Cape town: In the 2025/26 financial year, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment transferred the management of eight plantations to local communities to foster land ownership and create economic opportunities in the forestry sector.
According to South African Government News Agency, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts delivered her department's Budget Vote in Parliament, emphasizing the transformation of the forestry sector as one of the department's key strategic priorities. Swarts expressed confidence that these community-owned plantations will create jobs, stimulate small businesses, and strengthen rural livelihoods, particularly benefiting women and youth through an inclusive program that broadens participation.
By transferring the management of these plantations, the department aims to foster a sense of ownership among community members while providing opportunities for meaningful involvement in the forestry value chain. The eight Community Forestry Agreements were concluded in the Eastern Cape, covering areas such as Hamburg, Manina Block H and J, Manina Block K, Mthintloni, Ngcobo, Nkobongo, Xhorana, and Zikhova.
The Deputy Minister announced plans to transfer another eight plantations to communities in the 2026/27 financial year. The department is mobilizing private sector partners to provide financial support for this important program. Outreach initiatives will continue to raise awareness of these opportunities among women and promote forestry careers in schools.
In addition to promoting inclusivity in the forestry sector, the Deputy Minister called on South Africans to collaborate with the government in protecting and conserving the environment for the benefit of current and future generations. Swarts highlighted efforts to address pollution caused by waste mismanagement by strengthening the Local Government Support Programme in partnership with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).
The department has been implementing municipal greening campaigns as a measure to reduce pollution, remove waste from public spaces, promote environmental awareness, and support separation and recycling initiatives. Improvements have been noted in the collection of electrical and electronic waste, commonly known as e-waste, through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees.
Swarts pointed out the accountability among producers of prioritised products, with Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) playing a central role in implementing EPR systems across South Africa. These organisations are responsible for developing and managing systems to collect, recycle, and responsibly manage waste generated by products placed on the market.
Over the past two financial years, the department launched and implemented the e-waste programme in partnership with PROs, who purchased e-waste items from communities.
