Environment not political playground – AfriForum submits commentary on amendment of National Environmental Management Bill

The civil rights organisation AfriForum on 19 April submitted commentary at the Department of Environmental Affairs concerning the finalisation of the amendment of the National Environmental Management Bill (NEMA).

This follows after the Department opened public commentary for the amendment of this Bill.

AfriForum’s commentary include the following:

• The stipulation that the full participation of black professional persons be promoted is worrying. AfriForum believes all appointments must be done on merit and that the environment is too precious to become a political playground. AfriForum is also seeking more clarity on what this “promotion” entails, as well as how it will be implemented and measured;
• AfriForum supports the amendment that environmental authority applications and any license or permit required in terms of an environmental management act can be submitted simultaneously, but admits that the effective implementation of this amendment will require considerable changes to current administrative systems in government spheres;
• AfriForum supports the amendment that an applicant and holder of environmental authority regarding mining activities will have to make financial provision for progressive rehabilitation, mitigation, rectification, mining occlusion and the management of environmental impacts after the closure of mining activities. AfriForum did however highlight that the Bill does not explain how these funds will be administered to ensure that it is utilised for the intended purpose;
• AfriForum welcomes the amendment that the powers of environmental management inspectors to launch investigations are extended; and
• AfriForum welcomes the amendment that the SAPS are empowered to monitor the compliance of environmental legislation.

SMS your name to 45354 (R1) to support this AfriForum action.