Latest news with #FisheriesandtheEnvironment
The South African
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
KZN South Coast to host first Coastal Seafood Flavours Festival
The KZN South Coast is set to launch its first-ever Coastal Seafood Flavours Festival at St Michael's Beach on Saturday, 26 July 2025. The festival honours the region's rich fishing heritage and supports the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment's (DFFE) 'Fishing for Freedom' campaign. Visitors can expect an immersive experience celebrating South Africa's marine culinary culture, with a spotlight on regional seafood excellence. 'We are delighted to expand our tourism offerings with this exciting new festival that celebrates the flavours, natural wonder, and people of the KZN South Coast,' commented Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). 'This is a family-friendly event that will unlock the incredible potential of our seafood tourism, while introducing visitors to all the natural assets and outdoor adventure the KZN South Coast has to offer.' Sibiya added. Backed by the DFFE and the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, the seafood festival is one of two such events taking place in the country, the other being in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape, later on this year. At its heart, the Coastal Flavours Seafood Festival is about showcasing South Africa's vibrant marine food culture and elevating local seafood tourism. Festivalgoers can expect a packed program blending food, fun, and beach vibes: Seafood cooking demos Celebrity chef cookouts Local seafood market and artisanal stalls Restaurant tastings and showcases Junior cookout competition Family fun walk Live music and entertainment Beach sports and outdoor adventures Date: Saturday, 26 July 2025 Venue: St Michael's Beach, KZN South Coast Tickets: Adults: R100 Kids: R20 Seafood Brunch: R950 (Tickets available via TicketPro. A variety of food stalls will also be on-site.) 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.
The South African
17-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
Business & Finance Archives
By Grant Smee 16-07-25 18:34 Is property really how 90% of millionaires got rich? We unpack the myth and reveal what actually builds wealth in South Africa today. By Sundeeka Mungroo 16-07-25 15:07 Temu recently launched a new 'local warehouse' in South Africa, promising faster delivery for shoppers – but how does it actually work? By Pauline Torongo 16-07-25 14:20 Opening a ZAR account with a regulated forex broker is a smart move for South African traders who want to save on currency conversion costs and trade with peace of mind. By Ray Leathern 16-07-25 08:53 Ever-more aggressive debt collectors in South Africa are coming under scrutiny for their tactics. Here's what they're doing … By Ray Leathern 16-07-25 07:02 From next month – August 2025 – a fourth payment date for SASSA grants will be implanted by the agency. Here's why … By Garrin Lambley 15-07-25 15:25 Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, has called for G20 leaders to address climate action. By Ray Leathern 15-07-25 08:32 South African businesses urged to get on top of new, stricter BEE quotas that come into effect on 1 September 2025. Here's the latest … By Nokwanda Ncwane 15-07-25 07:34 Are you a taxpayer, and have you changed the contact details you used to register on the SARS system? Here's how you can update them. By Ray Leathern 15-07-25 07:02 Even though free basic electricity is available to the needy, illegal ghost tokens created by Eskom insiders are costing taxpayers billions. By Garrin Lambley 14-07-25 21:40 SASSA has reassured social grant beneficiaries that no payments have been suspended or halted due to the ongoing social grant review process. By Garrin Lambley 14-07-25 20:24 Over the next two days, the delegates will have sessions dedicated to the drafting of a communique. Here's more of what to expect. By Garrin Lambley 14-07-25 12:26 Maropene Ramokgopa will host the fourth G20 Development Working Group meeting and the G20 Ministerial meeting on development next week. By Sundeeka Mungroo 14-07-25 11:41 Takealot recently announced that it would be rolling out even more Pick n Pay delivery pickup points around South Africa this year. By Warren Hammond 14-07-25 09:19 Market volatility is rising in 2025. Discover key risks and smart strategies to protect your portfolio and stay ahead. By Ray Leathern 14-07-25 07:02 How bad is the driver's licence print backlog, that the Department of Transport must turn to Home Affairs for assistance? By Rob de Mezieres 13-07-25 07:06 You may not know who they are, but you've probably seen and loved the film and TV ads of producer David Feldman and director Keith Rose. By Megan van den Heever 12-07-25 16:12 The EFF have branded Elon Musk's internet satellite company, Starlink, a 'terrorist' organisation which poses a 'security threat' to SA. By Garrin Lambley 11-07-25 18:05 South Africa will host the second technical meeting of the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) next week. By Sundeeka Mungroo 11-07-25 10:48 South Africa's economy has been underperforming for over a decade now – but how does that translate to how poor South Africans actually are? By Garrin Lambley 11-07-25 08:47 The 2025 tax season kicked off on Monday, 7 July with auto-assessments notices having been sent to a number of South African taxpayers. By Dumani Moyo 11-07-25 08:34 Get the most out of your braai budget. Explore ways to save on your favorite braai foods and compare costs to keep your wallet happy. By Garrin Lambley 10-07-25 17:00 The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has advised taxpayers who disagree with their auto-assessments not to wait to take action. By Ray Leathern 10-07-25 08:33 In just four years, SA's National Traffic Information System (NATIS) has revolutionised online licencing. And there's more to come … By Ray Leathern 10-07-25 07:02 Public Protector warns SASSA beneficiaries still with Postbank that payment contracts will cease at the end of September … By Nick Pawson 09-07-25 18:47 Cape Town's creative community has an exciting new home in a historic part of the city – and it doesn't cost a cent to work there. By Garrin Lambley 09-07-25 16:58 It's comparatively 'easy' to make money – when you have money to start with. Compound interest is indeed the eighth wonder of the world! By Garrin Lambley 09-07-25 11:25 SA's National Treasury has been allocated R91.835 billion over the medium-term expenditure framework, with SARS receiving the lion's share. By Sundeeka Mungroo 09-07-25 11:00 Chinese e-commerce giant Temu has launched a new local warehouse in South Africa, promising great things for shoppers. By Garrin Lambley 09-07-25 10:59 South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, has extended the due date for EMP201 filing and payment for July. By Ray Leathern 09-07-25 09:43 Every municipality countrywide offers free electricity and water. And yet, recipients of these basic services are dropping. Here's why … By Ray Leathern 09-07-25 07:03 Agency CEO lashes out at reports that recent SASSA grant cancellations without review have been a punitive measure to reduce beneficiaries … By AFP 08-07-25 22:13 Donald Trump says the 1 August due date for US tariffs, on South Africa and other countries, is set in stone. By Bianca Lalbahadur 08-07-25 13:21 The Democratic Alliance leader says South Africa can cushion the 30% tariffs imposed by the US, by doing a few things… By Ray Leathern 08-07-25 07:02 With three quarters of a million blocked ID documents stuck in its verification system, Home Affairs was the site of hundreds of protesters … By Garrin Lambley 07-07-25 13:44 As tax payers eagerly awaited the start of the 2025 tax season on Monday, 7 July, they were plagued by endless online hassles. By Nokwanda Ncwane 07-07-25 11:24 As tax season officially opens on Monday, 7 July, some taxpayers have already received auto-assessments from SARS. What does this mean? By Ray Leathern 07-07-25 07:02 A Republican US Congressman is working night and day to sanction South Africa and cut all US diplomatic ties. Here's what he stands for … By Sundeeka Mungroo 04-07-25 15:21 ATMs in SA could soon become a thing of the past, with studies finding that big banks have reduced ATM numbers drastically over the years. By Ray Leathern 03-07-25 12:11 The SA Revenue Service is trialling key changes to auto-assessment in 2025, including invitations to provisional taxpayers … By Ray Leathern 03-07-25 09:32 With D-day for the South African economy looming, it's understood that BEE and land expropriation remain sticking points to progress … By Garrin Lambley 02-07-25 14:11 Following several challenging years, state-owned airline, South African Airways (SAA), is now in a position to contribute economic value. By Ray Leathern 02-07-25 10:02 On the surface, the Citroen C3 1.2T Max may lack the joie de vivre we expect from the French, but it's still a clever compact crossover … By Ray Leathern 02-07-25 08:32 A R60-billion class-action lawsuit by more than 100 000 former homeowners hopes to take down South Africa's 'big-four' banks … By Ray Leathern 02-07-25 07:03 Elderly residents are urged to take advantage of Free Basic Electricity schemes across the country. Here's how it works … By Nick Pawson 01-07-25 14:44 A new campaign led by South African citrus growers aims to reposition grapefruit as a vibrant summer fruit. By Bianca Lalbahadur 01-07-25 12:50 The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has released the official fuel price adjustments for July 2025. By Pauline Torongo 01-07-25 12:42 Javier Hidalgo strengthens his international leadership profile as new opportunities emerge in Africa, particularly in Botswana. By AFP 01-07-25 11:54 Donald Trump says without American subsidies for Elon Musk's businesses, the Pretoria-born tech mogul would have to 'head back home'. By Ray Leathern 01-07-25 07:02 SASSA Old-Age Grants in July 2025 will be disbursed this week, but there's been upheaval behind agency doors … By Garrin Lambley 30-06-25 13:27 Cape Town-born Reg Bamford was crowned British GC Open Championship for an astounding 13th time on Sunday. By Nick Pawson 28-06-25 21:01 The City of Cape Town recently gave the green light to a set of new informal trading plans in key areas around the metro. By Garrin Lambley 28-06-25 11:05 The latest Henley & Partners Wealth Migration report shows that South Africa continues to be a net loser of high net worth individuals. By Ray Leathern 28-06-25 07:02 Since May 2025, thousands of grant recipients who broke the SASSA income threshold have come face to face with some harsh consequences … By Garrin Lambley 27-06-25 13:07 For the first time ever, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) will trial auto-assessments for a select group of provisional taxpayers. By Dumani Moyo 27-06-25 08:07 Find out where to score the cheapest groceries this weekend as we compare prices at Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, and Woolworths. By Ray Leathern 27-06-25 07:02 Anyone hoping to access real-time Home Affairs verification technology is in for a rude awakening from next month onwards … By Garrin Lambley 26-06-25 14:44 South Africa's G20 Presidency convened its third Sherpa meeting this week, focusing on a number of critical global challenges. By Garrin Lambley 26-06-25 13:24 South Africa has achieved its first back-to-back primary budget surplus in 16 years, signalling its commitment to fiscal discipline. By Garrin Lambley 26-06-25 10:19 Nearly 4 million pension fund withdrawals totalling R57 billion have been made under SA's two-pot retirement system since its introduction. By Ray Leathern 26-06-25 09:09 SASSA beneficiaries turn an outreach programme meeting into an outlet to air a long list of grievances they have with agency officials … By Ray Leathern 26-06-25 07:02 With 6 800 litres of stowage capacity, the all-new Ford Tourneo Trend LWB Bus is the practical choice in any situation … By Ramadhani Kusaga 25-06-25 10:45 Watch the full version of the 'South Africans are becoming addicted to sports betting' in a minute. By Ray Leathern 25-06-25 09:16 Latest report finds sports betting is starting to overtake the National Lottery for popularity in the R64-billion industry … By Ray Leathern 25-06-25 07:02 Unless urgent interventions take place, South Africa is two weeks' away from living the Trump tariff disaster … By Garrin Lambley 24-06-25 09:49 The latest official data confirms that with one week to go, bad news almost certainly lies ahead for South Africa's motorists. By Ray Leathern 24-06-25 08:56 The Department of Home Affairs is betting big on digital IDs, wallets and e-passports. Here's when they'll supposedly be up and running … By AFP 24-06-25 08:42 Treasury has not specified which projects the World Bank loan will fund, but says the financing plan includes an interest grace period. By Ray Leathern 24-06-25 07:02 An SA F1 GP deal could be clinched this weekend in Austria, as Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie and other officials jet off to Europe … By Garrin Lambley 23-06-25 14:43 SARS has announced the rollout of a new 'Express Access' feature on its eFiling platform ahead of the 2025 tax season. By Garrin Lambley 23-06-25 11:58 It's comparatively 'easy' to make money – when you have money to start with. Compound interest is indeed the eighth wonder of the world! By Garrin Lambley 23-06-25 11:32 The latest official data confirms that bad news almost certainly lies ahead for South Africa's motorists in early July 2025. By Garrin Lambley 23-06-25 10:38 The South African Post Office has unveiled a five-year plan to reinvent itself as a major player in the courier and delivery market. By Ray Leathern 23-06-25 09:08 Sale of loose cigarettes to be banned under the new Tobacco Bill, with informal traders facing hefty fines if caught … By Ray Leathern 22-06-25 07:02 Finally sold in South Africa with a turbo petrol engine, we drive the brilliant Jeep Wrangler Sahara. Can we get an Oorah!? By Ray Leathern 21-06-25 19:02 Here are the seven safest family cars for child occupancy available on the SA used market. Spoiler alert, bigger isn't necessarily better … By Jenna Solomon 21-06-25 15:41 Youth Month highlights the pervasive unemployment issue, but what about the voices of young South Africans with intellectual disability? By Shyleen Choruma 21-06-25 10:23 Researchers uncovered a leak of 16 billion passwords, raising risks of identity theft, phishing, and account takeovers. By Ray Leathern 21-06-25 07:02 The new CEO of SASSA and the National Treasury are at loggerheads already over social grant reviews and verification processes … By Phumlani S Langa 20-06-25 17:09 Nomzamo Mbatha will host with Global Citizen NOW Summit in Sevilla, Spain. Worldwide financial reform will be foregrounded at the summit. By Garrin Lambley 20-06-25 12:48 Deputy President Paul Mashatile has highlighted SA's role as the current chair of the G20 and its commitment to addressing global challenges. By Garrin Lambley 20-06-25 10:42 The latest official data confirms that bad news lies ahead for South Africa's motorists in July 2025, especially for diesel vehicle owners. By Garrin Lambley 20-06-25 10:03 MTN Group is under fire from shareholders after nearly R249 million was paid to its executives and board members during 2024. By Warren Hammond 19-06-25 14:46 Geopolitical violence is escalating fast; June and July 2025 are shaping up to be dangerously volatile months. By Garrin Lambley 19-06-25 12:51 The latest official data suggests that bad news lies ahead for South Africa's motorists in July 2025, especially for diesel vehicle owners. By Fazila Olla-Logday 19-06-25 11:13 As online trading gains momentum across Africa, traders are increasingly seeking reliable brokers that cater to the continent's unique financial landscape. By Ray Leathern 19-06-25 09:29 Financial experts reveal that the South African economy has lost R5 trillion over the last 15 years. Here's why … By Garrin Lambley 18-06-25 12:40 The latest official data now suggests that bad news lies ahead for South Africa's motorists in July 2025. Here's how bad it is … By Ray Leathern 18-06-25 09:49 Government officials and trade unions want to intervene after yet another major factory closure was announced for South Africa … By Ray Leathern 18-06-25 08:10 There are growing calls for government to suspend driver's licence fines in 2025 until the growing printing backlog is cleared … By Gordon Glyn-Jones 17-06-25 16:57 From Soweto exile to the United Nations, Kingsley Mamabolo reflects on resistance, reconciliation and the path to a truly free Africa. His story is now published as a hardcover called: Let Not The Sun Set On You By Garrin Lambley 17-06-25 13:45 The mid-month official data now suggests that bad news lies ahead for South Africa's motorists in July 2025. By Pauline Torongo 17-06-25 13:39 By expanding its FSCA-regulated offering with the inclusion of Crypto, PrimeXBT is one of the first brokers in the region to truly bridge the gap between traditional and digital markets. By Gordon Glyn-Jones 17-06-25 11:31 Theatre director Greg Karvellas reflects on his time at The Fugard, the challenges of storytelling today, and why his latest production of 'Moffie' matters now more than ever. By Ray Leathern 17-06-25 09:21 The CEOs of South Africa's network providers came under fire in Parliament for sub-standard service delivery to the poor … By Ray Leathern 17-06-25 07:39 Lesotho textile factories face widespread redundancies with looming 50% trade tariffs. And there's a knock-on effect for South Africa … By Garrin Lambley 16-06-25 12:41 South Africa-born Elon Musk is comfortably the richest man in the world – even after his recent remarks on X saw his Tesla shares plummet. By Sundeeka Mungroo 15-06-25 17:30 Some CEOs of South Africa's top State-owned enterprises (SOEs) are raking in a whopping R15.5 million a year. By Garrin Lambley 15-06-25 09:22 Woolworths CEO Roy Bagattini has come under renewed scrutiny after selling 700 000 shares in the company, netting more than R38.4 million. By Garrin Lambley 15-06-25 09:09 MultiChoice has reported a major slump in its subscriber base, losing 2.3 million active DStv customers over the past year.
IOL News
16-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Balancing ambition and action in South Africa's climate adaptation efforts
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George. Image: Dion George/Facebook On Friday, the 27th June, I intently followed the 2025/26 budget vote speech by Minister Dion George of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), hoping to hear a decisive shift in how South Africa intends to confront its growing climate crisis, more critically, through climate adaptation to the irreversible impacts already upon us. The speech presented a vision of environmental stewardship, economic inclusion, and climate resilience. While the speech outlined commendable priorities such as biodiversity conservation, green job creation, and regulatory reforms, it sadly fell short in explicitly prioritising and funding climate adaptation measures with the urgency South Africa's vulnerabilities demand. While the DFFE's commitments to mitigation and biodiversity are laudable, adaptation remains underfunded and overshadowed, a critical gap in a country where climate impacts are already destabilising livelihoods. Just weeks ago, devastating floods ripped through parts of Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, tragically claiming a reported 102 lives at last count and displacing countless families some who had built informal homes on floodplains and below flood lines. These are not isolated incidents as floods are firmly becoming the biggest and most frequent climate threat to South Africa. These events are flashing red warning lights, signalingthat adaptation must be elevated to a national priority with the budget to match. Great: A Progressive Environmental Agenda In his speech, the Minister rightly emphasised several key priorities including the enforcement of the Climate Change Act, the revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and Sectoral Emission Targets that demonstrate a structured approach to reducing carbon footprints. The Highveld Air Quality Management Plan is also a necessary step toward holding polluters accountable. Regarding Biodiversity as an Economic Driver, the KISS (Kruger, Kirstenbosch, iSimangaliso) strategy and Biodiversity Economy Strategy, which aims to create 397 000 jobs and inject R127 billion annually by 2036 is a visionary linkage of conservation and economic growth. He also adds the FILLER (Fair Industry for Lions, Leopards, and Rhinos) and Fishing for Freedom, which highlights ethical wildlife management and support for small-scale fishers, crucial for both ecological and social justice. Relating to regulatory and Financial Innovation, the RESET (Regulatory Efficiency Strategy) promises streamlined environmental governance, while the push for carboncredit monetisation could unlock new funding avenues. These initiatives reflect a department attempting to balance ecological protection with developmental needs. However, the speech's silence on concrete adaptation financing undermines its otherwise progressive stance. Not so Great: Where Adaptation was Sidelined The Minister acknowledged budget constraints, a real-term decrease of 1.4% in allocation, yet insisted the DFFE would "do more with less'. However, while cost-saving measures are prudent, adaptation cannot thrive on austerity, it must be prioritised. What is clear is that there is no dedicated adaptation budget line. For instance, the speech mentioned a Climate Change Adaptation Response Plan for coastal regions, but without specific allocations or timelines. There also appears to be an over-reliance on international finance which we should do less of given the current geo-political uncertainties. The Green Climate Fund's $40 million (R717m) for South African National Biodiversity Institute is welcome, but domestic funding for localised adaptation remains Minister praised South African Weather Service for 1 400 severe weather alerts, yet many vulnerable communities still lack actionable response plans. The speech missed an opportunity to allocate funds for local disaster preparedness (e.g., community training, evacuation routes) and the opportunities to integrate traditional knowledge with scientific early-warning systems. The elephant in the room and the unavoidable question then is: If climate change is "here and now" as the Minister says, why is adaptation not a standalone budget priority? If the DFFE is committed to matching its rhetoric with tangible adaptation progress, it must consider elevating adaptation action to a priority stand-alone action, dedicating funding for adaptation, and providing it with the requisite institutional support for success in future budgets. It's too elusive and the light mention gives cool comfort. As a country, we are already paying the price of climate inaction in lives lost, livelihoods destroyed, and un-budgeted resources diverted to emergency response. Adaptation investments are cost-effective and lifesaving, especially when planned and made proactively. Every rand spent on resilient infrastructure saves many more in post-disaster reconstruction. Minister George's speech outlined a bold environmental agenda, particularly inmitigation and biodiversity. However, the lack of detailed, funded adaptation measures risks leaving South Africa's most vulnerable populations exposed to escalating climate shocks. The DFFE must recognize that to achieve a truly resilient South Africa, it requires ambition, budget, and urgency for adaptation in equal measure. This is so worrying that often when I think about adaptation and resilience action it makes me feel like we're playing a game of 'masicashelane' (hide & seek), only now the count is 10 000. Minister let's bring it back to an achievable count to a 10 please... so we can find this missing priority sooner. The Presidential Climate Commission has consistently emphasised through its work on the just transition, adaptation is not only a technical imperative but a moral one, which is central to safeguarding livelihoods, foodsystems, and public infrastructure in the face of escalating climate threats. Initiatives like the Just Adaptation and Resilience Investment Plan demonstrate that a just, inclusive,and locally grounded adaptation pathway is possible. What's needed now is political will and budget. Morwesi Ramonyai Thonga is a Senior Advisor to the Presidential Climate Commission on Adaptation Finance. Image: Supplied Morwesi Ramonyai Thonga is a Senior Advisor to the Presidential Climate Commission on Adaptation Finance. *** The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Independent Media or IOL. BUSINESS REPORT
IOL News
16-07-2025
- General
- IOL News
South Africa launches ambitious campaign to save its dwindling rhino population
The Rhino Renaissance Campaign launch is one of South Africa's G20 Legacy Projects. It aims to rebuild the white rhino population in Kruger National Park (KNP) from just over 2,000 to 12,000 within the next decade. Image: File South Africa is the custodian of more than 80% of the continent's white rhino population, which is at risk from poaching and a dwindling population. Dr Dion George, MP and minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), remarked on Tuesday at the Rhino Renaissance Campaign launch. The campaign, one of South Africa's G20 Legacy Projects, aims to rebuild the white rhino population in the Kruger National Park (KNP) from just over 2,000 to 12,000 within the next decade. Annual statistics revealed that 195 rhinos had been poached across South Africa by June 2025, a reduction of 35 compared to the same period in 2024. In KNP, 11 rhinos were killed in both May and June, down from 17 in January and 30 in February 2025. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ 'Once nearly extinct, the white rhino population stood at fewer than 100 individuals in the early 20th century. But South Africa acted. Through protected areas, community partnerships, and the hard work of rangers and conservationists, the species was brought back from the brink. By 2010, there were more than 20,000 white rhinos,' George said. The KNP is home to over 12,000 rhinos — an unmatched feat in global conservation. But since then, the tide has turned. 'As of 2024, the population has dropped to 14,389 nationwide. In Kruger, just over 2,000 remain. A significant part of the issue involves poaching and the trafficking of rhino horn, driven by organised crime and profit,' George warned. He said that the campaign led by the South African National Parks (SANParks) is a direct response to poaching and illegal rhino horn trade. 'It brings together SANParks' conservation authority with the Tracker Academy, part of the Peace Parks Foundation, whose work in training local trackers in ancestral skills is redefining what it means to protect wildlife,' George said. He also mentioned the Good Work Foundation, a non-profit transforming education for thousands of learners in the villages around Kruger through digital learning, conservation coding, and storytelling. He said that 90 rhino monitors will be trained and deployed annually across KNP. 'The Rhino Renaissance Campaign is a vital part of this effort. It supports our vision of a Fair Industry for Lions, Leopards, Elephants, and Rhinos — a future where these species are not only protected but thrive alongside the people who live among them,' George said. Other plans include: African Parks has relocated 2,000 rhinos to safe havens across the country. Munyawana Conservancy and others are growing populations through rewilding. Cross-border work is under way in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and across the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area. Safe havens have been identified in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana. Collaboration between the government and private wildlife owners in our Integrated Wildlife Zones has been enhanced. Pam Yako, SANParks Board chairperson, said rhinos are a species of global significance, and the campaign was a partnership with various stakeholders. 'We want to showcase our efforts and how best we can, with the help of everyone else, build a whole movement for the conservation of the species,' she said.
The South African
16-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
Captive lion breeding in South Africa to be BANNED
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has taken steps toward ending captive lion breeding in South Africa, marking a major shift in the country's approach to wildlife conservation and animal welfare. Minister Dr Dion George confirmed on Tuesday that the department is finalising the Prohibition Notice that will officially ban the establishment of new commercial captive lion breeding facilities across the country. 'This marks a turning point in our approach to wildlife conservation,' said George. 'We are committed to enforcing clear, effective, and legally robust measures that protect South Africa's natural heritage.' The new policy forms part of strengthened regulations under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA), 2004 and is guided by the Ministerial Task Team Report and the Policy Position on the sustainable use of elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinoceroses. The Prohibition Notice aligns with international conservation norms and public demands to end the unethical breeding and exploitation of lions for profit – particularly in canned hunting and the bone trade. Following its tabling in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on 10 June 2025, the mandatory 30-day consideration period has now elapsed, clearing the way for official promulgation by the Executive Authority. The department is now engaging with provincial Members of the Executive Council (MECs) under Section 87A (3) of NEM:BA to coordinate implementation and enforcement at local levels. Further updates are expected during stakeholder engagements, including the upcoming G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group meeting taking place in the Kruger National Park. The ban also forms part of broader efforts to overhaul the Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) Regulations, with a sharper focus on animal well-being, biodiversity protection, and practical enforcement. 'We are building a regulatory foundation that prioritises animal well-being. The department remains fully committed to finalising and implementing these reforms without delay,' George stated. The move is being seen as a clear message to the global conservation community: South Africa is working to phase out unethical wildlife exploitation and reposition itself as a leader in sustainable, ethical biodiversity management. The final Prohibition Notice is expected to be gazetted in the coming weeks. Once enforced, it will prevent the opening of any new captive lion breeding facilities, although existing operations may still fall under separate review and transitional frameworks. 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.
