Download
1 / 40
400 likes | 410 Views
This summary highlights the achievements and challenges of the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs in various programmes, including human resources management, green building construction, capacity building, and environmental protection.
E N D
Vote 30 2012/13 ANNUAL REPORT PRESENTATION SUMMARY OF KEY ACHIEVEMENTS & CHALLENGES PER PROGRAMME Portfolio Committee on Water and Environmental Affairs 14 October 2013
PROGRAMME 1 : KEY ACHIEVEMENTS • The department has committed itself to the development and implementation of effective and innovative human resources management strategies which will enable us to recruit and retain the best talent in the labour market. To this end we achieved our targets in the following areas: • The reduction of our vacancies rate from a baseline of 11.5 to 9.7% (147/1521) which also exceeds the public sector target • Personnel development through training 635 employees as part of implementation of our annual Workplace Skills Plan (WSP). • Finally meeting Employment Equity target on ensuring that 2% of our workforce are people with disabilities. • The report by DPME on Management Performance Assessments Tool (MPAT) results for the 2012/13 financial year which identified DEA as one of the top 5 performing national departments is an indication that the Department remains committed ensuring Equitable and Sound corporate governance. All out targets in this area were met. Furthermore, all DEA entities also received unqualified Audit Opinions both on Financial and Performance Information
PROGRAMME 1 : KEY ACHIEVEMENTS Cont… • We finalised a Public-Private Partnership agreement and began with construction of the new green building. The building is the first government building, as well as the first in Tshwane, to be awarded a six-star Green rating by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBSA) • One of the focus areas of the programme was to improve capacity, education and awareness within the sector. We exceeded our targets in: • Recruitment and enrolment of 100 unemployed youths on the learnership programme by enrolling 198 youths. • 108 workshops as opposed to the 80 planned workshops were conducted on environmental career development in response to demands • 332 officials trained on EMIs (Including 94 trained on specialised training) (t: 245 (including 70 EMIs undergoing specialised training). • Additional 138 officials trained on EIM (t: Additional 70 officials trained (total 494)
PROGRAMME 1 : KEY CHALLENGES • Delays in finalisation of the planned SAEO report. Challenges were experienced in appointment of specialist authors to revise the Energy Chapter. Specialist authors were only appointed at the end of April 2013 and the report will be finalised in this financial year. • There were delays in finalising PAIA request due to complex requests requiring extensive search of information in different locations. The Department is putting measures in place to improve records management system and streamline internal processes to achieve compliance with timeframes • One of our main commitments in this programmes which was not achieved was to develop a Local Government Support Framework. Could not be finalised due to restructuring within DEA and associated capacity constraints.
PROGRAMME 2 : KEY ACHIEVEMENTS The work carried out under this programme is primarily focused on ensuring that we protect and improve the quality and safety of the environment to give effect to the right of all citizens to an environment that is not harmful to their health. Our achievements included: • 89 % (72 of 81) of all DEA complaints and incidents being processed and investigated. This was against a target of 85%. The remaining complaints were received at the end of the financial year and could only be processed in the first quarter of the current financial year • 21 criminal investigations were finalized and dockets handed over for prosecution. This is despite having had capacity to finalise 18 per annum • 82 % compliance with administrative enforcement notices issued (t: 75%) • Though the scourge of Rhino Pouching has intensifies we have also intensified our fight through implementation of 52% (22 of the 42 planned key activities) of our national rhino strategy as opposed to the planned 40% • 36 857 of households benefited from waste collection initiatives (t: 32 402)
PROGRAMME 2 : KEY CHALLENGES • 81 facilities inspected instead of 85 facilities targeted due to a high number of authorisations that were inspected per facillity. • Part 8 of Chapter 4 of the Waste Act was not brought into effect. Following the analysis of public comments, a management decision was taken to discontinue the Regulations. In 2013/14 focus will be on finalisation of norms and standards to bringing Part 8 into effect. • 88% of 650 received environmental Impact Assessments were finalised. The high number of applications received (650 as opposed to 400) put a strain on existing capacity and had an impact on finalisation of some applications within legislated timeframes (only 58% were finalised within timeframes) . The department will continue to look at capacity issues and other innovative interventions to improve turnaround times. The applications linked to SIPs were prioritised and finalised. • The target of decreasing the the 56 unlicensed waste disposal sites was not achieved due to DWA's RoDs were not issued on time and the Provinces could not proceed with processing waste management licences for issuance. • Environmental Assessment and Management Strategy not yet completed due to additional issues raised and dispute declared by the NGO’s .Work to be finalised in 2013/14.
PROGRAMME 3 : KEY ACHIEVEMENTS • Relevant and up to date scientific information is critical in informing policy decision making which enables effective management and conservation of our ocean and coastal environment. To this end, the following planned research projects were carried out : • Conducting population estimates for 12 species around South Africa and population estimates for five species around the Southern ocean area. • 8 research projects on marine top predators and 2 baseline assessment/surveys of the ocean and coastal biodiversity were completed at the Bettys Bay and the Robberg Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). • We have made strides towards fulfilling our mandate of developing and implementing national policies to protect and conserve South Africa’s ocean environment • developed and published the Green Paper on the National Environmental Management of the Ocean in October 2012 for public comment • Southern Oceans and sub-Antarctic islands management strategy • Our targets on protection of the ocean and coastal environment were also achieved • Full Protection of 9.26% (324/3600km), and partial protection of 13.5% (468/3600km km) • 2% (30,000/1500000 Km2) of EEZ is protected
PROGRAMME 4 : KEY ACHIEVEMENTS • The approved National Climate Change Response Policy spells out specific short, medium and long term activities which form part of a national effort to mitigate and manage the impacts of climate change. The actions which have been implemented include: • A review was conducted on 16 plans within the Agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector, water sector and disaster management sector • Baseline research was completed on Long Term Adaptation Scenarios into four sectors (Water, Agriculture and Commercial Forestry; Biodiversity and Ecosystems and Health). • Draft framework for implementation of flagships projects developed • Scoping of information for the 2014 Biennial Update Report undertaken and Terms of References of the compilation of the Biennial Update Report developed
PROGRAMME 4 : KEY ACHIEVEMENTS CONT… The other priority area for the programme is on ensuring that we protect and improve the quality and safety of the air to give effect to the right of all citizens to air that is not harmful to their health. In this regard we : • Developed and continue to fine-tune the legislative framework for air quality management (The amendment of the Minimum Emission Standards for industrial control of air pollution,addition of a standard for PM2.5 this year to the national ambient air quality standards and draft vehicle emissions strategy and the strategy to address air pollution in dense low-income communities) • Partnership with the South African Weather Services (SAWS) in air quality monitoring • A total of 72 stations reporting data on SAAQIS agaisnt a target of 65
PROGRAMME 4 : KEY CHALLENGES • Only 4 sector mitigation potential and impact studies conducted instead of 9 studies targeted due to slow response rate from data providers and delays due to the signing of non-disclosure. The work will be prioritise in 2013/14. • Recommendations on mainstreaming and alignment of four sectoral policies and plans not finalised due to human constraints which will be adressed in 2013/14. However recommendations on alignment have been produced for the Public Transport and Waste Act. • Draft CC Response M&E System framework is not finalised due to delays in sourcing external funding from donor funds ( GIZ) which resulted in delays in the appointment of a suitable service provider.
SAWS : KEY ACHIEVEMENTS • Weather-related disaster risk applications developed and operationalized as planned. • Agro- and Hydrometeorology Feasibility Study completed and approved as planned. • Achieved 77% accuracy (t: 71%) and 98.8% severe weather warnings accuracy • Overall customer satisfaction at 85.3% (t:85%) and Overall customer satisfaction at 85.3% (t: 85%) • SAWS successfully hosted the Meteorological Association of Southern Africa. • 40% readiness of identified successors to take over positions (t:30%) • 42 of bursaries granted (t:40) and 85% or more of bursary beneficiaries from previously disadvantaged backgrounds (t:75%) • Met Technicians: 87 % uptake of graduates which represent 13 students out of 15 (t:62%) • Staff turnover percentage on critical and scarce skills 4.18% (t: 6%.) • 85% or more of bursary beneficiaries from previously disadvantaged backgrounds (t: 75%)
SAWS : KEY CHALLENGES • Aviation Income was below budget by R5.7m and amounted to R73.8 m (Target: R79.5m): • The Aviation industry experienced lower volume numbers than expected • The liquidation and provisional liquidation of airlines had a negative contribution on revenue • SAWS will only be able to recover this shortfall from Aviation experienced in the current financial period in the 2014/15 period in pending approval by the Tariff Regulations Committee • Non – regulated commercial income was below budget by R5.3 million amounting to R13.9 m (Target: R19.2m). • Bad Debts written off for the year amounted to R4.2m; these include amongst others One Time and Velvet Sky
PROGRAMME 5: KEY ACHIEVEMENTS • There has been continued focus on increasing the country’s protected area to above 10% and towards the international agreed figure of at least 17 % of terrestrial and inland-water areas. To this end DEA in collaboration with SANParks facilitated the process of adding 1.912 million hectors of land under formal protection resulting in 7.7% of land under conservation (9 393 322 ha/121 991 200 ha) exceeding the set target of 7.4 % (9027348.8/ 121991200ha) • In relation to development of management tools for biodiversity the following targets have been achieved • finalised and published the Mining and Biodiversity Guideline • Black Rhino BMP finalised, approved for implementation and gazetted • Pelargonium BMP approved for implementation and for the appointment of lead agents for the implementation of the BMP • Mapungubwe IMP approved by Minister • Management Plan and guidelines for the protection and conservation of the African Penguin finalised • Management plans for De Mond, Seekoeivlei Nature Reserve, Langebaan Lagoon, uKhahlamba Drakensberg and De Hoop completed • Risk assessment guidelines for Alien and Invasive Species (AIS) developed
PROGRAMME 5: KEY CHALLENGES • Environmental Transformational sector situational analysis report not finalised as no bidder met the minimum technical requirements. The Terms of Reference for the appointment of the service provider have been revised. • Draft TOPS Regulations and list could not be published for public participation due to Inclusion of marine related matters, which are currently regulated in terms of the Marine Living Resources Act, in TOPS regulations caused some delays as well as the need to include urgent amendments in NEMLA to address comments by Chief State Law Advisors
SANBI: KEY ACHIEVEMENTS • In pursuit of the key focus areas of the entity around science-policy interface and protection of our biodiversity the entity achieved and exceeded targets in the following areas: • 30 peer reviewed publications focusing on trends, risks and benefits associated with emerging invasive, threatened species, GMO impacts, and sustainable use of biological resources (t:30) and 30 Scientific publications (t:15) • 250 threatened plant taxa monitored at CREW sites (t: 220) • 21,120 of records added to the SANBI species occurrence database and 18,779 of records in database verified (t: 12 500 specimens added and 10,000 records verified). • National biodiversity offsets framework developed, to support land-use decision-making • State of Biodiversity Report developed and published based on NBA 2011 • Strategy to implement marine offshore spatial management, including marine protected areas, developed • The national biodiversity monitoring framework reviewed and updated. 3 Additional indicators developed or updated and reported. • Progress has also been made towards expanding National Botanical Gardens estate and associated infrastructure (Preferred site for new national botanical garden in the Limpopo Province identified) • One of the priority areas of SANBI has been on strengthening revenue generating activities, growing visitor numbers with a focus on previously disadvantaged groups. There has been a 2% annual increase in visitor numbers and 4% and annual increase in own income received as well as a 5% increase in diversification of garden and EE centre users • One of the major achievements for SANBI was external recognition in a form of a Gold Medal received from Chelsea Flower Show 2012 held in London, UK • by
SANBI : KEY CHALLENGES • Draft monitoring framework for species in trade not developed due to capacity constraints. The vacant zoologist post to be filled in next financial year. • Report on monitoring of at least 60 emerging invasive species was not finalised due to capacity constraints. Final report to be produced in next financial year.
iSIMANGALISO : KEY ACHIEVEMENT • In line with the mandate of the Entity to protect, conserve and present the Park the following achievements were realised: • 3 criminal cases and 3 civil cases of illegal developments were successfully detected within time frame. • 155 cases of most affected priority species - white vulture were detected. • Implementation of annual alien invasive removal concluded finalised • 10% of former commercial forestry and other incompatible land use areas rehabilitated • The entity exceeded set target in the following activities aimed at optimising cost recovery and empowering historically disadvantaged adjacent communities • R12.8m Increase revenue (t: R8.6m) and 541 027 Increase in visitor numbers (t: 492 260). • 49% increase in commercial revenue to the Park (t: 2%) • 57 Increase number of BEE SMME’s (ownership in business 40% or more) (t: 30) • 701 people trained living in and adjacent to the Park(t: 500) • 47 students awarded bursaries for undergraduate study (t:25 ) • Visitor numbers increased by 13% from the previous year (t: 2%)
iSIMANGALISO : KEY CHALLENGES • Number of people trained in Art field due to delays with NLDTF funding which necessitated the retrenchment of the project manager. The funding has now been unblocked. • 1 528 temporary jobs created. The target was not achieved due to the liquidation of the main contractor. This tied up the funds for implementation of the remaining projects pending the finalisation of same. It has been agreed with DEA recently that iSimangaliso should use the funds to continue implementation and any liabilities that arise from the liquidation will be dealt with separately. iSimangaliso’s best case scenario is a write off of the penalties charged to the contractor and worst case is a payment of R6million. (target 4000). • 3 new permanent jobs were achieved bringing the present number of permanent jobs to 103 (target 10). The additional jobs would have been created with the opening of the Western Shores which has been delayed as the facilities were not completed timeously due to the abovementioned liquidation. • Infrastructure not achieved as the contractor terminated for non-performance and was subsequently liquidated.
SANParks : KEY ACHIEVEMENTS • The key achievement in SANParksdemonstrate their commitment to improve biodiversity conservation in the national park system, optimize its assets and to create opportunities for revenue generation through responsible tourism. The Entity has exceeded set targets in the following areas • 50,586 ha of New Area and244,708 ha follow-up of Area of Alien/Invasive Species rehabilitated (t:New Area = 43,283 ha Follow-Up = 212,203 ha) • 82.7% of new research projects relevant to SANParks key issues (t: 80% in “Essential” and “Important” categories) • 213,327 Participants in Environmental Education Programme (t: 170,540) • 70.0% Accommodation Occupancy (t: 68.1%) • 4,941,697 Total Number of Visitors(t: 4,667,000) • 434,216 Total Number of Domestic Black Visitors (t: 411,000) • 78.1% Customer Satisfaction (t: 77.5%) • The entity also focused on optimising benefits for communities adjacent to the parks and promoting access to the parks • 10 Community-based Socio-Economic initiatives implemented • 25 956 Free Access Entrants to National Parks)
SANParks : KEY CHALLENGES • SANParks’ rhino poaching incidents have increased by 76.6% (482) compared to the previous financial year. All incidents took place in the Kruger National Park. 233 suspects were arrested for crimes relating to rhino poaching, of which 33.7%(87) were arrested in the Kruger National Park. Implementation and roll out of the National Strategy on Safety and Security of Rhino Population in SA and the NATJOINTS Priority Committee “Operation Rhino” initiatives, particularly in the KNP, will be prioritised.
PROGRAMME 6: KEY ACHIEVEMENTS The fight against high levels of and the resulting effects of poverty is one of Government’s key and most urgent priorities. DEA and its Entities have contributed in implementation of EPWP DEA Performance: • 99 548 work opportunities created(t: 74 274),61% work opportunities created for youth(t: 55%),3 067 SMMEs used(t: 2 572). SANParks: • 975,941 Person-Days on Temporary Jobs Created (t: 767,920), 11,038 Temporary Jobs Created (t: 3,933), 626 SMMEs Supported (t: 286) SANBI 1,619 job opportunities for 140,001 person days, including 8,847 training days (t: 1,400 EPWP job opportunities for 220,000 person days, including 22,740 training days) The other achievements of the programme were around restoration and maintanance of ecosystem services (41 emerging invasive alien species controlled, targets were exceeded include: Ensuring that 600 youth benefited from NYS (t: 600), Control of 2682 KM of coastline cleaned(t: 2 700)
PROGRAMME 6: KEY ACHIEVEMENTS The other achievements of the programme were around restoration and maintenance of ecosystem services • 107 wetlands under rehabilitation (t100) • 821 198 hectares of invasive alien plants treated (t 780 440)and 41 emerging invasive alien species controlled (t 41) The additional funds provided during the year enabled the programme to exceed targets in the following areas; • 34 349 indigenous trees planted (t 20 000) • 58 605 hectares of land restored and rehabilitated (33 613)
PROGRAMME 6: KEY CHALLENGES • The target of 55% work opportunities created for women was not achieved. Measures were put in place to attract female beneficiaries but due to late start to projects most of the targeted groups found employment elsewhere. • 892 ha instead of 1 710 Area (ha) of invasive forest stands were converted and rehabilitated due to delays in finalisation agreemeets on priority areas with partners which delayed issuing of contracts.The agreements were formalised late in the year and to be implemented in the 2013/14.
