DFFE, MLRF, SAWS & SANBI Q3 and 4 2025/26 Performance

Video In his introductory remarks, the Minister reported that DFFE achieved 87% of its targets during the third quarter and improved to 93% during the fourth quarter, while the MLRF achieved all its annual targets. Where there were implementation challenges, corrective actions included tighter monitoring systems, accelerated project implementation, improved intergovernmental coordination and capacity enhancement measures. During the discussion, Members questioned the Department on conflict resolution mechanisms in community projects, the utilisation of climate-finance resources, the sustainability of the conservation estate, delays in the Oceans Economy Programme and the postponement of the African Penguin Biodiversity Management Plan. Explanations were requested on underspending, support offered to fishing cooperatives, harbour revenue generation and the consequences of restrictions on the sale of confiscated abalone. They welcomed DFFE’s improved performance, commended efforts to address weaknesses and focused on the effectiveness of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), the collection of harbour fees, harbour infrastructure upgrades and the financial implications of ending confiscated abalone sales. They asked if cost-containment measures had affected core operations, enquired about environmental crime convictions, climate-negotiation capacity, vacancy levels, harbour services, aquaculture challenges and vessel operating costs. They queried Programme 6 underspending, project delays, vacancies, implementation bottlenecks and progress on replacing ageing research vessels. The Chairperson reinforced concerns on vacancies, recruitment delays and progress in resolving administrative bottlenecks. The Deputy Minister explained that Programme 6 performance had been adversely affected by the withdrawal of delegations and delays in the transfer of EPWP funds to implementing entities. These matters had subsequently been resolved following engagements with National Treasury. The Acting CFO said that cost-containment measures had not compromised service delivery and highlighted strengthened expenditure monitoring, procurement planning and invoice-tracking systems. DFFE reported significant progress in filling vacancies through improved recruitment systems, online recruitment processes, acting appointments and targeted recruitment drives, with most priority vacancies either filled or at advanced stages of completion. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) reported that it achieved approximately 86.7% of its planned targets and continued to provide critical weather, climate and early-warning services despite operational challenges. It highlighted progress in forecasting, severe-weather monitoring and public alert systems, but acknowledged that commercial revenue targets had not been fully achieved. Management attributed this partly to the lingering effects of a cyberattack and delays in the conclusion of commercial contracts. During the discussion, Members welcomed the operational performance but raised concerns about the sustainability of SAWS business model, declining commercial revenue, cyber-security resilience and the long-term viability of revenue-generation initiatives. SAWS responded that recovery plans had already been implemented following the cyber incident, commercial opportunities were being pursued aggressively, and it remained focused on maintaining core forecasting services while strengthening revenue streams and digital resilience. The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) reported a strong performance, achieving 96% of its planned targets. It highlighted achievements in biodiversity research, environmental education, conservation planning, resource mobilisation and support for national biodiversity priorities. SANBI also reported positive progress in public outreach programmes and scientific outputs. Members commended SANBI’s performance but expressed concern on the sustainability of funding for biodiversity management programmes, particularly invasive-species control, ecological restoration initiatives and disaster-recovery interventions. SANBI responded that while the Institute had achieved strong performance outcomes, long-term programme sustainability would require continued investment and strengthened partnerships with government and external funders. It emphasised SANBI’s commitment to supporting evidence-based conservation and biodiversity stewardship across the country. In closing, the Chairperson congratulated DFFE and its entities on the overall improvement in performance, particularly DFFE’s achievement of more than 90% of its targets during the fourth quarter and SANBI’s consistently high performance. She emphasised that improved administrative performance must translate into visible benefits for communities, improved environmental outcomes and enhanced service delivery.