DFFE, MLRF & SAWS Annual Performance Plans 2026/27; with Deputy Minister

Video Annual Performance Plan (APP) of Government Departments & Entities 2026/27 On 28 April 2026, the Portfolio Committee on Environment, Forestry and Fisheries met to review the 2026/27 Annual Performance Plans (APPs) of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the Marine Living Resources Fund (MLRF), and the South African Weather Service (SAWS). The Chairperson opened by expressing concern that some strategic targets had been replaced with less ambitious ones, emphasising that the environmental sector holds significant potential for inclusive economic growth and job creation. The DFFE presented its R29.1 billion plan, outlining seven priorities including science-based decision-making, climate change mitigation, and an inclusive wildlife economy. Key targets include adding 105 000 hectares to conservation, managing 12 fishing harbours, and creating thousands of Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) jobs. However, Members raised serious concerns about a lack of measurable impact, reduced work opportunities (from 70 000 to 30 000), potential qualified audits, and the removal of school outreach and national air quality indicators from the strategic plan. The MLRF presentation focused on science-based fisheries management, but the Committee questioned how fiscal accountability would be assessed without specific targets and requested information on support for small-scale fishing cooperatives. In response, the DFFE defended its approach, explaining that some targets had shifted to operational plans. On the "30 by 30" biodiversity target, officials clarified that the deadline is 2036 and noted that land claims and competing development needs constrain ambition. The Department admitted to challenges with acting senior managers due to staff retention issues. On waste management, the Bureau revealed a critical underfunding of about R1 billion per year from environmental levies, which Treasury ties to the formal establishment of the Waste Bureau as an entity. The SAWS presentation highlighted efforts to improve early warning systems and air quality services. Members questioned low baseline targets (e.g., 85% radar availability, reaching only 3.4 million vulnerable people) and the timeline for appointing a permanent CEO. SAWS responded that 100% data availability is unfeasible due to network and power dependencies, and that it is working on expanding early warnings via community radio, cell broadcasting, and a braille project. The Committee requested that all outstanding written responses be submitted by 19 May 2026.