While government has made strides in environmental compliance, significant work is needed to address pervasive issues like untreated sewage discharge to land, freshwater, and coastal areas.
This is according to the 2023/24 National Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Report (NECER), which was launched on Monday by Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh.
The report was launched at the Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Lekgotla (ECEL), in Drakensburg, KwaZulu-Natal.
“The report shows the Green Scorpions’ (environmental compliance authorities) progress, yet challenges remain, particularly when it comes to attending to pollution, which impacts air quality, illegal waste disposal, and land degradation resulting from the proliferation of invasive plant species.
“In light of financial constraints, environmental compliance authorities must be innovative, focusing resources on the country’s most urgent environmental threats,” the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said.
The NECER outlined the achievements, challenges, and key findings in environmental compliance, showcasing areas where improvements have led to a decrease in enforcement actions due to increased compliance with the Environmental Management Inspectorate (EMI) commonly known as the Green Scorpions.
“With 5 643 facilities inspected across various sectors in 2023/24, the report reflects a 30% increase in inspections over the previous year, particularly for reactive inspections when responding to complaints.
“This intensified monitoring underscores a stronger culture of accountability and environmental stewardship and indicates focused attention on reported non-compliance incidents,” the department said.
The report shows a decrease in criminal enforcement actions, with registered criminal dockets dropping from 885 to 634, and the total value of admission of guilt fines declining by 15% compared to the previous year.
However, higher sentences for criminal convictions demonstrate a shift towards impactful enforcement. Noteworthy cases include:
• State v Shadrack Matambo; Thabani Lusiko Sibanda; and Sibusiso Leonard Khumalo: Sentences of 10, 12 and eight years direct imprisonment for cycad-related theft and illegal activities.
• State v Lekwa Local Municipality: A criminal conviction and fine of R70 million to address sewage pollution and repair infrastructure over three years.
• State v R Ngulube: A 10-year direct imprisonment sentence for illegal possession, export of abalone, and facilitating money laundering.
“While the country celebrates 30 years of freedom this year, the efforts by the Environmental Management Inspectorate demonstrates its unwavering dedication to uphold the principles codified in the Constitution, despite the wide-ranging challenges which they are confronted with daily," the department said.
The Lekgotla provides an invaluable platform to map out strategies and sets a course for future enforcement efforts.
The ECEL was held under the theme: "The Science of Environmental Compliance," with discussions centred on leveraging technology and innovation to enhance the inspectorate’s work, direct limited resources effectively, and address the country’s most pressing environmental risks.
The multi-stakeholder event brings together the Green Scorpions, which comprises of national, provincial, and local authorities and other critical role players.
The NECER report can be accessed on: https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/reports/necer2024report.pdf
-SAnews.gov.za
