South Africa’s (SA) newly appointed Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Willie Aucamp, has vowed to transform the department into an economic portfolio that benefits communities across the country.
Speaking after his swearing-in at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Aucamp highlighted the ministry’s key sectors, forestry, fisheries and national parks, as significant contributors to SA’s gross domestic product (GDP). He stressed the need to balance community interests with environmental sustainability.
“It is not true that we cannot have this portfolio as an economic portfolio. All these sectors contribute to the GDP of our country, and we must find a balance between what communities want and what is in the best interest of nature, done sustainably for many years,” Aucamp said.
The former Democratic Alliance Spokesperson added that he looks forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure communities and the environment thrive together, sustainably, for generations to come.
President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Aucamp last week, alongside Amelia Abrahams, who will serve as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.
–ChannelAfrica–
