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PMR's Editorial philosophy:
"It is only by standing on the shoulders of
giants that I have been able to see further."
Sir Isaac Newton,
1642–1727
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Northern Cape – Advertorial – Department of Tourism, Environment and Conservation
Northern Cape – Treasures Abound
Ten years ago, when our country celebrated only three years of democracy, our very own Madiba described the people of the Northern Cape as
"people who – away from the media spotlight – through common action, overcame the legacy of neglect as great as anywhere else in the country... a region with an inspiring history and a richness of culture that has too long been hidden from view."
Now, almost 15 years later, the Northern Cape is known for its mosaic of unique fauna and flora, animal life and diverse cultures. since then, many have discovered what the essence of the Province’s uniqueness is. its arid landscape covers a third of the south African landmass but, hidden beneath the dunes of the Kalahari Desert, the thunderous Augrabies or age-old rock engravings, you’ll find treasures abound.
The continuous effort from management and employees alike has seen the Department of Tourism, environment and Conservation make huge strides since its inception barely four years ago.
We have much more to do and can, therefore, not relax on our commitment and responsibility to future generations to ensure that the vastly untapped potential of our beautiful Province does not fall through the cracks. our way of ensuring this is by strongly implementing the Batho Pele Principles and also capacitating our officials to do the job expected of them. Bill Gates said:
"As we look into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others."
in this regard, it is good to note that last year, we held six training interventions which included 40 officials undergoing mentorship training, 7 trained in project management, 4 in job evaluation, job description and core, 20 trained in business and report-writing skills, four in record management and 20 in First Aid.
A further 15 bursaries were awarded for tertiary-level training.
In the process, we have established five fully operational regional offices as part of our pledge to ensure accelerated service delivery in a people-friendly environment to serve the Northern Cape community. Likewise, the special investigation units of both Conservation and environment have been extremely busy during the past year.
In addition, Conservation has produced a Floral Conservation booklet covering the provincial regions which will be of specific significance to consultants as a reference when submitting EIA and EMPR documentation.
Transformation of the hunting industry is a provincial priority and during the past year, the first Hunting Outfitter permit was awarded to an HDI in the Northern Cape. This person has now started his own business.
Most significantly, through partnerships between the Department and private individuals, the total surface area under conservation has increased.
The importance of environmental protection cannot be emphasised enough.
During the past year, the Department approved 173 EIA’s for development projects and 256 EMPRs for mining and mineral development projects, with a capital development cost of R429, 324m and, in the process, reduced the total turnaround time in processing EIA applications in less than six weeks.
Climate Change is possibly the greatest environmental challenge facing the world this century, and it is predicted that its effects will be severe on the Western side of South Africa and the Northern Cape in particular. We are planning a provincial summit in this regard and continuous awareness programmes.
The growth of tourism is synonymous with the general outlook for this Department.
At the heart of the tourism market is a large group of SMMEs who have to be assisted. The Department has embarked on a small Tourism enterprise support Programme to increase the skills and competitiveness of these operators.
Further development of the commercial tourism facilities in the provincial nature reserves has been planned and is set to become an imaginative tourism development. We live in the Province known for its diamonds – a product of charcoal subjected to enormous pressure and temperature over time. in the Northern Cape, we live for the sun and know high temperatures. We are under enormous pressure to leave a rich and glittering heritage to our children.
A broad-based involvement and knowledge will empower our people and communities to conserve and protect our valuable heritage for generations to come and for thousands of tourists to come and experience. With all the above in mind, the Northern Cape Province is still the only haven for the explorers whose inquisitiveness drives them to the unknown, the hidden spaces and the remote expanse only this Province can offer.
Department of Tourism, Environment & Conservation
Private Bag X6102, Kimberley, 8300
Tel: (053) 807-7300
Fax: (053) 807-7328
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