Effective and proper management of conservation of biodiversity in South Africa governs how individuals and institutions handle and keep fauna and flora. Non-compliance to the prescripts of legislation remains at the centre of the law enforcement agencies like green scorpions.
After the inspection by the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs and SPCA on the 10th December 2019, Bloemfontein Zoo was unfortunately found to have violated the National Environmental Biodiversity act, 10 of 2004, and Free State Nature Conservation ordinance 8 of 1969 as well as TOPS regulations. The department issued the Mangaung Metro with a non-compliance notice followed by temporary close of the Zoo on the 17th December 2019.
The Metro was found to have contravened these acts and regulations by keeping protected species like reptiles, bird’s, predators and ordinary game among others. Relevant permits to keep these species were found to have expired and were not renewed at the time of the inspection. In light of this non- compliance the department closed the Zoo until the municipality has secured the necessary environment permits
Compliance to environmental laws occupy a centre stage in the departments commitment to ensure provision of environment and biodiversity management service in the province to ensure preservation of natural environment
Enquiries:
Lebogang Maloale
Tel: 051 400 9631
Email: maloalel@destea.gov.za
