Old Assembly Chambers: 18th June 2009

Honourable Chairperson,

The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism has been restructured and separated into two distinct departments, the Department of Tourism and the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs, each with their own Ministers. This is a positive move that should result in greater dedication and efficiency in the attainment of the relevant objectives.

While the tourism sector's contribution to the economy has grown in leaps and bounds over the years, there is still room for the expansion of this sector and there are many challenges that must be overcome. 
 

With regard to the environment, the threat that climate change poses must be given greater attention while the protection and preservation of our environment and natural resources must become a priority and be dealt with vigilantly. Hopefully these and other important issues will now be addressed with more vigour and there will be greater accountability as a result of the new structures.

The aim of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism was to lead sustainable development of South Africa's environment for a better life for all. R3,48 billion has been allocated for environmental affairs and tourism in 2009/10. This is an increase from the R3,2 billion that was allocated in 2008/09 with the allocation to Programme 3: Marine and Coastal Management, increasing from R429 million in 2008/09 to R583 million in 2009/10 and Tourism's allocation increasing from R690 million to R750 million during the same period. 
 

Honourable Chairperson, it is important that financial prudence is practiced and that the departments and their institutions spend their funds wisely and not frivolously. We are in the midst of an economic crisis so unnecessary or wasteful spending must not be tolerated if the departments are to fulfil their mandates.

Climate change is a reality and its harsh effects will be felt by all, especially the poorest members of our society. In this regard it is important that the public is educated about climate change and the impact that it is going to have on their lives as well as the role that they can play in dealing with it. Communication about climate change must be improved, especially to the rural poor and farmers whose lives and livelihood will be harshly affected by its impact.

South Africa has the third highest level of biodiversity in the world.  Our animal, marine and plant life are truly amazing and must be preserved for future generations to enjoy. We have passed many pieces of legislation that are intended to contribute to the preservation and protection of our environmental and natural resources, including legislation dealing with the important issues of pollution, waste and protected areas amongst other things. The proper implementation of these pieces of legislation and the monitoring of their progress is where the greatest challenge lies. The Department must ensure that it does have adequate capacity in this regard if it is to successfully fulfil its mandate. We must not neglect our natural treasures or allow polluters and poachers to get away with destroying our environment any longer; they must be brought to book and made to pay for their crimes against the environment.

The growth of the tourism industry in South Africa has been phenomenal. In 2008 almost 5,5 million foreign tourists visited South Africa. This is one of the fastest growing sectors of our economy and a creator of employment. It is estimated that tourism contributed

R159,6 billion to the country's GDP in 2007 and created 941 000 jobs during this time. With proper management and marketing, these figures will increase. South Africa has the ability to be the destination of choice for many more visitors.

While the growth of the tourism industry has been impressive, its benefits have not filtered down to the majority of South Africans. The previously disadvantaged and rural poor for example must be given greater access to, and play a more prominent role in, all sectors of the industry, their contribution must not be confined to selling trinkets to foreign tourists.

The IFP supports this budget vote but we believe that there is still a lot of hard work ahead for the departments in their quest to fulfil their mandates and hope that the restructuring will benefit this process.

I thank you.

Contact:
Liezl van der Merwe
083 611 7470.