Latest news with #DionGeorge
IOL News
16-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Balancing ambition and action in South Africa's climate adaptation efforts
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George. Image: Dion George/Facebook On Friday, the 27th June, I intently followed the 2025/26 budget vote speech by Minister Dion George of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), hoping to hear a decisive shift in how South Africa intends to confront its growing climate crisis, more critically, through climate adaptation to the irreversible impacts already upon us. The speech presented a vision of environmental stewardship, economic inclusion, and climate resilience. While the speech outlined commendable priorities such as biodiversity conservation, green job creation, and regulatory reforms, it sadly fell short in explicitly prioritising and funding climate adaptation measures with the urgency South Africa's vulnerabilities demand. While the DFFE's commitments to mitigation and biodiversity are laudable, adaptation remains underfunded and overshadowed, a critical gap in a country where climate impacts are already destabilising livelihoods. Just weeks ago, devastating floods ripped through parts of Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, tragically claiming a reported 102 lives at last count and displacing countless families some who had built informal homes on floodplains and below flood lines. These are not isolated incidents as floods are firmly becoming the biggest and most frequent climate threat to South Africa. These events are flashing red warning lights, signalingthat adaptation must be elevated to a national priority with the budget to match. Great: A Progressive Environmental Agenda In his speech, the Minister rightly emphasised several key priorities including the enforcement of the Climate Change Act, the revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and Sectoral Emission Targets that demonstrate a structured approach to reducing carbon footprints. The Highveld Air Quality Management Plan is also a necessary step toward holding polluters accountable. Regarding Biodiversity as an Economic Driver, the KISS (Kruger, Kirstenbosch, iSimangaliso) strategy and Biodiversity Economy Strategy, which aims to create 397 000 jobs and inject R127 billion annually by 2036 is a visionary linkage of conservation and economic growth. He also adds the FILLER (Fair Industry for Lions, Leopards, and Rhinos) and Fishing for Freedom, which highlights ethical wildlife management and support for small-scale fishers, crucial for both ecological and social justice. Relating to regulatory and Financial Innovation, the RESET (Regulatory Efficiency Strategy) promises streamlined environmental governance, while the push for carboncredit monetisation could unlock new funding avenues. These initiatives reflect a department attempting to balance ecological protection with developmental needs. However, the speech's silence on concrete adaptation financing undermines its otherwise progressive stance. Not so Great: Where Adaptation was Sidelined The Minister acknowledged budget constraints, a real-term decrease of 1.4% in allocation, yet insisted the DFFE would "do more with less'. However, while cost-saving measures are prudent, adaptation cannot thrive on austerity, it must be prioritised. What is clear is that there is no dedicated adaptation budget line. For instance, the speech mentioned a Climate Change Adaptation Response Plan for coastal regions, but without specific allocations or timelines. There also appears to be an over-reliance on international finance which we should do less of given the current geo-political uncertainties. The Green Climate Fund's $40 million (R717m) for South African National Biodiversity Institute is welcome, but domestic funding for localised adaptation remains Minister praised South African Weather Service for 1 400 severe weather alerts, yet many vulnerable communities still lack actionable response plans. The speech missed an opportunity to allocate funds for local disaster preparedness (e.g., community training, evacuation routes) and the opportunities to integrate traditional knowledge with scientific early-warning systems. The elephant in the room and the unavoidable question then is: If climate change is "here and now" as the Minister says, why is adaptation not a standalone budget priority? If the DFFE is committed to matching its rhetoric with tangible adaptation progress, it must consider elevating adaptation action to a priority stand-alone action, dedicating funding for adaptation, and providing it with the requisite institutional support for success in future budgets. It's too elusive and the light mention gives cool comfort. As a country, we are already paying the price of climate inaction in lives lost, livelihoods destroyed, and un-budgeted resources diverted to emergency response. Adaptation investments are cost-effective and lifesaving, especially when planned and made proactively. Every rand spent on resilient infrastructure saves many more in post-disaster reconstruction. Minister George's speech outlined a bold environmental agenda, particularly inmitigation and biodiversity. However, the lack of detailed, funded adaptation measures risks leaving South Africa's most vulnerable populations exposed to escalating climate shocks. The DFFE must recognize that to achieve a truly resilient South Africa, it requires ambition, budget, and urgency for adaptation in equal measure. This is so worrying that often when I think about adaptation and resilience action it makes me feel like we're playing a game of 'masicashelane' (hide & seek), only now the count is 10 000. Minister let's bring it back to an achievable count to a 10 please... so we can find this missing priority sooner. The Presidential Climate Commission has consistently emphasised through its work on the just transition, adaptation is not only a technical imperative but a moral one, which is central to safeguarding livelihoods, foodsystems, and public infrastructure in the face of escalating climate threats. Initiatives like the Just Adaptation and Resilience Investment Plan demonstrate that a just, inclusive,and locally grounded adaptation pathway is possible. What's needed now is political will and budget. Morwesi Ramonyai Thonga is a Senior Advisor to the Presidential Climate Commission on Adaptation Finance. Image: Supplied Morwesi Ramonyai Thonga is a Senior Advisor to the Presidential Climate Commission on Adaptation Finance. *** The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Independent Media or IOL. BUSINESS REPORT
IOL News
16-07-2025
- General
- IOL News
South Africa launches ambitious campaign to save its dwindling rhino population
The Rhino Renaissance Campaign launch is one of South Africa's G20 Legacy Projects. It aims to rebuild the white rhino population in Kruger National Park (KNP) from just over 2,000 to 12,000 within the next decade. Image: File South Africa is the custodian of more than 80% of the continent's white rhino population, which is at risk from poaching and a dwindling population. Dr Dion George, MP and minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), remarked on Tuesday at the Rhino Renaissance Campaign launch. The campaign, one of South Africa's G20 Legacy Projects, aims to rebuild the white rhino population in the Kruger National Park (KNP) from just over 2,000 to 12,000 within the next decade. Annual statistics revealed that 195 rhinos had been poached across South Africa by June 2025, a reduction of 35 compared to the same period in 2024. In KNP, 11 rhinos were killed in both May and June, down from 17 in January and 30 in February 2025. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'Once nearly extinct, the white rhino population stood at fewer than 100 individuals in the early 20th century. But South Africa acted. Through protected areas, community partnerships, and the hard work of rangers and conservationists, the species was brought back from the brink. By 2010, there were more than 20,000 white rhinos,' George said. The KNP is home to over 12,000 rhinos — an unmatched feat in global conservation. But since then, the tide has turned. 'As of 2024, the population has dropped to 14,389 nationwide. In Kruger, just over 2,000 remain. A significant part of the issue involves poaching and the trafficking of rhino horn, driven by organised crime and profit,' George warned. He said that the campaign led by the South African National Parks (SANParks) is a direct response to poaching and illegal rhino horn trade. 'It brings together SANParks' conservation authority with the Tracker Academy, part of the Peace Parks Foundation, whose work in training local trackers in ancestral skills is redefining what it means to protect wildlife,' George said. He also mentioned the Good Work Foundation, a non-profit transforming education for thousands of learners in the villages around Kruger through digital learning, conservation coding, and storytelling. He said that 90 rhino monitors will be trained and deployed annually across KNP. 'The Rhino Renaissance Campaign is a vital part of this effort. It supports our vision of a Fair Industry for Lions, Leopards, Elephants, and Rhinos — a future where these species are not only protected but thrive alongside the people who live among them,' George said. Other plans include: African Parks has relocated 2,000 rhinos to safe havens across the country. Munyawana Conservancy and others are growing populations through rewilding. Cross-border work is under way in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and across the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area. Safe havens have been identified in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana. Collaboration between the government and private wildlife owners in our Integrated Wildlife Zones has been enhanced. Pam Yako, SANParks Board chairperson, said rhinos are a species of global significance, and the campaign was a partnership with various stakeholders. 'We want to showcase our efforts and how best we can, with the help of everyone else, build a whole movement for the conservation of the species,' she said.
The South African
16-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
Captive lion breeding in South Africa to be BANNED
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has taken steps toward ending captive lion breeding in South Africa, marking a major shift in the country's approach to wildlife conservation and animal welfare. Minister Dr Dion George confirmed on Tuesday that the department is finalising the Prohibition Notice that will officially ban the establishment of new commercial captive lion breeding facilities across the country. 'This marks a turning point in our approach to wildlife conservation,' said George. 'We are committed to enforcing clear, effective, and legally robust measures that protect South Africa's natural heritage.' The new policy forms part of strengthened regulations under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA), 2004 and is guided by the Ministerial Task Team Report and the Policy Position on the sustainable use of elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinoceroses. The Prohibition Notice aligns with international conservation norms and public demands to end the unethical breeding and exploitation of lions for profit – particularly in canned hunting and the bone trade. Following its tabling in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on 10 June 2025, the mandatory 30-day consideration period has now elapsed, clearing the way for official promulgation by the Executive Authority. The department is now engaging with provincial Members of the Executive Council (MECs) under Section 87A (3) of NEM:BA to coordinate implementation and enforcement at local levels. Further updates are expected during stakeholder engagements, including the upcoming G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group meeting taking place in the Kruger National Park. The ban also forms part of broader efforts to overhaul the Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) Regulations, with a sharper focus on animal well-being, biodiversity protection, and practical enforcement. 'We are building a regulatory foundation that prioritises animal well-being. The department remains fully committed to finalising and implementing these reforms without delay,' George stated. The move is being seen as a clear message to the global conservation community: South Africa is working to phase out unethical wildlife exploitation and reposition itself as a leader in sustainable, ethical biodiversity management. The final Prohibition Notice is expected to be gazetted in the coming weeks. Once enforced, it will prevent the opening of any new captive lion breeding facilities, although existing operations may still fall under separate review and transitional frameworks. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
16-07-2025
- Politics
- The South African
New strategy to help save Kruger National Park's white rhinos
Government has launched a strategy that seeks to rebuild the Kruger National Park's white rhino population from just over 2 000 to 12 000 within the next decade by using technology. Government aims to monitor rhino herds daily using drones, GPS collars, and digital reporting systems to provide real-time data to enforcement teams. 'Starting this year, 90 Rhino Monitors will be trained and deployed annually across Kruger National Park. They are not just protecting rhino. They are protecting livelihoods, family legacies, and the possibility of green jobs for a generation to come,' Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, Dr Dion George said. The Minister made these remarks during the official launch of the Rhino Renaissance Campaign at the Kruger National Park, which is grounded on 24/7 rhino tracking; biological management such as targeted dehorning; DNA tagging and genetic research; enforcement cooperation across provincial, national, and regional levels and, critically, resource mobilisation to sustain operations over the long term. With South Africa currently hosting the Group Twenty (G20) Presidency, this campaign has been adopted as a G20 Legacy Project to rally global support, both diplomatic and financial, to scale this work. South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024, which runs to 30 November 2025, under the theme: 'Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability'. 'This work does not stand alone. We are fighting wildlife crime on every front. Our National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking is anchored in the Medium-Term Development Plan, the country's roadmap for the next five years. 'This strategy brings together key government departments – including my department, Police, Justice, Border Management, Intelligence, [the] South African National Parks (SANParks) and the provincial conservation entities – in a united, multidisciplinary response. It also builds strong partnerships with the private sector, civil society, and communities on the ground,' George explained. Fighting wildlife crime is one of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment's six core priorities. 'At its heart is a commitment to a fair and sustainable future – one where our iconic wildlife supports livelihoods, uplifts communities, and strengthens our national identity. 'The Rhino Renaissance Campaign is a vital part of this effort. It supports our vision of a fair industry for lions, leopards, elephants, and rhinos – a future where these species are not only protected but thrive alongside the people who live among them. 'No country or sector can tackle this threat alone. South Africa is building strong enforcement networks across borders and finalising agreements with rhino horn destination countries,' the Minister said. Government is engaging partners such as Interpol, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) neighbours to strengthen intelligence-sharing and cross-border cooperation. South Africa's response goes beyond law enforcement. It includes financial intelligence, anti-corruption efforts, and international diplomacy- because wildlife crime is deeply embedded in global criminal networks. As of the end of June, 195 rhinos had been poached across South Africa this year – a reduction of 35 compared to the same period in 2024. 'While any loss is too many, this decrease signals that our intensified enforcement efforts are starting to have an effect. June recorded the lowest monthly poaching figures so far this year, with 22 rhinos killed nationwide. Here in the Kruger, which is still a primary target for poachers, we lost 11 rhinos in both May and June, down from 17 in January and 30 in February. 'These numbers are a stark reminder that the threat remains real and unrelenting. But they also show that progress is possible. Our rangers, enforcement teams, and intelligence units continue to work tirelessly on the front lines to protect our wildlife and hold the line,' the Minister said. Through rhino dehorning, South Africa removes the reasons rhinos are being killed in the first place. 'Dehorning does not harm the animal. It saves its life. It buys us time – to restore numbers, upgrade security, and disrupt demand,' he explained. The country is already seeing green shoots which include the relocation of 2 000 rhinos from African Parks to safe havens across the country; Munyawana Conservancy and others are growing populations through rewilding; cross-border work is underway in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and across the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area. Safe havens have been identified in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana and collaboration between government and private wildlife owners in the Integrated Wildlife Zones has been enhanced. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
16-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Protecting wildlife: South Africa to prohibit new captive lion breeding facilities
In a landmark decision, South Africa's government is set to ban new captive lion breeding facilities, marking a significant step towards ethical wildlife conservation and animal welfare. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives In a decisive move to protect South Africa's lions and reinforce ethical conservation practices, the government is set to ban the establishment of new captive lion breeding facilities. This forms part of a broader initiative to phase out commercial intensive breeding of lions and prioritise animal wellbeing. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said it is finalising a Prohibition Notice that will outlaw the creation of new captive lion facilities in the country. This step follows recommendations from the Ministerial Task Team and supports the Policy Position on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Elephant, Lion, Leopard and Rhinoceros. The notice comes after animal welfare organisation Four Paws South Africa recently called for government to expedite the implementation of the phase-out plan of the captive lion industry. Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said: 'This marks a turning point in our approach to wildlife conservation. By prohibiting new captive lion breeding facilities and addressing critical animal wellbeing provisions in the TOPS (Threatened or Protected Species) Regulations to be published in due course, we are committed to enforcing clear, effective, and legally robust measures that protect South Africa's natural heritage and address concerns raised by the public, conservation experts, and stakeholders.' The ban will be introduced through updated Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) Regulations under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA), 2004. 'The Lion Prohibition Notice implements a key recommendation from the Ministerial Task Team Report and is in line with the objectives of the Policy Position on the conservation and sustainable use of elephant, lion, leopard, and rhinoceros,' said the Department. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'The Notice prohibits the establishment of new captive lion facilities for commercial purposes, aligning with global conservation standards and ethical wildlife management practices.' The Notice was tabled before the National Council of Provinces on June 10, 2025 and has since passed the 30-day consideration period. The Department confirmed that it has completed the necessary administrative processes for promulgation. Additionally, the Department is working with provincial Members of the Executive Council (MECs) under Section 87A(3) of NEM:BA to ensure effective implementation of the ban. Minister George is expected to provide further updates during stakeholder engagements, including at the upcoming G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group meeting at Kruger National Park. 'We are building a regulatory foundation that prioritises animal wellbeing, biodiversity protection, and practical enforcement,' said George. 'The Department remains fully committed to finalising and implementing these reforms without delay, ensuring a sustainable future for South Africa's wildlife.' THE MERCURY
