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The Democratic Alliance is encouraged by the early intention shown by Dr Dion George, the new Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment. Minister George has stated he plans to move quickly on progressive policy related to the climate crisis, specifically accessing and spending the multi-billion dollar funding for the Just Energy Transition and the rapid roll-out of renewable energy in South Africa.

It is critical that South Africa begins to move away from the entrenched coal-driven energy supply and begins to embrace other forms of energy, particularly renewables. This will help to ensure the stability of power supply, be kinder to our precious environment, and protect future generations from the harmful effects of climate change. Through a Just Energy Transition, we can ensure that we create space for the upskilling and transfer of existing workers in the sector and provide new opportunities for employment to address South Africa’s triple problems of poverty, unemployment, and inequality.

We urge Minister George to collaborate towards this end in the spirit of the Government of National Unity with our Minister and Deputy Minister of Energy and Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa (ANC) and Samantha Graham-Maré (DA). It is important that the work of other ministries is sustainable and not to the detriment of our natural environment which Minister George is mandated to protect.

In the face of a proposed 11.4% budget cut, accessing this type of international funding is going to be paramount if the Department is to fulfil its objectives in this critical portfolio.

While these are still early days and multiple important and pressing issues remain from the previous administration, the DA is certainly heartened by the new Minister’s positive early signals.

Issued by Andrew de Blocq van Scheltinga MP - DA Spokesperson on Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment