SANParks, ISPA, and SANBI 2024/25 Annual Reports; with Deputy Minister

Annual Reports 2024/25 The Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and Environment met to receive briefings from its entities—the South African National Parks (SANParks), the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority—on their 2024/25 annual reports. Members commended all three entities for achieving above 80% of their planned targets, acknowledging their resilience, accountability, and commitment to environmental stewardship despite limited financial resources. iSimangaliso was particularly commended for achieving 100% of its performance targets and maintaining a clean audit outcome for the third consecutive year. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority reported outstanding performance, achieving all 26 of its planned targets and receiving a clean audit outcome for the third consecutive year. The entity welcomed over 290 000 visitors—exceeding the target by 35%—and generated R29.9 million in revenue, R2.4 million above target. It created 635 full-time equivalent jobs, surpassing its target by 85, and maintained over 52 kilometres of roads and 324 kilometres of boundary fencing. Major conservation achievements included implementation of the St Lucia Estuary Management Plan and infrastructure development at Charters Creek Pavilion and Sodwana Bay Market. The entity maintained assets valued at R965.7 million, although it recorded a deficit of R27.6 million due to increased personnel and professional costs. Members congratulated iSimangaliso on its performance but expressed concern about challenges relating to commercialisation, inadequate water infrastructure for projects such as Charters Creek, and management of marine protected areas. They also raised questions on socio-economic benefits for local communities, political interference, and the prevention of irregular expenditure. The entity assured Members that it maintained sound financial controls, had no irregular expenditure, and faced no political interference. It emphasised that its community-based conservation model, which integrates local employment and ownership, had successfully eliminated rhino poaching. SANParks achieved 86% of its planned targets, reflecting continued progress towards its Vision 2040 strategy, which integrates conservation, transformation, and socio-economic development. The entity expanded conservation areas by 28 300 hectares against a target of 10 000, rehabilitated 28 wetlands against a target of 20, and increased accommodation occupancy by 1.3%. Through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), SANParks created 6 410 jobs, exceeding the target of 55%, while 796 school groups participated in environmental education programmes. Financially, SANParks performed strongly, generating R4.1 billion in revenue—the highest in its 100-year history—with 75% derived from commercial activities. The entity achieved an unqualified audit opinion from the Auditor-General of South Africa and finalised all historical cases of irregular expenditure through consequence management. Members welcomed SANParks’ achievements but raised questions about cybersecurity risks linked to outdated legacy systems, infrastructure readiness, land claims, women’s participation in the EPWP, and irregular expenditure controls. The entity assured Members that modern cybersecurity systems and multiple verification layers were in place, and that officials would undergo mandatory training on bid evaluation processes. It further reported that a new Tourism Property Management System was being implemented to strengthen internal controls. SANBI achieved 86% of its planned targets and maintained a clean, unqualified audit opinion for the third consecutive year. Key achievements included 1.46 million visitors to its national botanical gardens, 107 accredited research publications, and completion of 38 infrastructure projects. The entity generated R1.064 billion in total revenue, including R180.8 million from own operations, and closed the year with a surplus of R45 million. SANBI’s financial position remained strong, with assets of R804 million exceeding liabilities by R532 million. The entity’s human capital initiatives included the Groen Sebenza Graduate Programme, which placed 1 276 graduates across the country—80% of whom were black and 70% female. Procurement from B-BBEE suppliers accounted for 91%. Members questioned the delays in infrastructure projects, reduced cash reserves, and shortfalls in resource mobilisation targets. Questions were also raised about cybersecurity resilience, phased project implementation, and public access to SANBI facilities. The entity explained that limited infrastructure funding and delays in external approvals had impacted performance. It assured Members that strong governance systems were in place and that IT and audit functions had been internalised to enhance accountability. SANBI highlighted that daily data backups, digital transformation, and disaster recovery mechanisms had strengthened cybersecurity protection. The Committee commended the entities for their governance discipline, commitment to biodiversity conservation, and contribution to socio-economic transformation. iSimangaliso was praised for full achievement of targets and consistent clean audits; SANParks for record revenue generation, financial recovery, and strengthened audit management; and SANBI for its leadership in research, education, and financial governance. Members raised critical questions on infrastructure development, commercialisation, cybersecurity, financial sustainability, and community participation. The entities provided comprehensive responses, assuring Members of ongoing improvements. The Committee emphasised the importance of sustaining clean audits, strengthening institutional capacity, and ensuring that biodiversity conservation initiatives continue to deliver tangible socio-economic benefits for South Africans.