Latest news with #DionGeorge
Mail & Guardian
a day ago
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Government withdraws ‘flawed' waste-tyre management plan for full review
Environment Minister Dion George. (OJ Koloti, Gallo Images) Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister The withdrawal of approval for the plan, which was published in the Government Gazette on 20 March last year, would enable the department 'to revisit the plan with a fine-tooth comb', the The minister's decision reflects his 'commitment to thoroughly reviewing and strengthening environmental policies as a newly appointed leader', it added. In September, the In its court documents Redisa, which managed waste tyres from 2013 to 2017, said the plan had unachievable and unrealistic targets; lacked any budgetary detail; failed to use the available information and projections and was created and approved in a procedurally flawed manner. Redisa has welcomed George's decision after 'publicly calling for this materially flawed and self-defeating plan to be scrapped'. The environment department said that, since taking office, the minister had prioritised a 'meticulous evaluation' of decisions made by previous administrations. 'After careful consideration, he [George] has opted to withdraw the (plan) approval to allow for a detailed reassessment, ensuring the plan fully aligns with the department's objectives of sustainable waste management and robust governance.' George said that, while the plan was developed through a prolonged and consultative process, 'concerns have been raised regarding its alignment with current sector realities and policy intent'. 'The withdrawal enables a focused review to ensure the final plan is implementable, transparent and fully responsive to the operational and governance complexities facing the sector.' The thorough review of the plan will involve renewed stakeholder engagement and the appointment of an organ of state, probably the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, to refine it, addressing areas such as data accuracy and sector capacity. The minister said his goal was to deliver a waste-tyre management plan that is practical, inclusive and futureproof. 'This withdrawal is a proactive step to ensure we get it right, building a stronger foundation for the waste-tyre industry and environmental justice.' Existing interim arrangements for waste-tyre collection and processing would continue, ensuring no disruption to the sector, the department said. It noted that engagements with the treasury were under way to secure a sustainable funding model while further details on the review process would be shared with stakeholders in due course. Redisa was responsible for the implementation of a waste-tyre recycling scheme from 2012 — the only one of its kind in the country — which entailed the creation and management of a national network for collecting discarded tyres, storing them and delivering them to recyclers for processing. This was envisaged as the beginning of a tyre recycling industry and the foundation of secondary industries for the use of products created by recyclers. In September 2017, Redisa and its management arm, Kusaga Taka Consulting, were placed in final liquidation, based on a request from former environmental affairs minister Edna Molewa. In January 2019, the supreme court of appeal overturned the liquidation order. Redisa said that George 'has made a rational decision' and 'should be commended for taking the right action to resolve an issue he inherited'. It was committed to cooperating fully with all parties and would request a meeting with the minister 'to discuss how best to manage the waste-tyre crisis in the country'. The waste-tyre management plan, it maintained, was never going to be an effective solution to South Africa's crisis. The country produces at least 253 000 tonnes of waste tyres a year, which was being 'mismanaged' by the waste bureau under the department, with depots filling up and becoming fire hazards, while tyre dumping was increasing. 'Apart from the public health threats caused by the uniquely toxic character of waste-tyre pollution, the mismanagement is also a lost opportunity for the South African economy, because, through a well-coordinated recycling process, economic development and job creation can be strengthened considerably,' it said. The minister's decision was 'good news, not just for the environment, but also for job creation through recycling in South Africa', it said, adding that it was eager to work with government departments and other stakeholders to make sure the waste-tyre crisis is addressed. It said that, during its tenure, it had built 22 tyre collection centres, employed more than 3 000 people, created 226 small waste enterprises, offset 59 000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, empowered unskilled workers and stimulated emerging entrepreneurs. 'Redisa has the technical and policy experience to play a significant role in turning the waste-tyre crisis into a viable form of economic empowerment because it has done this before.'
The South African
7 days ago
- General
- The South African
Urgent order to remove wrecked and abandoned vessels from SA harbours
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has directed the urgent removal of wrecked and abandoned vessels that pose significant risks to navigation, marine ecosystems, and the safety of coastal communities. These efforts reflect the bold steps being taken to address longstanding environmental and safety complexities in South Africa's proclaimed fishing harbours, including Gordon's Bay, Lamberts Bay, Saldanha Bay, St Helena Bay and Hout Bay. 'For too long, these derelict vessels have been a blight on our harbours, endangering our marine environment and the safety of those who rely on these waters. I am committed to reversing this legacy of neglect and ensuring our coastal infrastructure supports both environmental sustainability and economic prosperity,' the Minister said. Under the authority of the Wreck and Salvage Act 94 of 1996, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has issued Marine Information Notice MIN 08-25, directing the owners of identified wrecks to remove their vessels by 16 June 2025. Failure to comply by this date will result in further action by the authorities, with costs recoverable from the owners as stipulated in the Act. According to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment the removal of these wrecks will enhance the safety of harbours, protect marine biodiversity, and support the livelihoods of communities that depend on these waters. 'Our harbours are vital to our coastal communities and marine ecosystems. By removing these wrecks, we are safeguarding our oceans for future generations and creating safer, more sustainable hubs for maritime activities,' George said. The department, in consultation with SAMSA, will ensure that the process is conducted responsibly, prioritising environmental protection and compliance with legal frameworks. The Minister has called on all wrecked and abandoned vessel owners to cooperate fully with this directive and contact SAMSA promptly to arrange compliance by 16 June 2025. 'I urge vessel owners to act swiftly and responsibly to meet the 16 June 2025 deadline. Together, we can restore the vibrancy of our harbours and protect the natural heritage of our coastline,' he said. 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.
Daily Maverick
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Minister to remove wrecks from small harbours after fishers' outcry
Remove your wrecks or we will and charge you, Dion George tells boat owners. In many small fishing harbours derelict and abandoned vessels clog moorings, pose safety risks and symbolise decades of government inaction. After facing fierce criticism from fishing communities during his recent Fishing for Freedom imbizo, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dion George has announced urgent action to remove them. George said this week that his department, in partnership with the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa), has initiated a clean-up campaign targeting wrecked vessels across several proclaimed fishing harbours. These include Hout Bay, Gordon's Bay, Lamberts Bay, Saldanha Bay and St Helena Bay. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads Under the authority of the Wreck and Salvage Act, vessel owners have been served notice: remove your sunken boats by 16 June 2025 or the government will do so – at your expense. 'For too long, these derelict vessels have been a blight on our harbours, endangering our marine environment and the safety of those who rely on these waters,' George said in a statement. 'I am committed to reversing this legacy of neglect and ensuring our coastal infrastructure supports both environmental sustainability and economic prosperity.' A tipping point in Hout Bay The announcement comes less than a month after a stormy public imbizo in Hout Bay, where the minister was met with frustration, anger and desperation from fishers, harbour tenants and community leaders. The gathering, part of a nationwide tour to engage with coastal fishing communities, was meant to focus on fishing rights, but quickly turned into an informal referendum on government harbour neglect. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads In Hout Bay harbour, the minister was greeted by the smell of raw sewage, sagging buildings and boats bobbing beside others that had already sunk. Entire sections of the quay wall were collapsing and critical infrastructure – from water and electricity supplies to slipways and lighting – was non-functional. Derelict warehouses like the Bluefin building stood abandoned, providing shelter for squatters and rodents rather than economic opportunity. Fishers and business owners accused the government of abdicating responsibility. Sean Walker, a prominent figure in the local fishing industry, delivered a blunt warning: 'We don't have much more time. This harbour is in a sorry state of repair. It's threatening not just businesses, but an entire working-class economy that's been holding on by its fingernails.' Long promises, little delivery Justin Strong, who heads the Hout Bay Harbour Tenants Association and runs the well-known seafood eatery Snoekies, echoed the sentiment. 'I've been attending meetings like this for 15 years,' he told the minister. 'We've had millions spent on feasibility studies and spatial frameworks. But nothing from those plans has been implemented. Not one thing.' Strong detailed how tenants were forced to install their own lighting, clean up rubbish at their own cost and attempt to secure areas where break-ins had become commonplace. 'We light up the parking lot with six spotlights because otherwise it's pitch-dark,' he said. 'There's no meaningful security. We've had three break-ins at Snoekies just this past month.' advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads As for the harbour's crumbling infrastructure, Strong pointed to a bureaucratic tug-of-war between the Department of Public Works and the Department of Fisheries, which has left maintenance efforts paralysed. 'Each says the other is responsible. Meanwhile, nothing gets fixed,' he said. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads George acknowledged this confusion. 'I wasn't even sure myself who manages the toilets,' he commented to the crowd. He pledged to raise the issue directly with the minister of public works and proposed the creation of a liaison forum to ensure future communication is direct and accountable. But many in attendance were sceptical. Kobus Poggenpoel, a generational fisher from Kalk Bay, voiced frustration over the cycle of promises. 'Maybe setting up yet another forum may work, maybe not,' he said. 'Every year politicians come and talk about transformation and integration, but nothing happens.' A first step – or more talk? Against this backdrop, the announcement of the wreck removal campaign will be cautiously welcomed by harbour users – as long as it's seen through. The presence of abandoned vessels has been a long-standing concern, not only because they take up valuable mooring space, but because they often leak oil, attract crime and create physical hazards for active fishers. 'This is one of the easiest wins,' said Walker. 'You don't need a five-year spatial framework to raise a sunken boat.' George's directive is specific: under Marine Information Notice MIN 08-25 issued by Samsa, owners of the identified wrecks must remove them by 16 June 2025. After that, the state will step in and remove them, recovering the costs from the owners as allowed under the Act. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads 'This initiative reflects Minister George's dedication to rolling back the ills of the past and restoring the integrity of South Africa's coastal infrastructure,' the department said. 'The removal of these wrecks will enhance the safety of harbours, protect marine biodiversity and support the livelihoods of communities that depend on these waters.' George added: 'By removing these wrecks, we are safeguarding our oceans for future generations and creating safer, more sustainable hubs for maritime activities.' Beyond boats For the Hout Bay fishing community, the derelict vessels are only one part of a much broader crisis. The most immediate needs are often depressingly basic: working toilets, running water, secure lighting and functioning pumps. 'We're being held back by things that are fixable,' Walker stressed during the imbizo. 'We can't control the sea. We can't control the weather. But we can fix a pump. We can fix a light. We can fix a jetty. And if we don't, we'll lose it all.' Many speakers called for better interdepartmental coordination. 'Bring Public Works and Fisheries together,' Walker urged. 'Two ministers, two key officials, in one room. No more feasibility studies, no more five-year frameworks. Just a concrete plan.' advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads Regan James, a local activist, pointed out that the rot is not just physical but symbolic. 'This harbour is a reflection of how our community is treated. It's not just about fishing – it's about dignity. It's about survival.' He also raised concerns about small-scale fishing allocations, suggesting that quotas are often poorly matched to the realities on the ground. 'You can't catch a sardine on a handline,' he quipped. 'You gave us a basket we can't even catch.' George's response to these grievances was measured, if at times constrained. He spoke of the international respect afforded to South Africa's fisheries scientists, but also acknowledged the resource challenges his department faces. 'We've gone from 700 staff to fewer than 400,' he said. 'And I'm managing 261 ongoing court challenges related to fishing rights.' But he expressed a wish: 'I want to walk through this harbour in the future and see that it's been fixed. Otherwise I'll know I failed.' The wreck removal directive, while not a comprehensive fix, may prove to be the first visible sign of this wish. It's an important test. DM
IOL News
14-05-2025
- IOL News
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden named among the world's top gardens
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden has been named among the top gardens in the world - an accolade Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Minister Dion George said celebrates South Africa's extraordinary natural heritage and the global significance of this iconic botanical treasure. This is according to a New York Times list, The 25 Gardens You Must See, where they asked six horticultural experts to debate and ultimately choose the places that have changed the way people look at and think about plants. Gardens from 20 countries were nominated, with Italy and the United Kingdom coming out on top; each ended up with five on the final list, followed by France with four.
Zawya
09-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Minister Dion George concludes South Africa's participation at Copenhagen Climate Ministerial
Minister Dion George, South Africa's Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, has concluded an impactful participation at the Copenhagen Climate Ministerial in Denmark on 7-8 May 2025, reinforcing South Africa's commitment to a resilient, sustainable future. Representing the nation ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, Minister Dion George championed South Africa's priorities, ensuring the voices of its people, wildlife, and ecosystems shape the global climate agenda. The Ministerial was a critical platform to advance the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C target, with direct implications for South Africans. Climate change threatens livelihoods through droughts, floods, and rising temperatures, impacting food security, jobs in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, and endangering iconic wildlife and vital marine resources. Minister Dion George's leadership secured progress on ambitious climate commitments that drive job creation, poverty reduction, and biodiversity conservation, embedding community and environmental upliftment. He advocated for a just transition, protecting workers in high-carbon sectors while unlocking opportunities in renewable energy and green technologies. Minister Dion George also championed increased climate finance for adaptation, including water infrastructure, climate-smart agriculture, and marine conservation, to improve daily life and protect ecosystems. From coastal communities to rural farms and wildlife reserves, South Africa promoted solutions to strengthen resilience against climate impacts. These outcomes translate into tangible benefits: cleaner air, safer water, healthier oceans, and new jobs in green sectors. South Africa's engagement secured stronger global partnerships, clearer funding pathways, and renewed momentum to tackle climate change, empowering communities and safeguarding natural heritage. Minister Dion George stated, 'Our work in Copenhagen is a step toward a future where South Africans thrive in a low-carbon economy, with resilient communities and protected biodiversity. We will carry these engagements forward into the G20, ensuring our priorities continue to shape global climate action.' South Africa returns from Copenhagen with commitments to advance its climate agenda, delivering resources, technology, and support for its people and environment. The nation is poised to build on this momentum at the G20 and beyond, driving a just and sustainable future for all. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
