I recently came across the 2023/24 National Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Report (NECER), and it’s clear to me that while South Africa has made commendable strides in environmental compliance, we still face enormous challenges, especially with pollution.
Launched by Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Narend Singh at the Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Lekgotla (ECEL) in Drakensberg, this report sheds light on the progress and hurdles faced by our Green Scorpions—the Environmental Management Inspectorate (EMI).
Reading the report, I was struck by both the achievements and the daunting tasks ahead. Yes, inspections have increased—an impressive 30% rise from the previous year, with 5,643 facilities across different sectors scrutinised. This is a testament to the government’s growing commitment to holding polluters accountable.
But let’s be honest: the issues are far from resolved. Untreated sewage still finds its way into our land, freshwater, and coastal areas. Illegal waste disposal, poor air quality, and land degradation caused by invasive plants remain critical concerns. These aren’t just statistics; they’re challenges we see and feel in our communities every day.
I was especially encouraged to see that while criminal enforcement actions have decreased, higher sentences for convictions show a more impactful approach to holding offenders accountable. The case of the Lekwa Local Municipality, fined R70 million to address sewage pollution, is a bold example of enforcement that drives change.
However, the report also highlighted the constraints faced by environmental compliance authorities, particularly limited resources. It’s a reminder that innovation is not just a buzzword; it’s a necessity if we’re to address the country’s most urgent environmental threats.
At the ECEL, held under the theme “The Science of Environmental Compliance,” discussions centred on how technology and innovation can enhance the inspectorate’s work. I felt a sense of hope knowing that stakeholders across national, provincial, and local levels are uniting to tackle these pressing issues.
This year, as South Africa celebrates 30 years of freedom, the Green Scorpions continue to embody the constitutional principles of environmental stewardship. Their work reminds me that while progress is a journey, we can’t lose sight of the need for sustained action.
The question I find myself asking is: what can each of us do to play our part in protecting the environment? After all, the fight against pollution is not just the responsibility of authorities; it’s ours too.