Statement by Minister Edna Molewa on the ongoing scourage of rhino poaching

29 Aug 2011

The ongoing scourge of rhino poaching in our country is an area of great concern to this government and ordinary South Africans.

South Africa has a proud track record of successful rhino conservation and has the highest number of white rhinos on the continent. At the end of 2007 South Africa had conserved 35% of Africa’s black rhino in the wild and 93% of the continent’s white rhino.

We would like to urge all our communities to work with our law enforcement agencies and Game Parks Authorities to stop this looting of our national treasures.

Rhino poaching is a crime that is undoubtedly fuelled by a thriving black market trade in rhino horn. Since January this year, a total of 279 rhinos have been poached, with 169 of them in the Kruger National Park.

The intensification of our anti-rhino poaching activities has seen 155 suspects arrested in relation to rhino poaching activities this year. Of these arrests, 65 were for rhino poaching related activities in Kruger National Park.  For this I must commend the work of the 300 rangers and SANParks investigators, our security cluster departments among them being Defense, SAPS and State Security, who are at the forefront of fighting and preventing poaching.

Although the National Prosecuting Authority has dedicated prosecutors working on the rhino poaching cases, those who are operators in the field of rhino conservation and South Africans at large, who bear the brunt of this scourge, feel that cases take a long while before being concluded and also that the rate of prosecutions  are still too low.

Cooperation with the South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority is however being enhanced and we could soon have a prioritisation of the rhino cases.

Together with our various stakeholders, we have developed a holistic approach to tackle rhino poaching.

The investigations and intelligence gathering of rhino cases is overseen by a National Joints Operation structure (NatJoints) and the National Strategy for the Safety and Security of Rhinoceros and rhino horns in South Africa is being implemented by both the NatJoints and the interim National Wildlife Crime Reaction Unit (NWCRU) across the country. We continue to strengthen our biodiversity enforcement and monitoring capacities to ensure compliance with our biodiversity legislation.

We commend the cooperation between enforcement units such as the SAPS organised crime units, the HAWKS, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, INTERPOL and The National Prosecuting Authority. The work done by South African National Parks in coordinating the NWCRU and finding innovative ways to fight this scourge is commendable.

The anti-poaching ability of the Kruger National Park has been increased by approximately 57 rangers in the last year. We also welcome the return of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to monitor the 350 kilometres of national border in Kruger National Park and other country borders.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) recently commended our efforts as a country in curbing rhino poaching and the scourge of illegal trade in rhino horn at its sixty-first (61st) meeting of Standing Committee held in Geneva, Switzerland.

The CITES Standing Committee noted that rhino poaching and illegal trade in rhino horns is a phenomenon which is also occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Mozambique, Nepal and Zimbabwe.

South Africa's experience and interventions measures in fighting the illegal trade were well received and other member states affected by the same problem were encouraged to follow suit.  CITES further appealed to consumer states to further improve controls and enforcement relating to the illegal trade in rhino horns.

The need for cooperation with Vietnam and Mozambique, among other countries is a priority for us. The Vietnamese delegation led by their Vice Prime Minister visited South Africa recently and we agreed to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding on wildlife trafficking. In September this year, we are expecting a Vietnamese technical delegation to specifically discuss wildlife management.

The relationship with Mozambique has to be strengthened to assist in the anti poaching and other wildlife crime issues. In a recently held bilateral security meeting between Mozambique and South Africa it was suggested in the Committee on Public Security that operations on anti rhino poaching should be elevated to a priority for both countries and that a cross border strategy for the safety of wildlife be developed within the next six months.

I am also considering additional measures that I aim to implement to arrest this scourge of poaching in our country. It is my intention to also engage with the various provincial Environment MECs to look at the possibility of placing a moratorium on the hunting of rhinoceros. This is one of a number of measures I am contemplating to further strengthen interventions to ensure that our rhino populations are conserved.

Before exercising my power in terms of section 57(2) (a) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) (Biodiversity Act) I will consult with the MECs and follow a clear consultation process as prescribed in the Act.

Currently, the provincial conservation authorities issues permits for the sport hunting of rhino and an unfortunate challenge we are facing, in terms of the permitting of rhino hunting, is the abuse of the system by unscrupulous individuals.

Illegal hunting and the abuse of the permit system may be the main threats that could impact on the survival of rhinoceros in the wild in the  near future.

To address the abuse of the permit system, the MEC’s and I recently  approved the amendment of the norms and standards for the marking of  rhinoceros horn and hunting of white rhinoceros for trophy hunting  purposes.

Among others, these amendments will include the following:

• Provincial conservation officials must supervise rhino hunts and while attending these hunts the identity of the hunter must be verified.
• The official that attends the hunt must provide the Department of Environmental Affairs with the permit number, the information on the back of the permit and the microchip numbers.
•  Official must take DNA samples after the hunt.

As promised the three studies that the department is undertake will further inform the process going forward. The dehorning possibility impact study has been initiated and will be concluded within the next three months. The Terms of Reference for the two other studies, i.e. the feasibility study to determine the viability of legalising trade in rhino horn in South Africa; and the global competitive market research assessment study, have been advertised and the closing date for proposals is 2 September 2011. 

We will continue to work with all our communities, provinces, game parks authorities, counterparts at sub-regional and regional levels and internationally including through CITES structures.

To view the briefing documents click on the links below:

• Rhino poaching statistics
• Interventions to address illegal killing of rhinos

For media enquiries, contact:
Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871
E-mail: AModise@environment.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs
29 Aug 2011

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Renewable energy Independent Power Producer (RFP)programme

29 Aug 2011

The Department of Energy cordially invites members of the media to the Independent Power Producers bidders (RFP) media briefing session scheduled for 31 August 2011.  The Director-General, Ms Nelisiwe Magubane, will update the media on the state of the RFP programme.

Details are as follows:
Date : Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Time: 09h30 for 10h00
Venue: The Trevenna Campus, 75 Corner Mentjies and, Schoeman Street Sunnyside, Pretoria   

NB: Please note that paid parking is available at the dti Campus (opposite Trevenna Campus).

Please RSVP by 30 August 2011 at 14h00 to:
Johannes Mokobane
Tel: 012 444 4612
Cell: 082 7663674
E-mail: johannes.mokobane@energy.gov.za

Enquiries:
Ndivhuwo Khangale
Tel: 012 444 4610
Cell: 082 465 6090
E-mail: ndivhuwo.khangale@energy.gov.za

Thandiwe Maimane
Tel: 012 444 4256
Cell: 082 450 8591
E-mail: thandiwe.maimane@energy.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Energy
29 Aug 2011

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NEDBANK TO INVEST R9 MILLION IN SA’s CRITICAL WATER CATCHMENT AREAS

 

NEDBANK TO INVEST R9 MILLION IN SA's CRITICAL WATER CATCHMENT AREAS   29 August 2011 - Further embedding its commitment to environmental sustainability, the Nedbank Group is to invest R9 million in an innovative Water Balance Programme, an initiative by WWF South Africa. Water is widely acknowledged as South Africa's scarcest resource and the one that will be the most impacted by climate change. Nedbank's increased focus on water is a key part of their climate change response strategy and underpins the urgent need to tackle climate change impacts as will be addressed at COP17 in Durban later this year.   WWF estimates that around 98% of South Africa's freshwater supplies are currently allocated and that demand will outstrip supply by 2025, jeopardising economic growth that is vital for ongoing socio-economic development.   "Through our provision of water infrastructure funding, our 20-year involvement with The Green Trust and our own sustainability initiatives, we have invested in a range of water-related projects in line with our water stewardship programme, which addresses water scarcity, water quality and access to water. This new multi-million rand investment raises our water stewardship efforts to a much higher and more impactful level," said Mike Brown, Nedbank's CEO.   Dr Deon Nel, head of WWF's Biodiversity Unit, said that WWF has identified the availability of water and the health of water provisioning catchments as one of the most critical challenges facing South Africa.   Nedbank's investment will fund the removal of alien invasive species, which is estimated to release more than 550,000 kilolitres of water a year, back into two of SA's high priority water catchment areas.   Following its achievement of becoming Africa's first carbon neutral financial organisation in 2010, water is the next step in Nedbank's sustainability journey. A 17% reduction in its own water consumption over the past two years is further evidence of this commitment.   "Nedbank is making an investment, in proportion to its operational water use, into WWF's Water Balance Programme.  The programme encourages water users to take ownership of South Africa's common water challenge by going beyond reducing their own water consumption to also making an investment back into water provisioning ecosystems," explains Nel.   "This substantial investment links high level commitments (such as the CEO Water Mandate) to tangible on-the-ground outcomes in some of the highest water yield ecosystems in the country.  In addition to increasing water supply, these investments into WWF's water programmes will also improve water quality, create jobs and contribute to climate change adaptation and resilience."   Several critical water catchments are recognised in South Africa as the country's 'water factories' based on the high water yield of those catchments. WWF has identified five nodes in which these catchments lie and where the programme will focus its broader water stewardship efforts. These are the upper reaches of the Berg and Breede catchments, the Garden Route from George to Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape; the Kouga in the Eastern Cape; the Umgeni in KwaZulu- Natal and the Enkangala Grasslands in Mpumalanga. Nedbank's R9 million investment will contribute towards work in the latter two catchments.   "When one considers that approximately 3,300 million kilolitres of water is trapped by invasive alien species in South Africa – equating to around 7% of the country's water run-off – it's easy to understand how important this investment is in improving water security in our country," said Brown.   Importantly, he added, this massive amount of water is being prevented from replenishing the water ecosystems upon which our country's environmental integrity is dependent. It is vital for this water to be freed up to improve water availability in a water-stressed country.   In addition, this initiative supports and complements government's work in this area through its Working for Water Programme.   Valuable spinoffs also include job creation and support for farmers who show further commitment to environmental sustainability. "Water, energy and food security are inextricably linked and it is a pleasing addition to the programme that we can support the agriculture sector through this work too. We are enthusiastic about this next step in our sustainability journey and hope this encourages other corporates to play their role in making things happen," states Brown.   Ends * Alien invasive trees and plants are those that have been introduced to the country – such as black wattle – and then out-compete indigenous species and pose a direct risk to biological diversity, water security, ecological functioning of natural systems and productive use of agricultural land.   Notes to the Editor Nedbank's water stewardship strategy addresses water scarcity, water quality and access to water. Current activities include: Nedbank, through the Green Trust, has been involved in several projects aimed at combating threats to South Africa's fresh water supply. These projects include the Enkangala Grasslands Project, the Kouga River Valley Rehabilitation Project and flood simulation for the Pongola floodplain.    Nedbank earlier this year became the first South African bank to become a signatory to 'The CEO Water Mandate', a programme fostered by the United Nations Global Compact, the world's biggest corporate responsibility initiative. The CEO Water Mandate is a public-private partnership mainly focused on developing strategies and solutions to contribute positively to the emerging global water crisis. In addition, Nedbank is also a voluntary participant in the Water Disclosure Project.   Nedbank's Corporate Social Investment arm, the Nedbank Foundation, last year provided funding for the distribution of hundreds of 90-litre Hippo Water Rollers to mainly rural communities in Mpumalanga (450) and the Eastern Cape (also 450), enabling them to collect and transport water across various types of terrain. The Foundation also funded the sinking of boreholes for some communities.   Nedbank Capital has played a major funding role in various water infrastructure projects, such as  the Mooi-Mgeni Transfer Scheme in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands; the Vaal River Eastern Sub-Augmentation Project; the Komati Water Scheme Augmentation Project and the Mokolo Crocodile Water Augmentation Programme. It has also acted as arranger and sub-underwriter to the Roodeplaat Temba Water Services Scheme, and as adviser to the South African government on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II.   Nedbank Group's commitment to Sustainability In 2009, Nedbank Group became the first financial services organisation on the African continent to achieve carbon neutrality. Not only did this achievement cement the group's reputation as a bank committed to environmental issues, it also signalled the beginning of the next stage of Nedbank Group's ongoing sustainability journey.   While its 'green' commitment is a core element of this journey, the group takes an integrated approach that combines the four pillars of environmental, social, economic and cultural sustainability to ensure that its sustainability efforts deliver the broadest possible benefits for all its stakeholders, the environment, and the communities in which it operates.   In addition, Nedbank donates money on behalf of its Green Affinity clients to The Green Trust, a two-decade-long partnership between Nedbank and WWF-South Africa. Nedbank clients do not pay a premium for enabling donations to The Green Trust; service fees for Nedbank Green Affinity accounts are the same as those for standard Nedbank banking accounts. Rather, Nedbank Green Affinity donates money on behalf of its clients, based on clients' financial activity.   The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated and enhanced by the many awards earned by the group, as well as its inclusion and participation in an array of indices and environmental initiatives, including:   •       Dow Jones World Sustainability Index membership – the world's premier performance benchmark for companies in terms of corporate sustainability. Included for the fifth year. One of only 25 banks worldwide and three companies with primary listings in South Africa to be included on the index (only SA Bank). 2010: 78% (2009: 77%). •       JSE SRI Index – inclusion since 2004. •       South African Carbon Disclosure Project Leadership Index – 2010, the group recognised as a leader in the performance category and placed third in the disclosure category. •       CDP's Water Disclosure Project – 2010 voluntary participant. •       Global 1000 Sustainable Performance Leaders Index – Ranked 284th (third highest •       SA company). •       Financial Times – 2010, Emerging Markets Sustainable Bank of the Year for Middle East & Africa. •       Equator Principles – first African bank signatory. •       WWF-SA Conservation Partnership.   •       Ernst & Young Excellence in Sustainability Reporting – award of excellence received. •       UNEP FI – signatory to official Statement on Climate Change. •       Signatory to the Cancun Communiqué. •       Climate Change Leadership Awards – 2010 joint winner Financial Services Sector. •       Nedbank is the first company in South Africa to be awarded a Green Star 'as built' rating for Phase 2 of its headoffice complex. •       2011 Nkonki Integrated Reporting Awards – Nedbank won the Finance Sector and was placed 2nd overall. Nedbank is represented on: •       Climate Neutral Network •       UNEP FI African Task Force •       UNEP FI Banking Commission •       UNEP FI Human Rights Work Stream •       UNEP Water & Finance Initiative Work Stream •       United Nations Global Compact - 'Caring for Climate' Programme •       National Business Initiative Advisory Committee on Climate Change •       National Energy Efficiency Accord •       Banking Association of South Africa: Sustainable Finance Committee •       UNISA Climate Change Advisory Committee •       CEO Water Mandate   Issued by:        Mpho Sebelebele Nedbank Group Communications 011 294 4274 / 082 528 3432 mphoseb@nedbank.co.za                                                               Shireen Ramjoo Jenni Newman Public Relations (Pty) Ltd 011 506 7358/ 079 452 5386 shireenr@jnpr.co.za

 

 

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Workshop on Climate Change Impacts on African Coastal Communities

26 Aug 2011

The Department of Environmental Affairs will host a workshop on Climate Change Impacts on Coastal Communities from Monday, 29 August to Wednesday, 31 August in Cape Town.

The workshop, attended by delegates from various African coastal countries, will look at climate change, sea level rise and storm surges in the African coastal countries. The main objective of the workshop will be to creating a platform for African coastal nations to exchange ideas on how do we deal with present level of risk and how to respond to changing future conditions through joint programmes.

The following topics will be covered over the three days:

• Climate and climate change
• Sea level rise
• Storm variability
• Risk and Impacts
• Warning system: current and future
• Current reflection of risk and response in governance
• Social dimensions on risk and vulnerability.

The workshop is open to the media

Details:

Date: 29 to 31 August 2011
Starting time: 09h00
Venue: Lagoon Beach Hotel, Milnerton, Cape Town

To attend please confirm with:

Zolile Nqayi
Cell: 082 898 6483
Tel: 021 819 2423
E-mail: znqayi@environment.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs
26 Aug 2011

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Minister Edna Molewa to address the media on the continued incidents of rhino poaching

26 Aug 2011

Edna Molewa, the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs will on Monday, 29 August 2011 brief the media on the increasing incidents of rhino poaching and measures taken to address this scourge.

The rhino population in South Africa was on the brink of extinction in the early 1960’s. At the end of 2007 South Africa conserved 35% of Africa’s black rhino in the wild and 93% of the continent’s white rhino. But the successes are overshadowed by the illegal wildlife trafficking, which is worth billions annually and is considered to be the third most lucrative criminal trade in the world, ranking closely behind drugs and human trafficking and leading the arms smuggling trade.

Minister Molewa will be joined by Dr David Mabunda, Chief Executive Officer of South African National Parks (SANParks).

Briefing details (the Minister will be in Cape Town)

Date: Monday, 29 August 2011
Time: 10:00
Venue: Imbizo Media Centre, 120 Plein Street, Parliament, Cape Town

There will be a video link to GCIS Auditorium, 1^st Floor, Midtown Building, Cnr Prinsloo and Vermeulen Str, Pretoria CBD

To RSVP contact:

Ernest Mulibana at (012) 395 1770 / EMulibana@environment.gov.za or
Lucky Sindane on (012) 310 3198 / LSindane@environment.gov.za 
Roopa Singh on 082 225 3076 / RSingh@environment.gov.za

For media queries contact:

Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871

Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs
26 Aug 2011

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Face the reality, stay optimistic and keep our focus

Speech by Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Minister of Tourism at a High-Level Stakeholder Meeting with CEOs in the Tourism Industry, Sheraton Hotel

25 Aug 2011

Face the reality, stay optimistic and keep our focus

I appreciate your presence here this morning, and look forward to a very candid and productive discussion. To me, it is always very important that we make time to meet face to face: government, industry as well as the broader tourism community. Your presence here this morning once again testifies to the strength of our common resolve to build this outstanding industry in this remarkable country.

Together, we have built an excellent team South Africa. By taking hands over the last two decades, and in particular so in the run-up to and during the FIFA World Cup, we have crafted a vision, built a strong global brand presence, and constructed lasting infrastructure that only bodes well for our future growth. 

But these are also demanding times. Many of our tourists travel here from international markets that experience unrelenting economic strain. I know that it shows in some of your bottom lines and that some of you are gripped by a sense of anxiety when you look at industry-wide occupancy rates. And even though occupancy is a relative number and should be read in the context of the industry’s massive capacity expansion over the past few years, I can understand your sense of unease about investment decisions that had been made before you knew that the worst financial crisis since the 1930s was about to make itself felt.

And yet, we have defied the global trends. In 2010, the World Cup spared us the worst impacts of the post-recession hangover. And even if we discount those impacts, we have bucked all international trends with impressive growth in arrivals.

Nevertheless, we also understand that the economic recession has changed our market place in fundamental ways, and that the path to economic recovery will take us through an unfamiliar landscape, with a global shift in the geo-political and economic centre of gravity.

Above all, our consumers’ mindsets are different to what they were in the ‘good times’. Travellers have changed their travelling behaviour, they are travelling for shorter periods, and many are trading down. In our traditional markets, many consumers prefer to travel closer to home, and long-haul destinations have to work harder than ever to convince tourists that they offer value for money.

This is all part of a story that is unfolding globally. It is not unique to South Africa. Even though global tourist arrival growth saw a return to positive territory, with year-on-year growth of some 7% in 2010, the sources and nature of growth have shifted.

The global recovery in arrivals is a multi-speed recovery. The traditional markets in Europe and America have stagnated, and emerging markets are the new driving forces. In the first quarter of this year, South America and South Asia led the charge with double digit growth. That contrasts sharply with the approximately 3% growth in traditional markets over the same period. In 2010, emerging economies also led the rebound in international tourism spend: Compare, for example, the increase of 22% in outbound expenditure from China, to the modest 3% from the United States of America (USA), and 2% from Germany.

At the same time, the return of value lags behind the recovery of volume. In 2010, when we witnessed 7% growth in arrivals globally, we also saw tourism receipts increasing by only 5%. This confirms what we have been observing here at home: People simply are spending less, and are more price-conscious. This is true for many markets, but especially so for some of our bread-and-butter markets, such as the United Kingdom (UK) and Germany. Our competitor destinations are feeling the same heat and occupancy is under pressure in various destinations.

In January, both the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicted slower albeit positive growth in 2011. IATA forecast headwinds in leisure travel to continue for up to another three years, especially from Europe and America, as well as a mid-cycle slowdown in passenger numbers in the latter part of 2011.

The uneven economic recovery, the stagnating growth in middle classes in the United States of America (USA) and Europe, and the new growth in emerging markets are well recorded. The big-picture trends are clear: We are dealing with a multi-speed recovery driven by the emerging markets.

Let me illustrate this with an example from the aviation industry: In the UK, they have been struggling for years to get approval to build one more runway at Heathrow, but, in China, over the last five years, they have built 45 new airports, with another 52 in the pipeline for the next decade. This is the story of our traditional markets reaching maturity, and new markets emerging. By 2014, Asia is expected to have an additional 360 million airline passengers, with 310 million from China alone. China’s outbound tourism is expected to double by 2021.

The fact that the growing middle-income countries will become important source markets in the future does not render our traditional markets insignificant, and income per capita in these markets will still overshadow that in the emerging markets for some time to come. Yet, we cannot ignore that the meaningful long-term growth potential lies in Asia, Latin America and Africa. 

I am aware of the debate in some parts of the industry about where we should invest for future growth. I know there are competing views on how we should spread our resources between domestic and international tourism marketing; between our bread-and-butter markets, Africa and the emerging markets. But, for me, this is not an ‘either/or’, but a definite ‘as well as’. It is about balance and hedging against change and uncertainty. We should aim for both: protecting existing market share as well as penetrating new markets where we see long-term growth potential.

Colleagues, by pointing out the global realities, my intention certainly is not to cause despondency. But it is vital for us to comprehend where we are and what still lies ahead. The World Cup acted as a temporary buffer, postponing the pain, as it were. Now, with the Eurozone under extreme pressure and the USA stagnating, the pain in our traditional markets could endure for quite some time, and we will have to fight harder than ever for every inch of the market out there.

Under these circumstances, we have two choices:

We can complain bitterly; point fingers; seek scapegoats; play the blame game; revert to short-termism; try to find quick fixes; let out the ‘detail devil’ to wreak havoc with our industry.

Or we can face the reality, stay optimistic and keep our focus on the bigger picture; not drown in doom and gloom; see this as a chance to build and develop our sector and make some positive changes; prepare for the long haul, and do so sustainably.

We can, and should, have forthright debates on pricing, our value-for-money proposition, brand alignment, coordination across government and industry, the mix of leisure, business and events tourists, and the different balances to be struck in our international portfolio. We also need to ask ourselves, from time-to-time, how we can improve the data that inform our decision making, though I must hasten to add that we work with only the best available statistics, which are aligned with international classifications, and that we have been applying consistently for many years. It is good that we continue to track global trends diligently and engage in a very constructive discourse. However, ultimately, we must stay the course and keep our eye on the ball.

We cannot allow, or afford, large numbers of rooms standing empty, which brings me to domestic tourism. 

While we face some pressures in some global markets, let us apply our minds to creative and innovative ways to get South Africans to travel; expose them to our amazing offerings, and build a generation of tourists that will carry us into the next decade. This investment in a value-conscious domestic tourism market should not be about short-term cash flows, but about creating an upstream reservoir for future growth. It should be about building the next generation of tourists that will help ensure long-term financial sustainability for our sector. 

From government’s side, we are committed to building a culture of domestic tourism as a mainstay of sustainability. With domestic tourism contributing over 70% of our country’s tourism volume, the domestic market has to be one of our key focus areas. But we cannot do it alone. Government and industry will have to work in tandem to market our offering creatively and price it competitively if we are to achieve our National Tourism Sector Strategy’s target of 54 million annual domestic trips by 2020.

So, working in tandem, what should the respective roles of government and industry be? From the outset, I have promised a ‘light touch’ – not to over-regulate; not to abuse legislation pertaining to supply-side registration, and so on. This is a creative industry that needs more competition and less regulation. And we are living up to our promise. 

From government’s side, we have a very clear understanding of our responsibilities in terms of promotion, and I believe SA Tourism is doing a sterling job. They spend their money well. Through their excellent board, many of you, many of the best people in our industry, contribute their expertise for the common good. South African (SA) Tourism follows a rigorous process in identifying and prioritising our target markets, without fear or favour, and without any political intervention. I want to commend the management of SA Tourism, those of you in industry who serve on the current board, and those who will join the board once it is reconstituted next year, for their selfless contributions.

But, let me return to the balance of industry-government responsibilities. Besides government playing a facilitative role, driving international branding and marketing, investing in public infrastructure, addressing airlift issues, to name but a few, we need industry to ensure that the price and product remain competitive – and compatible with our agreed positioning. In this respect, I must also commend industry: Our tourism success story of the past decade is your success story.

It is in this context that I would like to warn against those periodic outcries for stronger government intervention that I have noted. Beware of what you wish for: Once you invite government to intervene in a sector, the balance will not be easily restored. There is no instant on/off switch.

Our understanding of this balance has found expression in the National Tourism Sector Strategy and the proposed new Tourism Act. The Director-General will brief you on this legislation in a moment, and it goes without saying that we set a high value on your inputs as we finalise the legislation. Likewise, as we have done in the past when we joined hands to achieve the adoption of the soon-expiring airlift strategy that triggered the phased liberalisation of our air space, we will have to take hands again as we work in collaboration with our colleagues in other government departments to review this strategy and give expression to the ‘use it or lose it’ principle.

Let me conclude. I know it is tough out there, but let us not panic in this age of uncertainty and volatility. Let us keep our eye on the long-term strategy, and deal with the immediate obstacles and challenges in a level-headed way. We have all made major investments in this industry and sector – public and private. Now is no time for dithering. If there is a global economic storm, we have no choice but to put our heads down and, together, aim for the eye. That does not mean we just ride out the storm. It does not mean business as usual. No, not only must we keep our vessel seaworthy, but we also need to ensure that, once calm seas return, our vessel is stronger than ever before. So, while some of our traditional markets bleed due to global forces beyond our control, let us agree to address our weaknesses, explore opportunities, and do at least three things right:

Firstly, let us work together, in innovative ways, to capture every inch of our market share in the evolving market place. Let us seek new sources of value, and serve our visitors better than ever before. Let us stay on the offensive.

Secondly, let us continue to invest in markets that will deliver value in decades to come, maintaining a careful balance in our portfolio, aimed at consolidating core markets and developing future ones. And let us build domestic tourism, not only as a mainstay of sustainability, but also as a legacy for our own people. 

And thirdly, let us continue to understand that our shareholders at the top of the pyramid are not our only stakeholders. Let us continue to invest in our greatest asset, our people. While continuing to build a generation of tourism ambassadors committed to service excellence, let us also in these trying economic times fight for each and every job, each and every small entrepreneur, and each and every service provider in our supply chain. When we pass through the eye of the storm and emerge on the other side stronger than before, we need everyone, and I mean everyone, at our side.

Thank you. 

Enquiries:
Trevor Bloem
Tel: 082 771 6729
E-mail: Bloem@tourism.gov.za

Ministry of Tourism
Melene Rossouw
Tel: 082 753 7107
E-mail: mrossouw@tourism.gov.za   

Natasha Rockman
Tel: 076 429 2264
E-mail: nrockman@tourism.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Tourism
25 Aug 2011

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Official visit to Mozambique by Minister of Tourism

17 Aug 2011

At the invitation of the Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Mozambique, Mr Fernando Subana Junior, Minister van Schalkwyk led a delegation to meet his counterpart, in a run-up to the official state visit to the country by President Jacob Zuma scheduled for later in this year.

The Minister’s delegation was welcomed by the Minister of Tourism in Mozambique. The Minister also paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, Mr Aires Ali, where issues of mutual interests between the countries were discussed. The governments of South Africa and Mozambique has a history of a structural bilateral relationship and Minister van Schalkwyk commended Mozambique for constructively working with South Africa.

During its time in the country, the Minister’s delegation visited the Sports Complex of Zimpeto which consists of the All Africa Games Athletes Village and the National Stadium. They also visited the National Tourism Institute (INATUR) as well as the Joaquim Chissano International Convention Centre.

The two delegations later met to discuss various issues, including a review on the tourism aspects of the Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) projects, harmonisation of the level of services and grading packages within the region, the hosting of the All Africa Games and Festival of Africa by Mozambique in September 2011 and lastly, the issue of investment packages available in Mozambique.

During the discussions, Minister van Schalkwyk highlighted the importance to increase air connectivity between South Africa and Mozambique to unlock the potential for tourism in the region. The Minister also reiterated the importance of cooperation on regional marketing to drive tourism growth in both countries and the significance of good infrastructure which inadvertently links to various product offerings in the region.

There will be a strategic concentration of efforts on emerging markets, but without sacrificing our bread and butter traditional markets. Furthermore, we will follow a balanced approach between international, regional and domestic tourism – drawing on the strengths of each market while employing tactics to drive innovation and unearth new markets.

It was agreed between the two delegations that they will continue to foster and strengthen cooperation between the two countries by providing technical support to each other and to facilitate engagement to enhance harmonisation in respect of various tourism related aspects on a regular basis.

Enquiries:
Melene Rossouw
Tel: 021 465 7240
Cell: 082 753 7107
E-mail: mrossouw@tourism.gov.za

Natasha Rockman
Tel: 021 465 7240
Cell: 076 429 2264
E-mail: nrockman@tourism.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Tourism
17 Aug 2011

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Note: by Petrus Viviers

I sincerely hope that Mozambique is capable of handling him for his methotds is notorious for en riching the rich and enslaving the poor into poverty. His methods and views even bring the middle class closer to poverty.  Rely Sir stay at home and leave the other people alone they have done well with tourism to South Africa you have lost because of your views and management.

States Parties to United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea Fill Vacancy

 in Commission on Limits of Continental Shelf, Currently in Session

The States parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea today opened its doors to fill a vacancy in the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, in the midst of that body’s annual session at Headquarters.

The Commission, a sub-body facilitating the implementation of the Convention in respect to the outer limits of the continental shelf, elected Tetsuro Urabe ( Japan) by a secret-ballot vote of 131 in favour to none opposed, with 2 abstentions.  Mr. Urabe thus obtained the two-thirds majority necessary to secure his election to the vacancy, which was owed to the untimely death of Kensaku Tamaki ( Japan) on 5 April.  Mr. Urabe would fill that post for the remainder of Mr. Tamaki’s term, slated to end on 15 June 2012.

Prior to the vote, the States parties observed a minute of silent prayer or meditation for Mr. Tamaki’s passing.

In other business today, Robert Eric Alabado Borje ( Philippines), Chair of the Credentials Committee of the States Parties ( Belgium, Brazil, Ghana, Norway, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine and Zambia), introduced a report (document SPLOS/236) in which the Committee accepted the credentials of all representatives participating in the Meeting.  The States parties then approved the Committee’s report by consensus.

Often referred to as “the constitution of the oceans”, the landmark Convention on the Law of the Sea had been adopted on 10 December 1982 and entered into force on 16 November 1994.  Its 320 articles and nine annexes govern all aspects of ocean space and maritime issues, from navigational rights, maritime limits and marine scientific research, to resource management, marine-environment protection and dispute settlement.  The Convention established the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, the International Seabed Authority and the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.

The continental shelf is defined by the Convention as the “seabed and subsoil of the submarine areas that extend beyond its territorial sea throughout the natural prolongation of its land territory to the outer edge of the continental margin, or to a distance of 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured where the outer edge of the continental margin does not extend up to that distance” (article 76, paragraph 1).  In turn, the continental margin is defined as comprising “the submerged prolongation of the land mass of the coastal State, and consists of the seabed and subsoil of the shelf, the slope and the rise.  It does not include the deep ocean floor with its oceanic ridges or the subsoil thereof” (article 76, paragraph 3).  The Convention gives coastal States sovereign rights to explore and exploit the natural resources of the continental shelf (article 77).

The outer limits of the continental shelf divide the area of seabed that falls under the jurisdiction of the respective coastal States and the international area of seabed which constitutes what the General Assembly and the Convention (article 136) declared “common heritage of mankind”.  The resources of the seabed beyond the limits of national jurisdiction are to be managed jointly by the States parties through the International Seabed Authority (article 157 of the Convention).

The twenty-eighth session of the Commission runs from 1 August to 9 September.  For additional information, visit the website of the Commission, maintained by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea:  www.un.org/Depts/los/index.htm.