Latest news with #DrDionGeorge
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
South Africa: Minister Dion George welcomes arrest of international rhino horn syndicate
After a seven-year investigation, the Wildlife Trafficking Section of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit has dismantled a major transnational rhino horn trafficking network. The syndicate is linked to a fraudulent scheme involving 964 rhino horns, worth millions of rands, destined for illegal markets in Southeast Asia. Six suspects, between the ages of 49 and 84, face charges of fraud, theft, and contravention of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) of 2004, with additional charges of racketeering and money laundering under consideration. The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has hailed the arrests as a decisive victory in South Africa's fight against international wildlife crime. 'This complex investigation, which was also supported by the Enforcement unit of the Department (the Green Scorpions) and the National Prosecuting Authority, is a powerful demonstration of South Africa's resolve to protect its natural heritage,' said Minister George. 'The Hawks' work shows that our enforcement agencies will not hesitate to pursue those who plunder our wildlife for criminal profit. The illegal trade in rhino horn not only destroys biodiversity but also undermines the rule of law and the foundations of environmental governance.' Investigations reveal that the suspects allegedly defrauded the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment by securing permits under false pretences to buy and sell rhino horns domestically, while funnelling them into illegal international markets. Under South African law, domestic trade is permitted with valid DFFE-issued permits in terms of NEMBA. International commercial trade in rhino horn is banned under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The six suspects, five men and one woman, surrendered to the Hawks at Sunnyside Police Station and appeared before the Pretoria Magistrates' Court on 19 August 2025. Dr George added: 'Let there be no doubt: South Africa will bring the full force of its laws against those who plunder our wildlife. This arrest proves that syndicates cannot escape justice, no matter how complex their schemes.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Zawya
08-08-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa's ambitious plan to tackle plastic microbead pollution
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has published draft regulations for comment that are aimed at prohibiting the production, distribution, sale, import, and export of plastic microbeads and products containing them. Image credit: Anastasia Yaniuk on Dupe Photos The regulations underscore South Africa's commitment to safeguarding marine ecosystems, rivers, and soils from the pervasive harm caused by these non-biodegradable pollutants, which often enter waterways through wastewater and accumulate in food chains. Protecting SA's natural heritage "This is a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to protect South Africa's precious natural heritage from the scourge of plastic pollution. Plastic microbeads may be small, but their impact on our oceans and wildlife is immense. 'By banning them, we are not only preserving biodiversity but also ensuring a healthier future for generations to come. I urge all stakeholders to engage with this process and help shape regulations that truly make a difference,' the minister said. The proposed regulations, issued under the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), seek to eliminate the use of plastic microbeads – tiny solid plastic particles smaller than five millimetres commonly found in cosmetics, personal care items, pesticides, toiletries, and other products. Once enacted, the rules will impose a blanket prohibition on these microbeads, with provisions for monitoring, evaluation, and strict penalties for non-compliance, including fines up to R10m or imprisonment for up to 20 years in cases of repeated offences. A transitional phase allows existing stocks to be phased out over 24 months, requiring affected parties to notify the director-general and submit phase-out plans. Submit your comment The public has been invited to submit written comments on the draft regulations within 30 days from the date of publication in the Government Gazette. Submissions can be sent by post to the Director-General, Attention: Mr Jeremia Sibande, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Private Bag X447, Pretoria, 0001; by hand at Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria; or by email to jsibande@ For inquiries, contact 082 302 6907. The draft regulations will soon be available for download on the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment's website or can be obtained directly from the department. Comments received after the closing date may not be considered. The department said it is dedicated to promoting sustainable development and conserving South Africa's natural resources for the benefit of all. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
06-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Minister Dion George to sign Landmark Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement on behalf of South Africa at the 2025 United Nations Oceans Conference in France
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, will be attending the third United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France and will on 9 June 2025, sign the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement on behalf of South Africa. Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, UNOC3 seeks to accelerate global action to conserve and sustainably use the ocean, in support of Sustainable Development Goal 14: 'Life Below Water'. This year's conference theme is Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean with three main priorities: (1) Advancing multilateral ocean processes and ambition; (2) Scaling up financing for ocean sustainability and blue economies; and (3) Strengthening marine science, knowledge-sharing and decision-making. Minister George and the other Member States are scheduled to formally sign the BBNJ Agreement during a high-level signing ceremony convened by the UNOC3 Secretariat. 'Signing the BBNJ, which is a crucial agreement geared toward strengthening governance in areas beyond national jurisdiction, will mark a significant milestone in the country's ocean governance journey and a reflection of our resolve to contribute meaningfully,' said Minister George. South Africa has developed a robust suite of legal frameworks, aligned with its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). These include the National Environmental Management Act, the Integrated Coastal Management Act, the Marine Spatial Planning Act, the Marine Living Resources Act, the Biodiversity Act, and the Protected Areas Act. These instruments collectively provide for the sustainable use, spatial planning, and protection of marine ecosystems within national jurisdiction. South Africa also actively participates in regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs), such as the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), promoting cooperative, science-based management of shared marine resources. 'In line with our local legal frameworks, the signing of the BBNJ will bolster global ocean governance and help advance our efforts to build our economy, while fiercely protecting our ocean,' said Minister George. South Africa is ahead of the curve because in line with the global efforts to protect the ocean, on World Environment Day, the Minister launched South Africa's inaugural Climate Change Coastal Adaptation Response Plan (CARP). CARP is a groundbreaking climate change national adaptation strategy which seeks to secure the future of South Africa's coastlines and the millions who depend on them. 'Our coastline or coastal cities are at the frontline of climate change, facing severe and multifaceted complexities that threaten livelihoods, communities, economies, infrastructure, and ecosystems,' said Minister George during the launch. In the build up to UNOC3, Minister George will also participate in the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, which is a high-level platform to showcase innovation and finance for ocean-based growth, taking place in Monaco on 7-8 June 2025. The Forum will highlight and promote the critical role that sustainable investment, cutting-edge innovation, and forward-thinking policies play in ensuring the long-term health and prosperity of our oceans and economies alike. Minister George highlighted that the Forum is a vital platform for South Africa, as our ocean and blue economy is a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development. 'Scaling up financing for ocean sustainability and blue economies is one of the key priorities of the UNOC3 and the Forum thus becomes an integral space for us to advance our economic growth and job creation prospects,' said Minister George. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
