New Environment Minister Aucamp says he’s getting on with the job

Despite the political fallout from his appointment within the Democratic Alliance (DA), the new Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, says he’s getting on with the job.

Most recently, he’s been on the ground in the Kruger National Park - a place very familiar to him - where floods have wreaked havoc and caused at least half a billion rand in damages.

He said despite their different political affiliations, he and his two deputy ministers are committed to separating politics from the success of the portfolio.

DA leader John Steenhuisen has defended making the appointment of Aucamp as the first change to his executive since the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU), saying he was exercising his right as a leader to put the best skills were needed.

Speaking to EWN on the sidelines of Parliament, Aucamp is unperturbed by the political noise, saying his focus areas are clearly defined.

This includes the equitable application of fishing rights and tackling poaching both on land and in the ocean.

Deputised by Narend Singh from the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and Bernice Swarts from the African National Congress (ANC), Aucamp said they have not locked political horns since his appointment two months ago.

“So as minister and the two deputy ministers, we represent three parties - not once has there been any issue with regards to politics. The environmental portfolio, forestry, fisheries and the environment is something that is actually moved away from politics.”

Aucamp said that as he looks to balance environmental sustainability with growing the economy and job creation, he’s committed to keeping politics out of this portfolio.

“Firstly, I'm not a member of the DA when I sit in this chair, and I expect the same from my deputy ministers. And even when it comes to external things, we've got a job to do. We will put our heads down and do that job, and we will not let politics and petty fights interfere in the job that we've got to do.”

The Public Protector is currently investigating a complaint by Aucamp against his predecessor, Dion George, related to possible abuse of state resources.

George has since resigned from the DA.

GROWTH WHILE PROTECTING ENVIRONMENT

Aucamp insisted it’s possible to grow the economy and create jobs while simultaneously protecting the environment.

Two months since taking up the portfolio, Aucamp is focusing firmly on challenges being faced by his department, including poaching and equitable fishing quotas.

Aucamp said he wants his department to be a contributor to growing the economy.

He says it’s the job of the Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Ministry not only to find the opportunities, but to strike the balance in protecting the environment.

“It is not right, for example, that somebody living in Lambert's Bay or in Elands Bay, that were born there, that grew up there, that they must compete for a fishing license with somebody staying in Boksburg or Soweto. We need to ensure that our fishing communities are treated fairly.”

Aucamp also wants stronger enforcement to nab abalone poachers and said he will engage other spheres of government to make this happen.

He’s also concerned about the poaching of rhinos and says there’s been a spike in the Kruger National Park in the last year.

“We’ve got to up our efforts. I was briefed by SANParks on what they are doing and how they are fighting this fight against the poachers, and we will need money.”

Aucamp said he’s already engaged potential donors to assist in the purchase of costly technology to assist in patrol and monitoring efforts, but it will cost millions of rand.