By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George celebrated one year in office,reflecting on a significant period of progress in advancing South Africa’s environmental sustainability, economic growth, and global leadership.
George briefed the media to mark his first year in office following the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) in May 2024.
He was sworn into office on 3 July 2024 to lead the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) under the GNU.
In October 2024, at the ‘100 Days in Office’ media briefing, the Minister presented his Big 6 Strategic Priorities and provided key updates on developments the DFFE had made under his leadership.
1. Protecting Our Natural Resources and Wildlife
George said, through lots of determination and sensibleness, a historic settlement has been secured to save the critically endangered African Penguin.
As a then-new minister, upon discovering the court case between the department of forestry, fisheries and environment, BirdLife SA, Sanccob and the pelagic fishing communities, his plan was simple: to find a workable solution that would, importantly, protect the penguins.
2. Driving Economic Growth Through Environmental Reform
The minister said that, through his efforts to grow the coastal economy, the department has increased the number of fish species available to small-scale fishers by 36 per cent, boosting income in coastal communities.
“Our harbour revitalisation programme has created over 2,300 work opportunities, with the goal of turning underused harbours into thriving economic hubs,” said George.
“And through expanded support for sustainable aquaculture, we’re seeing green technology spark new enterprises along our coasts. This is what inclusive growth looks like.”
He said agriculture, forestry, and fishing grew by 17.2% in the 4th quarter of 2024, driving two-thirds of GDP growth.
The minister added that in the first quarter of 2025, the sectors continued a strong performance with 15.8% growth, which supports jobs and livelihoods.
3. Taking Decisive Climate Action
George has granted limited exemptions to Eskom allowing it to breach air pollution limits at eight of its coal-fired power stations under a rigorous set of conditions.
He emphasised that the limited exemptions “are not a blanket reprieve” but are “tailored to each facility”, with stringent conditions to mitigate the effects of non-compliance with the minimum emission standards.
In December, Eskom applied for exemptions from the standards for the eight power stations.
The minister decided to grant the limited extensions after considering Eskom’s submissions, the report of the national environmental consultative and advisory forum in March last year and an expert report in March, together with inputs from, among others, the Centre for Environmental Rights.
4. Promoting International Leadership and Environmental Diplomacy
The minister said South Africa played a major role in negotiating the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement — known as the High Seas Treaty — the first legally binding instrument to protect biodiversity in areas beyond national borders. He announced that they will ratify this treaty within next year.
“At the most recent COP29 in Baku, South Africa brokered a deal that balanced the need for ambitious climate action with the reality of our economic conditions. This agreement unlocked green investment for local projects that will support our just transition.
And in our G20 Presidency year, we are hosting major environment and climate sustainability meetings, positioning South Africa as a leader on the African continent and beyond. These engagements not only strengthen our global voice but also attract investment and expertise, George explained.
5. Streamlining Governance and Reducing Bureaucracy
George announced the department had initiated a review of its regulatory frameworks in a bid to simplify procedures and reduce unnecessary red tape.
In addition, the department will institute a simplified fishing rights application process and a departmental spending review.
During his first 100 days, George said they began the process of identifying bottlenecks and areas in need of improvement.
“I am pleased to share that we have made substantial progress in starting to simplify procedures and reducing unnecessary red tape. We have also started to engage with industry leaders, environmental organisations and community representatives to gather feedback on regulatory obstacles,” he said.
In doing this, George claimed they were developing practical solutions that reflected the realities on the ground and ensured that the country’s policies struck the right balance between environmental protection and economic development.
6. Strengthening Institutions and Financial Sustainability
George, praised ongoing anti-poaching efforts while acknowledging the realities still facing South Africa’s wildlife.
According to the latest figures from January 1 to March 31, the hardest-hit area remains SANParks, which recorded 65 rhino deaths. KwaZulu-Natal reported 16 poaching cases, Limpopo 10, Free State 5, North West 4, and Mpumalanga 3.
No poaching incidents were recorded in Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape, or Gauteng.
George attributed this success in part to “the dedication of our rangers, law enforcement agencies, and community partners who work tirelessly to protect our natural heritage.”
The minister also said they are reforming key institutions. SAFCOL, SANParks and the South African Weather Service are receiving strategic attention to address governance weaknesses and boost their impact.
He concluded by saying the SA Agulhas II, continues to position South Africa as a leader in ocean science. On recent expeditions to the Southern Ocean, our researchers made important progress in tracing microplastic pollution far beyond our shores.
These findings reveal how even the most remote and fragile ecosystems are being affected by human activity, and underscore the urgency of stronger global and national marine protection efforts. This cutting-edge research strengthens our environmental policy, informs global scientific collaboration, and reinforces South Africa’s role as a serious contributor to international climate and ocean governance.