Madame Speaker,  

As a developing country we, in South Africa, are striving to achieve a high rate of economic growth to ensure a better life for all South Africans. It is, however, important that this growth is not achieved at the expense of the environment, as this is short sighted and will only lead to greater problems down the line. Any growth must be achieved in a sustainable and responsible manner and it is here that this department must play a leading role. The aim of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism is to lead the sustainable development of South Africa's environment and tourism for a better life for all. This department has a very important and strategic role to play in our country's development and growth.  

The tourism industry has experienced remarkable growth over the past few years and is now making a greater contribution to the economy then ever before. We have been told that record numbers of people are now visiting our country. This is positive and bodes well for the future. This strong growth path must be maintained and expanded upon. We, in the IFP, believe that our tourism sector can grow at a higher rate and in future contribute even more to our economic growth and development and have a positive impact on a much broader spectrum of people than is currently the case.  

Our environment and natural resources, much of which are unique to South Africa, must be protected and enjoyed in a sustainable manner. The law reform process which the department undertook to consolidate and streamline legislation governing the environment has resulted in legislation, which if implemented and monitored correctly, will have a positive impact. 

It is evident that the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism has achieved much, and continues to make a constructive and positive contribution to the development of South Africa and its people. There are, however, still many areas where improvements can and must be made if the department is to truly fulfil its potential and mandate.  

The 2006/2007 Annual Report states that the department has an overall vacancy rate of 25%. This is too high and will no doubt impact negatively on the ability of the department to perform its functions in an efficient and effective a manner as possible. Of particular concern is that the vacancy rates are acutely felt in the Environmental Quality and Protection Branch and the Marine and Coastal Management Branch which are vitally important to the department's aim at leading the sustainable development of South Africa's environment for a better life for all. The legislation that emanated from the department's law reform process will have to be properly implemented and thoroughly monitored if it is to have the desired effect, and for this to happen the high number of vacancies within the department will have to be filled. The department must be innovative and do its utmost to ensure that it attracts and retains talented individuals who are capable of contributing to the attainment of its objectives and eliminating inefficiencies.   

As a developing country we are confronted with many challenges and obstacles that have to be overcome in pursuit of development and a better life for all. Rural development and service delivery, for example, are pressing issues that directly affect large segments of our population and must therefore be dealt with as a matter of urgency. Issues affecting the environment, such as climate change, are not always given the attention that they deserve. This is unfortunate as if these important issues are not considered and addressed urgently, there will be negative and harsh consequences in the future and as usual it will be the poorest segments of our population who will be the worst affected. It is for this reason that issues of climate change must be incorporated into all poverty reduction, rural development and other plans and strategies. We must tackle climate change in an integrated and holistic manner and this department must play a leading and coordinating role in this regard. Climate change is a reality that must be addressed as such and not just discussed at conferences or workshops by a select few. We must bring the issues of climate change and global warming into the mainstream and educate people, especially those living in rural areas, about their effects and the measures that they can take to adapt to a changing environment. We must localise the issues of climate change and conduct as much research and collect as much information and data on this topic as possible.  

The tourism sector has been a shining star for many years and should continue to grow in leaps and bounds for many years to come. We have been told that we are on target to meet our goal of 10 million international arrivals per annum by 2010. While we do congratulate the relevant people and organisations for the good work that has been done in reaching these targets and milestones, we are still concerned that the benefits and opportunities that stem from this growth are not more broad based and shared by more South Africans, especially those from rural areas. This department could, and should, play a bigger role in the development of the rural areas of our country through investment in, and the promotion of, tourism and tourist related activities in these areas. I believe that the unique and truly South African experiences that these areas have to offer will have great appeal to international tourists and be a boost to the development of these communities.  

As I mentioned earlier, this department has achieved much but there is still much more that needs to be done, and many obstacles and constraints to overcome, before it fulfils its mandate to lead environmental management and tourism in the interest of sustainable development, and to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of all South Africans. I also hope that the department is on course to meet its many targets in preparation for the influx of visitors expected for the 2010 World Cup. We must make the most of this wonderful opportunity and ensure that the rest of the world realises what a beautiful and unique country South Africa is. 

The IFP supports this budget vote. 

I thank you.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Mr Narend Singh MP: 083 788 5954