Public consultation on draft white paper on conservation and sustainable use of South Africa’s biodiversity and draft game meat strategy for South Africa to take place between 22 and 26 August 2022

A series of physical consultation roadshows on the Draft White Paper on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biodiversity and the draft Game Meat Strategy for South Africa will be co-hosted by the provinces and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment between 22 and 26 August 2022. Where deemed necessary and appropriate, further virtual consultations will be convened, and such will be communicated accordingly.

The public consultation forms part of the public comment process launched through the publication of the Draft White Paper by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Barbara Creecy, for public comment on 12 July 2022, for 60 days and the Draft Game Meat Strategy for South Africa on 24 July 2022, for 30 days.

The White Paper emphasises partnerships and adopting participatory and consensus approaches throughout the biodiversity sector, which will promote meaningful participation and influence of all stakeholders, with communal rather than individual outcomes.

These shifts will provide a clear understanding of the intent and aspirations of South Africa, in terms of promoting conservation to achieve protection of the environment for present and future generations, as well as securing ecologically sustainable use to promote justifiable economic and social development.

South Africa, renowned internationally for its abundant wildlife provides market opportunities that could derive from the harvesting of game meat and related value-added products.

The strategy and implementation plan are aimed at creating a formalised, thriving and transformed game meat industry in South Africa that contributes to food security and sustainable socio-economic growth. The aim is to attract investment in the game meat sector and to open local, regional and international market opportunities. This requires transformation of the industry to ensure future growth in this sector.

Provincial community consultations schedule:

Stakeholders unable to attend the sessions are invited to submit written comments on the draft White Paper by 10 September to any of the following addresses:

By post to:       The Director-General: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
                          Attention: Dr Tsepang Makholela
                          Private Bag X447
                          PRETORIA
                          0001

By hand at:       Reception, Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083

Please note that anyone entering the Department's building will be subjected to COVID 19 procedures. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic delivering comments by hand at the Department is being discouraged.

By e-mail:        whitepaper@dffe.gov.za

Comments received after the closing date may not be considered.

Any inquiries in connection with the draft White Paper can be directed to Mr Khuthadzo Mahamba at 066 115 8144 or whitepaper@dffe.gov.za

To access the Government Notice and White Paper, click on: 
Consultation on draft white paper on conservation and sustainable use of South Africa’s biodiversity [G 46687 – GoN 2252]

Members of the public / stakeholders unable to attend the sessions are invited to submit written comments on the Draft Game Meat Strategy for South Africa on or before 26 August 2022 to any of the following addresses:

By post to:         Director General: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
                          Attention: Mr Khorommbi Matibe
                          Private Bag X447
                          Pretoria, 0001

By hand at:       Reception, Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083

By email:           emasemola@dffe.gov.za  or mmathole@dffe.gov.za

Any inquiries in connection with the Draft Game Meat Strategy 2022 can be directed to Ms Tselenga Mabunda on 063 750 3691  or by emailing  tmabunda@dffe.gov.za.

Comments received after the closing date may be disregarded.

To access the government gazette, click on: 
Consultation on the Draft Game Meat strategy for South Africa [G 47024 – GoN 2293]

For media requests contact:
Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871