SAWS and SANParks Q3 and 4 2024/25 Performance; with Deputy Ministers

Video The South African Weather Service (SAWS) and the South African National Parks (SANParks) briefed the Portfolio Committee on their Third Quarter (Q3) and Fourth Quarter (Q4) performance for the 2024/25 financial year. SAWS said the Quality Data Sub-programme failed to meet its targets, with no availability of Tier One Radar, climate or air quality data. This was attributed to power instability, equipment faults, and vandalism at the Irene, Ermelo and Polokwane sites. There was also a cyberattack which further disrupted automatic data transmission from stations such as Xanadu and Klipriver. The Optimal Management of Infrastructure Sub-programme remained constrained by persistent theft, power outages and degraded equipment which continued to hinder reliable operations. SAWS also reported no progress on Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) milestones during the second and third quarters and the presentation did not provide further explanation. In Q4, the year closed with a deficit of R35.4 million, mainly due to a shortfall in conditional grants. Members raised concerns about the cyberattack, asking what immediate security measures were implemented since the incident to safeguard critical systems; asked if any sensitive weather data was permanently lost or compromised; requested clarity on the cause of the cyberattack; asked about air quality monitoring, and asked how many stations remained vandalised or decommissioned. Members also wanted to know if SAWS engaged with Community Safety Forums (CSF) to assist in protecting its assets, and if there were any regions currently without air quality monitoring in place; asked which specific and urgent steps were being taken by SAWS to restore, protect and expand air quality monitoring capacity in high-risk areas; raised concerns about the B-BBEE rating, noting no milestones were achieved in the second and third quarters. SANParks reported that tourist numbers were beginning to surpass pre-COVID levels, supported by the implementation of SANParks' Tourism Recovery Plan. The organisation was finalising a 20 year financial sustainability strategy aimed at securing long-term revenue and diversifying funding sources. Regarding conservation, SANParks highlighted its Vision 2040 programme, shifting from fortress conservation to a more inclusive and socially just model. On climate change, it noted that two vulnerability assessments were completed. The West Coast assessment revealed rising sea surface temperatures, increased algal blooms, ocean acidification, and stronger wave action, all of which posed risks to biodiversity and infrastructure. The Marakele assessment identified concerns including increased bush encroachment, heat stress, water insecurity, and prolonged droughts. Members raised questions about how the entity intended to address the root causes of missed targets, if realistic timeframes were set, and what mechanisms existed for consequence management. Regarding Programme Three, members asked for a list of the individuals and farmers who received animals through the programme, asked if the entity developed a long-term strategic solution to address challenges related to wetlands; sought clarity on the measures in place to accommodate adverse weather conditions in a manner which would not disrupt business operations; and queried if the entity implemented a more structured recruitment process in the community beyond relying on councillors. Members also asked why the wetland restoration targets were not met in Q4, despite annual overachievement; and which strategies were in place to improve women’s representation. The Chairperson confirmed the deadline for all written submissions as 22 July 2025.