Day: October 5, 2022

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Barbara Creecy, delivers opening remarks at the 11th Openheimer Generations Research and Conservation Conference

Programme Director Dr Duncan MacFadyen

Mr Nicky Oppenheimer and Mrs Strilli Oppenheimer

Representatives from Government and various research and related organizations

Young researchers and seasoned members of academia

Distinguished delegates

Ladies and gentlemen

Good Afternoon

It is a great honour for me to be part of this, the 11th Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation Conference – one of the most important environmental research conferences on the South African, and now also on the African, biodiversity and conservation research calendar.  Allow me also to sincerely thank the organisers for accommodating me in this afternoon time slot. I returned from Kinshasa where I was attending the PreCop 27 meeting in the early hours of this morning and I just wasn’t going to be coherent at 9am today!

Ladies and Gentlemen this audience understands more than others the crisis confronting our natural world and indeed the future of humanity as we know it. Climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution threaten the environment on which we depend and weaken  our economic  and social systems.

Concern for the environmental crisis is no longer confined to multilateral institutions or the non-governmental sector. This year, the World Economic Forum’s annual Global Risks Perception Survey (GRPS) identified climate action failure, extreme weather events, biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse  as the top three of the top ten global risks by severity over the next ten years.

In the context of these interlinked global risks, the role of scientific research in promoting evidence based decision -making becomes more important than ever before. Equally important is the role of scientific research in finding innovative solutions to the existential challenges facing mankind

This conference presents us with cutting-edge scientific research that can set the agenda for future action to mitigate and adapt to climate change and protect  our environment. Importantly, in addition to the ecological components, the social and economic aspects of sustainable development, based on leveraging our rich biodiversity heritage and resources, are included in the programme. 

This conference could not have come at a more suitable time given that South Africa is working to finalise the development of the draft White Paper on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biodiversity, as well as South Africa’s first Game Meat Strategy.

These two measures provide a clear understanding of our intentions and aspirations as we promote the sustainable use of our natural heritage to enable and facilitate transformative socio-economic development, but also to ensure that we conserve biodiversity for current and future generations. 

In other words, the actions we take today must not only secure ecological sustainability into the future, but must also promote justifiable economic and social development to reduce poverty, inequality, and unemployment, especially for our rural communities.

The publication of the two documents was recommended by the High-Level Panel of Experts (HLP) that reviewed our existing policies, legislation and practices on matters of elephant, lion, leopard and rhinoceros management, breeding, hunting, trade and handling.

Among the many findings of the Panel was that, despite having a range of biodiversity and sustainable use legislation and policies, biodiversity loss continues to threaten the health of ecosystems and the survival of species, resulting in negative impacts for livelihoods and the economy. Global climate change, habitat loss and degradation, invasive alien species, overharvesting, and illegal harvesting all threaten biodiversity.

The draft White Paper focuses on a future in which all South Africans live in harmony with nature, a future in which our biodiversity sector is transformed, and a future in which rural communities benefit from access to our rich natural environment as we conserve our country’s biodiversity and maintain and restore ecological integrity. It also sets out important principles which will guide future policy, legislation, and decision-making across the sector. 

The Draft White Paper has a policy objective specific to research, Objective 6.3: namely that knowledge and understanding of South Africa’s biodiversity informs effective decision-making and practice. Under this objective the White Paper emphasises the need for targeted research to address knowledge gaps, the need for strategic biodiversity inventories, and for thematic and Rapid Biodiversity Assessments.  This recommendation supports the findings of the 2018 National Biodiversity Assessment which  emphasised  the importance of long-term, monitoring of specific species and biodiversity at specific sites to ensure long term survival of ecosystems and species.

The White Paper emphasises the importance of research and inventory partnerships, as well as for broader collaboration, and the removal of barriers and impediments to effective biodiversity research, such as inappropriate permitting requirements.

Furthermore, the draft White Paper highlights the value of Indigenous/Traditional knowledge and practices providing localised solutions to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, and the need for this to inform biodiversity policy development and decision-making. Much research is needed in this regard, and should be prioritised by academics and research institutions.

The Game Meat Strategy acknowledges the significant contribution made by the diversity of South Africa’s wildlife models, and the potential for wildlife businesses to drive critical elements of the value chain.

Importantly,  the strategy recognises a need to improve on the status quo, with behavioural change to create win-win outcomes. The strategy will move from an informal industry, towards larger commercial ventures that provide for economies of scale.

Recognising the imperative for transformation, the strategy identifies opportunities for community-based enterprises to drive rural socio-economic development. There are also high barriers to entry, which would need to be addressed.

As we emerge from the COVID 19 Pandemic it is important to note and track  the implementation of the One Health concept, which focusses on the consequences, responses and actions at the animal–human–ecosystem interface.

Our approach recognises the increase in emerging and endemic zoonoses,  and the burden this places on the developing world, with  major societal impacts in resource-poor settings.

Just as important is antimicrobial resistance and food safety. Interdisciplinary collaboration is at the heart of the One Health concept and we must look at the lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic to plan better.

The HLP report, and the Draft White Paper, in considering animal wellbeing, emphasised the need to take the One Health approach further, into the concept of One Welfare, which emphasises the link between animal welfare, human wellbeing, biodiversity and the environment.

This is a new area for the Department, arising from the NEMLA Bill, and we encourage academics to undertake research in this regard, and inform the development and implementation processes.

As you know, The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act requires the department to promote research on biodiversity conservation, including the sustainable use, protection and conservation of indigenous biological resources. 

For this reason, we have been implementing the National Biodiversity Research and Evidence Strategy (NBRES) 2015-2025 which seeks answers to important questions that relate to our living heritage and its benefits to the people of South Africa.

The Department hosts an annual Indaba in this regard, and researchers are encouraged to link with the Department to participate in the translation of their research into practical actions.

Ladies and Gentlemen at the beginning of my speech I indicated that I returned last night from Kinshasa where I attend the Precop27 meeting of parties to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change.

South Africa is fully committed to contributing our best efforts to mitigating climate change and supporting the adaptation capabilities of communities and regions to build climate resilience.

In this regard, we submitted an updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in September 2021, which includes a significantly more ambitious mitigation target.

To ensure a science-based response to the climate crisis, which is centrally important to our just transition, we are funding a wide range of research, development and innovation programmes and interventions which I was proud to report on in Kinshasa. These include:

•             the Global Change Research Plan (GCRP) and its associated programmes and interventions;

•             a Marine and Antarctic Strategy;

•             the South African Risk and Vulnerability Atlas (SARVA);

•             Water and Waste Roadmaps;

•             Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS);

•             Earth Observation work under the Space Sub-Programme;

•             The hydrogen and fuel cell technology development process under the Hydrogen Society Roadmap;

•             detailed mapping of renewable energy resources, via wind and solar atlases

•             the advanced batteries (energy storage) initiative,

•             multiple programmes on moving towards a circular economy, and finally,

•             a strong research focus on water resources.

I am heartened to read in the programme that topics such as biodiversity loss, reintroduction of critically endangered species, landscape ecology, climate change and wildlife economies will be covered during this conference as these are not only central, but also aligned to South Africa’s future vision for a prosperous nation living in harmony with nature.

The work presented here is not only relevant to providing solutions for South Africa, but its cutting-edge excellence informs African and global approaches, and demonstrates South Africa’s continued leadership in climate change, biodiversity conservation and sustainable use research.

I wish you a very successful three days of deliberation.

I thank you.

Source: Government of South Africa

The City is urging investors, entrepreneurs and others in Cape Town to save the date for the inaugural Atlantis Business Expo happening on Wednesday, 19 October 2022 at the Atlantis Multipurpose Sports Centre.

The expo, which is free to attend, will showcase some of the area’s small businesses active across a range of sectors, including security, construction, catering, and business consulting. There will also be a series of information-sharing sessions.

‘In just a few years, Atlantis has become a major economic hub in Cape Town. With this summit, which is geared towards businesspeople, the City is aiming to assist in the development of small and medium-size enterprises by providing them with a platform to market their goods and services, and interact with prominent business leaders, government officials and other key economic stakeholders. The expo is looking to connect entrepreneurs and investors wanting to grow, diversify or enter partnerships with one of the many business and franchise opportunities to be showcased,’ said Alderman James Vos, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth.

The region has become a major player in the greentech sector, thanks to the Atlantis Special Economic Zone (ASEZ), attracting R790 million in green investments, with billions more projected over the next two decades.

‘This is an industry that presents huge opportunities for investors, developers and operators while simultaneously ensuring sustained growth that will benefit communities with employment and economic prospects across multiple sectors. This summit is an ideal opportunity to learn about what this area has to offer,’ said Alderman Vos.

Atlantis Business Expo details:

Date: Wednesday, 19 October 2022

Time: 9am – 2pm

Venue: Atlantis Multipurpose Sports Centre, Christopher Starke Street, Atlantis

To RSVP for the expo or to find out more information about it, contact Kyle Williamson on Kyle.Williamson@capetown.gov.za.

For more information on the City’s Business Hub workshops and events, contact The Business Hub team on business.support@capetown.gov.za or +27 21 417 4043 with your business-related queries.

Source: City Of Cape Town

The confiscations also included more than 200 replica firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

A review of the Law Enforcement and Metro Police enforcement statistics between 1 July 2021 and June 2022 shows that officers recovered 206 firearms, 239 imitation or replica firearms, and 2 260 rounds of ammunition.

‘We have seen a marked increase in the number of firearms taken off the streets by our staff since the introduction of LEAP in some of our most crime-plagued policing precincts. These successes are not only due to the increased resources on the ground, but also growing trust from communities who, more and more, are sharing tip offs and other relevant information that makes these confiscations possible. It is our firm belief that, as the City continues to expand its safety and security arsenal, we will see even more dangerous weapons taken off our streets, and perpetrators brought to book.

‘However, as we have indicated many times before, arrests and confiscations are only as useful as the prosecution of suspects – an area that the City has no control over. What we have introduced over the past few years is a system of watching briefs over cases that stemmed from City enforcement arrests, to monitor the outcomes and make representations if need be,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

The City is currently conducting watching briefs in just over 480 cases reported at various police stations between 1 January 2021 and June 2022.

The cases relate to successes by Law Enforcement and Metro Police.

During the first six months of this year, the top five police stations with the highest number of firearm and ammunition cases registered were:

Philippi (25)

Kraaifontein (24)

Delft (24)

Nyanga (23)

Mfuleni (21)

‘The watching briefs are a critical undertaking for the Safety and Security Directorate, because it helps us keep tabs on the status of cases, but also how those matters are concluded. It also gives staff an opportunity to be aware of how the case unfolded once they handed the arrest docket over to SAPS for further investigation, and serves as motivation to get back out on the streets and continue doing the very good work that the statistics illuminate.

‘On behalf of the Portfolio Committee, I applaud the staff for their hard work and commitment to public safety and putting themselves in harm’s way to remove these dangerous weapons from our streets. Of course, the increased use of replica firearms is of concern – while they may not be able to cause serious injury, it does not lessen the trauma for a victim of crime,’ said the Chairperson of the City’s Safety and Security Portfolio Committee, Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe.

Source: City Of Cape Town

Cape Town residents are encouraged to reach out to the City of Cape Town’s independent Ombudsman’s Office on Wednesdays throughout the month of October 2022 at the Cape Town Civic Centre. This additional outreach to bring services closer to residents is in honour of International Ombudman’s Month which aims to highlight the importance of these oversight bodies and to encourage residents to make use of the services offered.

Ombudsman’s Office teams will be at the Cape Town Civic Centre, Concourse Level, at the municipal customer care office on Wednesdays from 10:00 to 13:00, on 5, 12, 19 and 26 October 2022. The Ombudsman’s Office assists residents with all last-resort municipal complaints as part of its function of making sure the City performs on its service delivery mandate timeously, properly, inclusively and respectfully.

The October Month initiative is in addition to The Office of the Ombudsman stationed permanently at the following municipal offices:

Khayelitsha Walk-in Centre

Liberty Promenade Mall Walk-in Centre, Mitchells Plain

Kuils River Walk-in Centre

Durbanville Walk-in Centre

‘We are using the month of October to highlight the importance of holding government to account and to empower residents with the knowledge that they have last-resort complaint channels to ensure the City of Cape Town remains an open, transparent and responsive government that delivers on its service delivery mandate.

‘Our office continues to ensure that we bring our services closer to communities, especially closer to vulnerable residents. We encourage residents to visit us to learn more about our services and how we can assist them with their complaints,’ said the City’s Ombudsman, Vusumzi Magwebu.

How to lodge a complaint with the Ombudsman

Once a complaint form has been completed, it can be sent by post or delivered to:

The Ombudsman

Third floor

Tower Block

Cape Town Civic Centre

12 Hertzog Boulevard

8001

Cape Town

Alternatively, the complaint form can be emailed to ombudsdirect@capetown.gov.za or faxed to 021 400 5952.

Please always describe a complaint in detail, including the name/s of the official/s involved, what happened and any relevant dates and times. Please always include any relevant documentation or evidence. The Ombudsman’s Office will assess the complaint to determine whether the office can assist or whether to direct the complainant to the appropriate department or institution.

The office follows the Ombudsman By-law (2015). It functions with independence, credibility and impartiality. It is against the law and South African Constitution to interfere in the business, powers and functions of this office. The City encourages members of the public to approach the Ombudsman once they have exhausted the required channels.

There are many City complaint channels available to members of the public, depending on the nature of the complaint.

The Ombudsman does not investigate the following complaints, as there are other complaint channels for these:

any legislative or executive decisions by the Council, any of its portfolio committees or subcouncils;

any matter involving an allegation of fraud, corruption or corporate crime as referred to in the City’s Fraud Prevention Policy;

any matter or dispute which must be dealt with or settled within the field of labour law;

any allegation relating to financial irregularities;

any cases where the complainant has not reported the matter to the line department as a first port of call;

any alleged irregular conduct of a councillor;

any complaint which is vexatious or frivolous;

any tender-related matter; and

administrative appeals.

Contact for assistance/information

SMS 44781

Contact details: 021 400 1701 and 021 400 9441 (Monday to Friday, except on public holidays) between 10:00 and 14:30

Email: ombudsdirect@capetown.gov.za

For more information, please visit: www.capetown.gov.za/Ombudscomplaints

Source: City Of Cape Town

KIMBERLEY – A male suspect was apprehended on Wednesday, 05 October 2022 on the R357 road between Douglas and Kimberley and is expected to appear in the Douglas Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 06 October 2022 on a charge of dealing in dagga.

The arrest comes after members of Douglas Visible Policing in partnership with Provincial Traffic officers and Safety Volunteers were conducting a road safety awareness campaign on the R357, when they pulled over a white Volkswagen Polo Vivo.

The team inspected the vehicle to check whether the vehicle was road worthy and found that vehicle’s licence disc was invalid, as it has expired.

Members searched the vehicle and discovered bags of dagga stashed in the boot. The suspect was enroute to deliver dagga in Prieska.

The Acting District Commander of Pixley Ka Seme, Brigadier Nomana Adonis praised the team for their alertness and for their relentless efforts in the plight to eradicate drugs from society. “We will continue to intensify police visibility to clamp down on those who are making use of the public roads to transport illicit goods”, said Brigadier Nomana.

Source: South African Police Service

NGCOBO – Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects involved in a business robbery which also resulted in the murder of two people and injuring another at Lahlangubo Administrative Area in Ngcobo today.

It is reported that earlier today at about 01:00, police were summoned to a complaint of robbery in progress at the shop in Lahlangubo Administrative Area in Ngcobo.  Upon arriving at the scene, police found the bodies of two male,   aged 32 and 34, inside the shop with gunshot wounds.  A 60-year-old woman, was rushed to hospital with a gunshot wound.

An undisclosed amount of cash, cigarettes and airtime vouchers were stolen.

Cases of murder (two counts), with additional charges of attempted murder and business robbery is under investigation. The circumstances surrounding the incident are unknown, at this stage. The suspects are still at large.

Police are appealing to members of the public to assist with information that could lead to arrest of the suspects.  The Station Commander of SAPS Ngcobo, Colonel Xolani Sali may be contacted on 082 442 4163 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. All information will be treated confidentially and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

Source: South African Police Service

NELSPRUIT – A decomposed body of a woman was found in a ceiling of a certain house on Tuesday morning, 04 October 2022 around 11:00 in Minaar Street at Balfour.

According to the report, the Police recieved a complaint of a bad odour coming from a house in the area of Balfour. On arrival police found a woman who indicated that she has moved into the said house about a month ago to stay with the father of her child.

The Police began to check the house in order to determine where the odour was coming from. At first, the ceiling trapdoor did not show clearly what was inside, however the members proceeded to the next room and broke the ceiling where they made a discovery of a human body wrapped with some clothes.

Emergency Services personnel were summoned to the scene however, the body was in a decomposed state in such a way that the gender could not be determined at that time. It was later established through the shoes that the victim was wearing as well as the nail polish and other features that the body is that of a female person. A murder case is being investigated by the police.

On further questioning by police, the woman indicated that she too was concerned about the odour and even asked her partner but he responded that it was due to rats. When she was asked on the whereabouts of her companion, the woman indicated that she last saw him on Saturday, 01 October 2022 when he indicated that he was going to make payments of some accounts and then vanished. The family is yet to identify the deceased.

The investigators believe that Mr Thabo Silas Tsotetsi (photo attached) could assist in their investigation therefore police urge anyone who may know his whereabouts or anyone with information that may help in the investigation to contact Detective Sergeant Moeketsi Mofokeng at 072 351 3801 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively members of the public can send information via MySAPS App. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has condemned the incident in the strongest possible terms it deserves. “This is really heartbreaking for a woman to be murdered and her body being concealed in such a manner. We strongly suspect that this is another gender-based violence incident but hope and trust that anyone behind this murder will feel the full might of the law” said the General.

Source: South African Police Service