JOHANNESBURG – The South African government has initiated a five-year, R2.67 billion project aimed at eradicating invasive alien plants across communities, particularly in rural areas. Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, announced this during the launch of the Gauteng Working for Water Environmental Programme in Heidelberg. The program, which is part of the broader Working for Water initiative, seeks to create 38,839 work opportunities annually, focusing on combating the threat posed by invasive species to biodiversity, water resources, and livelihoods.

According to South African Government News Agency, invasive alien plants present significant challenges to the environment and economy by exacerbating the impacts of floods, droughts, and wildfires, and by affecting sectors such as forestry and agriculture. These species also contribute to the loss of 3-5% of South Africa’s water runoff each year, a substantial concern for a water-scarce country. The South African National Biodiversity Institute’s (SANBI) 2019 Report on Biological Invasions details these and other impacts, such as the increased risk of fire and the displacement of indigenous plant species, which in turn can harm tourism and disrupt ecosystem services that mitigate natural disasters.

The program aims to restore natural habitats and ecosystem services, thus aiding the fight against climate change effects. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment has extended its contracting period to five years, providing more sustainable employment opportunities and supporting local small enterprises in rural communities.

This long-term approach allows these enterprises to invest in their businesses, enhancing their participation in the invasive species clearing value chain and furthering the government’s policies on economic inclusion and transformation. The commitment of R2.67 billion is expected to clear hectares and create 194,195 work opportunities over the five-year period.

The Gauteng Working for Water Programme alone, with a budget of R152 million, will target clearing 74,781 hectares across five Gauteng municipalities from 2023/2024, aiming to create 13,615 work opportunities using the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) model. Additionally, the department is working in collaboration with the South African National Parks (SANParks) to implement the program. SANParks has been allocated R947.71 million to clear 431,237 hectares and create 90,710 work opportunities over the same period.