The Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment expressed serious concern over ongoing issues in waste management and significant gaps in climate monitoring across South Africa, according to reports from Cape Town Etc.
These problems were highlighted during a briefing conducted by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA). The briefing presented the audit findings of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and related organizations for the 2025/26 financial year.
Committee members voiced concerns regarding the consequences of weak environmental governance, noting increased risks to the ecosystem and local communities. Of particular concern was that Integrated Waste Management Plans (IWMPs) in four provinces had not yet received ministerial approval. Furthermore, five provinces failed to provide evidence of any measures taken against municipalities that did not submit their IWMPs, casting doubt on accountability and environmental protection.
The situation was exacerbated by alarming statistical data concerning the failure to meet climate monitoring targets. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) reported that greenhouse gas data availability stood at only 62%, significantly below the set target of 85%. Similarly, the service achieved 89% availability of climate data against a planned figure of 90%, underscoring systemic deficiencies.
Moreover, serious questions were raised about compliance with environmental legislation. The current composition of the Environmental Management Inspectorate (EMI) comprises 3,559 inspectors, yet it is striking that 68% of them possess only Grade 5 field ranger qualifications. This shortage of properly trained personnel is compounded by the absence of national standards for the number of inspectors across different provinces; for instance, Mpumalanga and Free State lack approved environmental compliance inspection plans.
An additional complexity was identified in the Free State: the committee learned of an average two-year delay in referring alleged environmental crimes to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Such delays not only impede timely justice but also point to a systemic issue in the enforcement process. This is also reflected in the inability of Free State and Northern Cape officials to monitor the implementation of administrative directives.
The committee also reviewed progress in combating invasive species and wetland restoration. The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) reported success in conducting alien invasive species risk assessments at 32%, against a target of 35%. Meanwhile, the Isimangaliso Wetland Park Authority has not removed a single hectare of invasive alien plants, despite a goal of 60,000 hectares.
Despite these setbacks, it was noted that some structures within DFFE managed to obtain unqualified audit opinions, including Isimangaliso and the Marine Living Resources Fund. However, the South African Weather Service received a qualified audit opinion, and the audit of the South African Forestry Company (SAFCOL) remains incomplete, expected to be finalized by October 30, 2026.
Committee Chairperson Nkabisi Gantsho commended the unqualified audits, emphasizing the importance of sound financial management leading to effective public service delivery. She expressed concern, however, over unresolved IT and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. These weaknesses led to instances where systems allowed visitors through despite failed payment transactions, demonstrating an urgent need for reforms in IT infrastructure, as well as in waste management and provincial-level compliance monitoring.
Gantsho stated: 'Delays in referring environmental offenses to the NPA undermine timely investigations and judicial processes.' She announced plans to address these serious issues in the upcoming Budget Review Report and recommendations, as required by the Public Finance Management Act. Proposed recommendations include strengthening the annual analysis of DFFE, SANBI, and SAWS financial reports, finalizing standard operating procedures for consequence management, and developing risk-based inspection plans for all provinces.