Government Reaffirmes
its Commitment to Improved Air Quality in
the Vaal Triangle by Launching air Quality
Monitoring Stations.
11 April 2007 - Media Statement - Department
of Environmental Affairs and Tourism - WEDNESDAY,
11 APRIL 2007: “The launch of the first
government -owned Air Quality Monitoring
Network for the Vaal Triangle marks a new
chapter in our quest to liberate communities
from breathing air that has been polluted
by harmful substances”.
These were the words of Deputy Minister
of Environmental Affairs, Rejoice Mabudafhasi
at the official opening of the six Air quality
monitoring stations in the Vaal airshed
today.
The air quality monitoring stations are
installed within various municipalities
in the Vaal Triangle and four of them are
located in schools. They are aimed at providing
scientific air quality data in the Vaal
airshed which will be used as a basis against
which informed air quality management decisions
are taken in terms of priority areas (hot
spots). The stations will also assist to
verify the accuracy of data received from
the industry’s own monitoring stations.
The Deputy Minister highlighted that the
placing of monitoring stations in schools
demonstrates that the department’s focus
is not only to measure the amount of air
pollution in the area but also as a gesture
to instill environmental knowledge and interest
amongst the youth and communities at large.
She also indicated that since the area
has been declared a priority area, significant
progress has been achieved in terms of developing
an air quality management plan, which outings
a systematic approach in addressing air
pollution from all sources.
Deputy Minister Mabudafhasi warned industries
that do not wish to cooperate by providing
the necessary information about their emissions,
that government will exercise its legal
powers to ensure compliance at all times.
To view the Deputy Minister Mabudafhasi’s
speech, click here.
Blessing Manale
Visit to Assess Efficiency of Service Delivery
at OR Tambo Presidential Node, Eastern Cape
by Environmental Affairs and Tourism Deputy
Minister, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi
12 April 2007 - Media Statement - Department
of Environmental Affairs and Tourism - THURSDAY,
12 APRIL 2007: Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi will
hold discussions on service delivery with
the leadership of OR Tambo Presidential
Node on the 13th April ’07 in her capacity
as the Political Champion at this node.
The Deputy Minister’s visit comes within
the context of government’s commitment to
strengthen capacity of local municipalities,
in an effort to facilitate efficient service
delivery.
The discussions will be held with the leadership
and stakeholders including the Executive
Mayor of OR Tambo District Municipality,
Mayors of Local Municipalities, Councilors,
Municipal managers and Eastern Cape Provincial
departments involved in integrated service
delivery and poverty eradication projects
within the OR Tambo District Municipality.
The Deputy Minister will also review progress
on implementation of socio-economic development
projects by holding discussions with members
of the communities to obtain their views
as the targeted recipients of service delivery
in the OR Tambo Presidential Node.
Deputy Minister Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi
will also hold discussions on:
Assessment of the Local Economic Development
strategy for the Municipalities
Progress on key anchor projects in the district
Challenges in providing services, developing
infrastructure and promoting sustainable
employment opportunities
These discussions will be followed by visits
to assess the status of socio-economic development
projects within the Presidential Node. In
the event the Deputy Minister finds blockages
which impede service delivery and the implementation
of projects, she will facilitate amicable
solutions in consultation with relevant
stakeholders.
Members of the media are invited to be
part of the proceedings as well as to interview
the Deputy Minister on socio-economic development
issues.
Moses Rannditsheni
Authorities seize more than 5 tons of abalone,
6 arrested in KZN
11 April 2007 - Media Statement - Department
of Environmental Affairs and Tourism - WEDNESDAY,
11 APRIL 2007: Durban, 11 April 2007 - An
intensive joint investigation by various
government agencies today uncovered a sophisticated
network of abalone smuggling in the largest
seizure of abalone in KwaZulu-Natal to date.
Six suspects, four of whom are foreign nationals,
were arrested during an early morning raid
on a farm in Camperdown outside Durban.
The investigation, based on intelligence
gathered of abalone smuggling in South Africa,
uncovered between 5 and 6 tons of dried
and wet (shucked) abalone worth between
R10 million and R12 million. This is the
largest seizure in KwaZulu-Natal as the
province is not traditionally known as a
prominent destination for abalone smuggling.
The suspects are expected to appear in
court later this week.
Investigators from the Marine and Coastal
Management (MCM) of the Department of Environmental
Affairs and Tourism, the Directorate of
Special Operations (DSO), the South African
Revenue Service (SARS), and a Special Task
Force of the South African Police Service
(SAPS), early this morning raided a farm
in Camperdown outside Durban.
As of May 1 this year abalone will be included
on the Cites list of protected species.
However, the levels of illicit trade in
abalone are fast depleting South Africa’s
marine resources. Abalone is listed under
the Prohibited and Restricted Goods List
administered in terms of section 113 of
the Customs and Excise Act (91 of 1964),
and thus permits are required for exporting
abalone.
This species may be legally sold by registered
commercial fishers and retailers. An operating
license from MCM needs to be obtained for
this purpose.
Based on research figures of confiscations
during 2005, which totalled more than 1.1
million tons, conservative estimates of
earnings for smugglers and poachers for
that year probably exceeded R1.2 billion.
This does not only represent the risk of
revenue loss to the fiscus but also comprise
convergence of other forms of criminal activity
including drug smuggling, money laundering,
smuggling, racketeering and human trafficking.
Blessing Manale
