South Africa will tomorrow host the first-ever international training on hazardous waste trade and plastic pollution at sea. The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Mr Narend will deliver the opening address
The landmark international training – the first of its kind – is designed to equip government officials with the skills to manage the complex global trade in hazardous wastes, with a special focus on tackling plastic pollution at sea. As environmental crime ranks as the fourth largest organised criminal activity worldwide, this training addresses a critical gap in enforcing the Basel Convention and its Plastic Waste Amendments. For the first time, international experts and officials will unite to strengthen cross-border controls on illegal waste trafficking and marine plastic pollution.
The training will bring together officials and experts involved in environmental regulations, customs coordination, compliance monitoring and enforcement, with a particular focus on the implementation of the Basel Convention Plastic Waste Amendments and measures to address the growing global challenge of plastic pollution at sea.
Members of the media are invited to attend the opening session. Details are as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 19 May 2026
Time: 08:30
Venue: Sun Square Hotel, Cape Town City Bowl
Members of the media may RSVP to Ms Merle Van Diemel 083 301 9400 / Mvandiemel@dffe.gov.za
For media enquiries please contact: Mr Zolile Nqayi 082 898 6483 / Znqayi@dffe.gov.za
#GovZAUpdates
