector, you
need to study certain subjects
in Grade 12 which tailor to the
specific career you have in
● Eco-tourism specialists –
Tourism degree or diploma
with environmental interest
Environmental science ca-
mental Affairs’ (DEA) re-
search and polar vessel, the
SA Agulhas II, has entered in-
to its second year of participat-
This is an equally important
exercise as generated data,
whether it be diversity or
abundance, can be used in the
offshore ecologist mind. The relevant Grade 12
subjects include:
● Mathematics
● Biology
reers require a science degree
at a university or relevant
diploma from a university of
technology.
ing in the International Indian ecosystem level management interpreting data and advising ● Physical sciences
Ocean Expedition (IIOE2), as The contents from a Dredge, approach; and will help in get- By Gaopalelwe Moroane stakeholders. ● English and/or Subjects in natural sciences
part of SA’s training and ca- used to sample the sea floor. ting a holistic view of ecosys- ● Geography. may include:
pacity building voyage. tems. Every June 8 the world cele- What is the most rewarding and The required minimum Zoology; botany; ecology
On board are DEA research The IIOEII voyage is brates World Oceans Day. challenging part of what you do? score for each subject is usual- These generally lead to a ca-
staff and trainee participants the Indian Ocean and its influ- amongst the initial steps taken The day is meant to promote I will start with one ly adequate, but it is an advan- reer path in biodiversity, con-
from Tanzania, Comoros, ence on the climate and its towards a region wide co-ordi- conservation at sea through specific challenge, tage to have higher scores in servation and may also lead to
Kenya, Madagascar, Congo, marine ecosystem. nated research effort which is “preventing plastic pollution which is to have your final matric marks as a career in environmental
Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The IOC recognised that aimed at better conservation and encouraging solutions for several days, most universities select stu- management.
The second voyage started there was a persistent lack of management of common DEA researchers with a North-West University trainee sampling the a healthy ocean”. and sometimes dents with higher than the
on June 10 and will end on Ju- basic long-term environmen- species between the Indian seawater. We interviewed offshore months, away minimum scores. Universities Career path qualification:
ly 13, where a total of 46 sta- tal information in the Indian Ocean nations in Africa. One ecologist Zoleka Filander of from my son of technology generally do not ● Environmental impact as-
tions (stops made to assess the Ocean, particularly for devel- such species is the migratory the Department of Environ- and husband. require university exemption sessment and environmental
ocean and its inhabitants) will oping countries surrounding humpback whale, which oc- Samples of mental Affairs about her ca- The rewarding at matriculation. management – BSc degree in
be completed at the end of the the Indian Ocean. As a result, curs in the waters of Tanzania, dissolved reer and what a career in ecol- part of my job is There are two main routes to natural sciences, with post-
research cruise, having cov- the IOC decided to declare the Comoros, SA and many other oxygen, ogy entails. capturing the beauty of take: graduate courses in environ-
ered. beginning of the IIOE2, 50 islands alkalinity, Zoleka Filander the ocean floor and sharing the ● A social-environmental per- mental management.
The IIOE2 is a multi-nation- years after the first IIOE. SA has also committed to nutrients and What education require- images with not just my family spective ● Landscape architect – Land-
al programme of the Intergov- The data collection will cov- this very important initiative chlorophyll ments and licences are need- but with the public. ● An environmental science scape architect degree at the
ernmental Oceanographic er physics, chemistry, plank- with research voyages in our being taken. ed for your career? perspective University of Pretoria or the
Commission (IOC) which em- ton, biodiversity, large animals own waters of the Indian A three-year degree is the introduced through an hon- What advice These two complement each University of Cape Town
phasises the need to research such as whales and seabirds as Ocean. first step in providing the fun- ours degree. would you give other and effective environ- ● Nature conservation – uni-
damentals needed. A one-year an aspiring ma- mental management com- versity of technology diploma
honours degree introduces How long have you been an rine scientist? bines both these perspectives. in nature conservation or BSc
Students receive assistance from DEA bursary you to research methods,
which assist in constructing
an experimental or applied re-
offshore ecologist?
I have been working for the
department since 2014.
As challeng-
ing as it may
seem to be fur-
To progress into the social-
environmental perspective,
one does this through a social
degree with subjects such as
zoology, botany, ecology.
● Specialist scientists in biodi-
search question. My appoint- thering your post- science or arts degree. versity, for example marine bi-
ment with the Department of What inspired you to venture graduate studies, do it ologist, zoologist, ecologist –
Department initiative Environmental Affairs re- into this career path? because you won’t regret such a Subjects may include: postgraduate degrees in zoolo-
quired an honours degree in I ended up in the career by decision. Such an educa- Anthropology; archaeology; gy, botany and ecology, spe-
bridges gap marine sciences and to be reg- pure chance. I wanted to be a tional experience development studies; geogra- cialising in particular fields of
istered with the South African medical doctor. Fortunately I opens a new di- phy and environmental stud- interest.
By Nonkululeko Mazibuko Council for Natural Science. didn’t get accepted at medical mension with ies; law (environmental); jour- ● Waste managers and pollu-
I, however, also had a mas- school so I resorted to biologi- better opportu- nalism (environmental); edu- tion controllers – BSc degree
According to a September report ter’s degree when I was ap- cal sciences. nities. A degree cation (environmental). with subjects such as maths,
by Statistics South Africa, there pointed by the department. gives you the Careers in this field are cen- physics, chemistry, climatolo-
are 10million South Africans be- This qualification focuses on What are your duties? opportunity to tred around humans and their gy; university of technology
tween the ages of 15 and 24, 54% of marine taxonomy [the classifi- I develop projects which apply, but extra relations with the environment, diploma or degree in environ-
whom are unemployed. cation and naming of species]. feed into prudent manage- skills get you the and ways of making these rela- mental science or engineering.
Once they have completed their Chulumanco Thandekile Such a two-year [senior] de- ment of marine resources, job. So volunteer, get tions beneficial to both people ● Environmental engineers –
studies, the Department of Envi- Since the inception of the bursary programme at the Department of Environmental Affairs Myataza, is also a Khumalo, 2013 gree – if undertaken full time – which involves weeks on your diver’s licence and learn to and the environment. civil engineering degree or B
ronmental Affairs (DEA) bursary (DEA) in 2004, an average 30 students have been awarded bursaries. DEA bursar DEA bursar expands on the research skills cruises performing analyses, swim – now. Career path qualification: Tech degree in civil engineer-
holders are given the opportunity ● Community conservation ing.
to serve through the department’s workplace performance. and now I have completed my fees, as I was working part time conservation areas. The DEA’s
internship programme for a Bursary recipients Thandekile studies in Community and to cover my tuition and other ex- bursary programme opens each
maximum of two years. Khumalo and Chulumanco Development Studies at the Uni- penses,” she said. year before the end of October.
The DEA internship pro- Myataza share how the DEA versity of KwaZulu-Natal.” Mr Myataza is working as an The internship for the year
gramme is in line with Depart- bursary has affected their She was a Stakeholder Enga- intern in the Biodiversity and 2018/2019 is advertised between
ment of Public Service & Admin- careers. gement and Public Awareness Conservation Branch under the November and December.
istration’s initiative established in Khumalo said: “I received the intern. subdirectorate of Transfrontier For more information and ap-
2002, which seeks to bridge the bursary in 2013 while I was do- “The DEA bursary lifted a Protected Areas,that monitors plication forms, visit: www.envi-
gap between academic study and ing my second year at university, huge weight in terms of tuition compliance within transfrontier ronment.gov.za
6 News WORLD DAY TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION Friday June 29 2018 Sowetan
D e p ut y M i n i st e r re a f f i r m s
a nt i - d e s e r t i f i c at i o n go a l s
Securing arable land for food production is one of the major concerns in government’s mission to reverse desertification.
Invest in the
future of land by
ners to clarify the links be-
tween land degradation and
migration versus land degra-
Investing in land
protecting it now,
dation and instability and se-
curity.”
“Equally important is our
for sustainable
warns Thomson preparedness to confirm the
goal on land degradation neu-
trality in relation to other sus-
production
In celebration of World Day to tainable development goals on
Combat Desertification, water, food and poverty.”
Deputy Minister of Environ- According to the 2015 Eco-
mental Affairs Barbara nomics of Land Degradation
Thomson has urged citizens to report, the annual loss of 75
steer clear of unsustainable billion tons of soil from arable
land use practices and invest land will cost $400-billion
in the future of land. (about R5.4-trillion) a year
Recently addressing parlia- globally, while taking action
ment during the department’s against soil erosion over 105
budget vote speech, Thomson million hectares will save up to
said the country was commit- $62.4-billion in net present Deputy Minister of Environmental
ted to meeting goals for land value over the next 15 years. Affairs Barbara Thomson.
degradation neutrality (LDN) But enhancing carbon /RUSSELL ROBERTS
as agreed by parties to the stocks through agricultural
United Nations Convention to soils alone can create potential
Combat DesertificaDetion. value on the carbon market ing and managing the quality
“Through the LDN targets, from $96 to $480-billion annu- of the land by balancing its bi-
South Africa aims to achieve a ally. Productive and healthy ological and economic poten-
balance between anticipated land can bring not only envi- tial,” Thomson said.
land degradation and planned ronmental and social solu- “Moreover, land plays a vital Most rural communities experience challenges brought by
positive actions in order to tions, but also economic gain. role in linking multiple sus- severe temperatures and drought.
achieve, at least, a position of Sustainable land manage- tainable development goals by
no net loss of healthy and pro- ment (SLM) practices, mea- harnessing synergies while
ductive land while neutrality sures or initiatives, is a wise in- minimising potential conflicts The World Day to Combat De- fairly traded products to avoid
is the minimum objective,” vestment for economic growth and trade-offs. sertification (WDCD) is an an- land degradation.
Thomson said. that does not compromise re- SLM can give tremendous nual celebration aimed at pro- ● Call for the inclusion of land
“We will work with our sci- silient livelihoods. momentum to positive moting public awareness on and soil and their significance
entific institutions and part- “It is also a key to safeguard- change.” desertification, land and in food security into national
degradation and drought sus- climate change adaption poli-
tanainable development cies.
(DLDD) and the effects of ● Changes in behaviour and
drought, and a reminder that adoption of efficient planning
DLDD can be tackled and so- and practices can provide suf-
lutions are possible. ficient land resources and sus-
This year’s theme, “Land tainable livelihoods.
has true value. Invest in it”, Since land is being used as
calls upon producers, con- infinite resource, it contributes
sumers, communities and pol- to the livelihood, a role which
icy makers, to utilise land in a is often ignored. This negli-
sustainable manner. gence threatens food and wa-
The 2018 WDCD focuses on ter supply, biodiversity and
raising awareness on the im- even human security.
portance of investing on land, Short-sighted economic
its benefits and the role it plays gains, such as unsustainable
in everyday lives. It reminds agriculture, unplanned urban
the world that land is a tangi- sprawl and over-consumption,
ble valuable asset. lead to unsustainable land use,
which causes degradation and
What are the key messages loss of critical ecosystem ser-
for the 2018 World Day to vices.
Combat Desertification? Due to this, consumption of
● Farmers should be encoura- the planet’s natural reserves
ged to invest in smart agricul- has doubled in the last 30
ture that leads to higher yields years, with a third of the
and a reduction in inputs. Earth’s land already severely
● Policy-makers and land degraded, meaning choices
managers should support bio- made today about the land will
economy by investing in new determine its future develop-
and traditional sustainable ment for sustainable growth.
land management technolo- Drought is another negative
gies and processes. factor in some of the provinces.
Land care and unemployment amongst poor and unskilled South Africans, are amongst the matters ● Consumers should spend But by safeguarding life on
addressed by government’s cross-cutting Expanded Public Works Programme their money on organic and land, there is true value on it.
Sowetan Friday June 29 2018
Youth and Environment Month News 7
Young ones learn about conservation
Sello Phuroe explained to learners
about careers available in the en-
vironment sector and creating
awareness of environmental issues
at the South African Children’s Book
Fair at Ticketpro Dome in Randburg.
Learners were intrigued by differ-
ent national parks and botanical
gardens that can be explored
through SANParks and SANBI. Par-
ents and teachers also gained in-
sight into what the DEA does and
how they can work together to
spread awareness on environmen-
tal issues.
Learners from different schools
around Gauteng learnt about con-
serving the environment and their
roles therein.
/VERONICA MAHLABA
Empowerment
in education
Deputy Minister of Environ-
mental Affairs Barbara
Thomson handed over
school uniforms to under-
privileged learners from 12
different schools as part of
Youth Month celebrations
in Pietermaritzburg on
June 18. Image by Veronica
Mahlaba
8 News ENVIRONMENT: Nelson Mandela Month Friday June 29 2018 Sowetan
A metal
sculpture of Minister of Environ-
Nelson mental Affairs Edna
Mandela at the Molewa participates
site where he in a clean-up oper-
was arrested in ation as part of a
1962 by the campaign to encour-
apartheid age South Africans
government. to do their part in
conserving the envi-
ronment and com-
bating pollution.
Deputy Minister of
Environmetal Affairs
Barbara Thomson
and Chemical Waste
Management
Deputy Director-
Mandela legacy lives on General Mark Gor-
don pick up litter as
part of the Mandela
centenary celebra-
in ‘green’ initiative tions. / Z I B U S E
N D LOV U
theme is to foreground charac-
teristics and values which Man-
dela was renowned for across
the world: integrity, passion,
service, transparency, respect
and transformation.
“These stalwarts will forever
be remembered for their contri-
bution to our liberation and be-
yond,” Molewa said.
The celebrations will extend
across the continent and the
The late icon’s 100-year celebrations world. Speaking at the unveil-
ing of the Unilever Sustainable
to also commit to conservation Packaging Commitment earlier
this month, Deputy Minister of
Environmental Affairs Barbara
Minister of Environmental Af- “This year marks the cente- Thomson said citizens should
fairs Edna Molewa had com- naries of two titans of the liber- continue to build a society en-
mitted to advancing policies to ation movement. Nelson Man- visaged by Mandela.
protect the environment in dela and Mama Albertina “The 100-year anniversary of
commemoration of 100 years Sisulu. Tata Mandela’s love for the lives of these two remark-
since the birth of the father of nature was well-known, and it able people is an opportunity to
the nation, the late Nelson Man- is in his honour that we com- recommit ourselves to their
dela. mit ourselves to advance poli- principles by building the na-
The centenary celebrations, cies to conserve our environ- tion we envisioned at the start of
themed “Be the legacy”, aimed ment,” Molewa said. our democracy; a non-racial,
to promote Mandela’s ethos of In August last year, an inter- non-sexist and democratic
unity despite race, orientation ministerial committee was es- country built on the principle of
and gender. The celebrations co- tablished to plan for celebra- environmental sustainability,”
incide with the centenary cele- tions of the Mandela cente- Thomson said.
brations of the late stalwart and nary, working in close collabo- Meanwhile, South Africans
struggle icon Albertina Sisulu. ration with the Nelson Man- are encouraged to take part in
Before addressing the dela Foundation. the upcoming Mandela Day, on
2018/2019 budget for the depart- As the country celebrates the the late icon’s birthday July 18,
ment, the minister acknowl- icon, government has urged to exhibit their respective initia-
edged the milestones in the South Africans to “Be the lega- tives inspired by the values of
country’s political life. cy” as the intention of the the global icon.
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