Latest News & Developments
dr dion george
Historic settlement reached to protect African Penguin breeding colonies
Collaborative conservation efforts have led to a landmark settlement for the protection of African Penguin breeding colonies, establishing critical island closures to safeguard these endangered species.
Safety concerns persist at Table Mountain despite decrease in muggings
Friends of Table Mountain urges increased funding for safety measures at Table Mountain National Park, despite a decrease in crime rates.
Legal battle looms as African Penguin population faces critical decline
BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB are taking legal action against the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to secure effective protection measures for the declining African Penguin population.
Gauteng High Court to hear Landmark case for African Penguin conservation
The organisations have sought from the court to review and set aside the minister’s decision to put in place island closures at six breeding colonies “which are not biologically meaningful”, citing that the decision was irrational and unlawful.
BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB challenge government on African penguin protection
BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB are taking legal action against the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to secure effective protection measures for the declining African Penguin population, as they challenge the government’s inadequate conservation efforts.
South Africa's fight against poaching intensifies
Dion George, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, has declared war onpoaching syndicates, vowing to strengthen legislation and disrupt local and international networks.
Small-scale fishers question 36% increase in 'own use' fish allocation
Small-scale fishing communities are demanding clarity from Minister Dion George following his announcement of a 36% increase in fish allocations for 'own use', questioning how this will benefit their livelihoods when selling catches remains prohibited.
Care for Wild awaits second orphaned rhino calf in 24 hours
Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary faces a challenging start to the new year as they receive a second orphaned rhino calf within 24 hours, highlighting the ongoing crisis of rhino poaching in South Africa.
Cape Town’s sewage gamble: Unlimited discharges spark outrage amid environmental fears
The City of Cape Town’s Directorate for Water and Sanitation maintains that it treats the sewage discharged into the Green Point, Camps Bay, and Hout Bay marine outfalls, adding that it does not exceed the existing daily limit released into the ocean.
WATCH: Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary celebrates birth of its 20th calf
Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary celebrates the birth of its 20th calf, born to rehabilitated rhino Olive, highlighting significant progress in rhino conservation efforts.
Constantia Nek fire along Table Mountain successfully contained, says SANParks
On Sunday morning, at first light, SANParks Table Mountain National Park Fire Management Department deployed firefighting crews to continue mop-up operations.
Supreme Court of Appeal blocks Monsanto’s GMO maize, citing flaws in government safety oversight
A Supreme Court of Appeal decision halts the release of genetically modified maize, pointing to ignored environmental assessment obligations and safety concerns.
‘From wound treatments to complex surgeries’: Behind the scenes at SANCCOB’s Penguin Rescue
As African penguin numbers plummet, SANCCOB’s crucial work reveals the urgent need for conservation and stronger protections to save this species from extinction.
Mpumalanga MEC of Economic Development accuses Forestry Minister Dion George of racial segregation, but George rubbishes claims
George voiced disappointment that Masilela had aired her grievances publicly, instead of addressing them directly with him.
City could face criminal prosecution for Hout Bay marine outfall issues
The action was taken against the City, which holds Coastal waters discharge permits (CWDPs), for allegedly contravening the National Environment Management Act (Nema) by “releasing in excess of 30 million litres of raw, untreated sewage into the marine reserves” along the Atlantic seaboard.
Climate Change: South Africa and Norway lead mitigation consultations ahead of COP29
Ministers George and Sandvik to lead climate mitigation consultations ahead of COP29, focusing on developing the nations' concerns and priorities.
Ministers ask for more time to submit annual reports to Parliament
The AG had not provided an expected date of submission of the final audit and management report.
Minister George congratulates 33 new field rangers at Kruger National Park graduation ceremony
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dion George has welcomed 33 newly trained field rangers at the Kruger National Park that are ready to strengthen efforts against poaching and support biodiversity.
Call for independent candidates as DA, ANC deadlock in eThekwini
The DA has defended its position, saying it would rather be in opposition in eThekwini than accept the EFF as chairperson of the municipal public accounts committee.
Poaching kingpin ‘Navara’ sentenced in Mozambique
The sentencing was a critical victory in the ongoing fight against poaching and organised wildlife crime.
Rhino dehorning at KZN game reserve a win for conservation
A dehorning operation marks a significant success not only for the Somkhanda Game Reserve, but for overall rhino conservation in KwaZulu-Natal, which lost 325 rhinos to poaching in 2023.
Environment Minister rejects appeal against Karpowership Richards Bay authorisation
Environment Minister Dion George has dismissed the Biodiversity Law Centre’s appeal against the environmental authorisation for the Karpowership project in Richards Bay.
The Climate Change Act – the beginning of the End Times?
A low-carbon economy and society, means an economy and society with low levels of activity, which contradicts Ramaphosa’s claims that the GNU will increase economic activity and create jobs.
SA to tackle climate change at summit in China
Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister Dr Dion George said it was important to ensure a balanced agenda that addresses issues critical to developing countries, and to pressure developed countries to fulfil their commitments.
SCA clips drone fishers’ wings
The SCA held that recreational anglers were only to use manual methods of fishing.