Update on Marine Protection, Governance Phakisa; State of coastal water quality and compliance with coastal waters discharge permits in 2025/26; with Deputy Minister

Video The Portfolio Committee met to receive briefings from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) on progress with marine protection and ocean governance under Operation Phakisa, and on the state of coastal water quality and compliance with discharge permits for the 2025/26 financial year. The Chairperson's introduction highlighted both the economic potential of the oceans economy and the systemic challenges facing South Africa’s marine environment, including illegal fishing, sewage pollution, and infrastructure failures. The Deputy Minister emphasised the constitutional duty to protect coastal waters, and commented that while permit processing was generally effective, municipal wastewater treatment works remained the primary source of pollution due to ageing infrastructure and capacity constraints. Presentations from the Department outlined progress on marine spatial planning, enforcement coordination, and marine protected area expansion, but also revealed significant challenges, including delayed funding for training through the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI), the discontinuation of the National Pollution Laboratory due to a contractual dispute, and the poor condition of research vessels. On water quality, the Department reported that systemic municipal failures, fragmented accountability between spheres of government, and outdated infrastructure were undermining compliance, with enforcement actions ongoing in several provinces. Members raised concerns about acting appointments in senior posts, the lack of training in 2025/26, the effectiveness of enforcement against polluting municipalities, and the handling of appeals by the City of Cape Town. They also questioned the adequacy of surveillance capabilities following the interception of foreign vessels, and the reliability of municipal water quality reporting. In response, the Department acknowledged the challenges and outlined the steps being taken, including engagement with National Treasury on vessel replacement, exploring alternative laboratory arrangements, and training prosecutors and enforcement officials. The Director General confirmed that four vessels were operational, and that administrative fines had been imposed on the foreign vessels, with no repeat offences observed to date. The Committee resolved to request written submissions on SAIMI funding and support for fishing communities by 14 April, and a plan on water quality testing within three months. A follow-up meeting was scheduled for June to assess progress and consider the outcome of the City of Cape Town appeal process.