Mtholephi Mthimkhulu during the Provincial Workshop on the Invasive Alien
Species Programme, held at Elangeni Hotel, Durban
10 February 2009
Programme Director, Dr LW Mngoma
Government departments
Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife
Eskom, Transnet National Ports Authority, Richards Bay Minerals Officials from
District and Local Municipalities Mondi Business Paper, uMhlathuze Water,
SAPPI, Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), The Wildland
Trust
I greet you all
I am honoured, privileged and delighted to share my thoughts with you in
this important gathering of the first provincial workshop on the management of
the invasive alien plants in KwaZulu-Natal. We are gathered here to initiate a
process of planning for the aggressive management of the invasive alien plants
in order to protect our environment an asset which is at the centre of our
livelihoods.
We are here to unlock the agricultural potential in our province and improve
the livelihoods of our people so can live off the soil on the way to a
sustainable livelihood.
Challenges of invasive alien species in South Africa
Ladies and gentlemen, it is estimated that invasive alien plants have
invaded over 10 million hectares of South Africa. This is more than the size of
KwaZulu-Natal and because they multiply so fast if left unchecked the problem
could be worse in the next 15 years. There is enough evidence which shows that
if we do not deal with this scourge now, the price we will have to pay in the
future will be devastatingly high:
* Invasive alien plants have been proven to consume more water than
indigenous plants thereby reducing our water supply. Estimates indicate that
these plants are guzzling up to seven perfect of South Africa's annual water
run-off. What is especially alarming is that this figure will get progressively
worse if nothing is done. This is because water is essential not only for our
basic needs but for industry to develop and grow â new mines, new factories,
and new offices and hotels all need water.
* Invasive alien species are causing enormous damage to biodiversity and the
valuable natural agricultural system upon which we all depend.
* Continuing globalization, with increasing trade, travel and transport of
goods across boarders, has brought tremendous benefits to many people. It has,
however, also facilitated the spread of invasive alien species with increasing
negative impacts. One of the reasons people travel to South Africa is to visit
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), which is known for its natural beauty and the diversity of
attractions. Invasive alien plants are a threat to our thriving tourism
industry in KZN and can therefore reduce the economic contribution of KZN to
the gross domestic product of our country.
* Invasive alien species damage the ecological integrity of our natural systems
and also create problems for the planting of crops. People depend on these
natural systems for their livelihoods meaning that invasive alien species can
be a threat to the food security of our province.
* Invasive alien plants fuel the wild fires that cause havoc.
To deal with the problem of invasion effectively and efficiently, we need to
firstly understand the science of invasion, co-ordinate our efforts at the
district municipality level thereby creating avenues for effective planning and
sharing of resources for the better management of invasive alien plants.
This will ensure that municipalities and other stakeholders comply with
environmental legislation, particularly the regulations of the Conservation of
Agricultural Resources Act No. 43 of 1983 which makes provision and place
prohibitions on the spread of certain declared invasive alien plants.
Prevention is obviously better than cure. This means that considerable
improvements have to be made to ensure that new invasive alien plants do not
enter our shores unnoticed. The need for constant improvement in our
understanding of how these invasive spread, and how we must deal with them,
also cannot be stressed enough.
In order to control and prevent further introduction of invasive alien
species in the province my Department launched the Invasive Alien Species
Programme (IASP) in 2005. This Programme continues to work together with the
Working for Water Programme and the national Department of Agriculture. The
co-operation amongst these organisations has demonstrated a compelling case for
the province to continue to control and manage invasive alien plants.
These programmes apply cooperative governance and recognise the value of
meaningful partnerships in the battle against invasive alien plants, as this
battle cannot be won without the engagement of relevant stakeholders. These
include national and provincial agencies, district and local municipalities,
traditional leaders, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the private sector,
the general public and special interest groups like the nursery industry,
forestry industry, pet-trade industry and others who may influence the success
of these programmes.
These programmes use labour-intensive control methods that provide
much-needed employment and training opportunities for the poorest of the poor.
In the 2008/09 financial year, more than 5 000 job opportunities were created
of which 99% were black, 60% female, 28% youth and two percent disabled.
The inclusion of people living with disabilities has been enhanced through a
project in Edendale which is a first and unique initiative wherein the whole
team is composed of people with disabilities. The employment of project
beneficiaries by these programmes focuses on hose more marginalised in society.
These programmes play a critical role in the empowerment of rural women âa key
focus of government.
Ladies and gentlemen I am pleased to announce today that more than 300 000
hectares have been cleared thus far. I am also glad that these hectares have
been put to good use by relevant communities e.g. community gardens.
Conclusion
Let us all unite, and share our knowledge of invasive alien plants in our
immediate environment. If the enthusiasm and passion that I sense here today is
anything to go by, I am confident that we can win the battle against invasive
alien plants and safeguard our environment, water resources and sustainable
livelihoods.
In concluding, our presence here today signifies our ongoing commitment to
control invasive alien plants and contributing towards creating an environment
that is sustainable for future generations. Together we can do more; the future
is ours if we work together.
Please note:
The KZN MEC for Agriculture and Environmental Affairs, Mtholephi Mthimkhulu,
has called on all communities to work together with government and its agencies
in the fight against the invasion of our land by alien plants. This comes after
the research that was done by the department to determine the impact of these
plants in the agricultural revolution.
This research has unveiled a rapid speed through which these plants are
consuming water bed. For instance, one gumtree consumes 25 litres of water per
day, thereby posing a serious danger in the agricultural activity in the
country.
The effect of this problem has been negatively felt in the northern parts of
the province of KwaZulu-Natal with many rivers running dry. Over the past few
months, farmers have been making a call to government to make an urgent
intervention due to the loss of livestock.
MEC Mthimkhulu is constant discussions with the MEC for Local Government,
Mike Mabuyakhulu, who is responsible for water in the province to find an
urgent solution.
Other interventions that Mthimkhulu is involved in include boreholes, water
capturing mechanism â through supply of jojo tanks for agricultural purpose â
and mini dams in farm areas.
If these plants are not urgently removed where they are not needed, the
country will run out of water in the next few decades which would lead to the
famine not only in the province but in the country at large.
For more information, contact:
Khulekani Ntshangase
Cell: 082 415 7277
Issued by: Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs,
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
10 February 2009
