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Percy’s Place – the most scenic view in the Sundays River Valley

Most South Africans have read, or at least heard, of the book Jock of the Bushveld. The book was written by Sir Percy FitzPatrick, (24 July 1862 – 24 January 1931) who in his younger years was involved in gold and diamond prospecting in Mpumalanga where Jock of the Bushveld also plays off. He also had involvement in the Anglo Boer War and politics. Not many may realise though that the Sundays River Valley has very strong links to Sir Percy. He actually played a big role in the early development of the Valley.

After coming to the Sundays River Valley he established the Sundays River Settlement Company which encouraged people to settle in this area. He also played a very big role in the establishment of the citrus industry in the valley and the amazing irrigation system of this area was his brainchild.

FitzPatrick bought a piece of land next to the river from where his guests could enjoy the stunning view of the surrounding valley. He even had a lookout platform built on the land where visitors can still go to marvel at the view today.

After his death, Sir Percy was buried at The Lookout where his wife is buried alongside him.

Sir James Percy FitzPatrick
Born: 24 July 1862, Qonce (King Williams Town)
Died: 24 January 1931 (age 68 years), Kariega (Uitenhage)

His children are also all buried on the site.

The Lookout and the surrounding land were donated as a public space by his daughter and son-in-law in 1953 and the site was declared a National Monument. A lot of the locals have fond memories of spending time up at the Lookout, or Percy’s Place as they call it, in their younger years.

Source – Originally posted by Firefly the Travel Guy

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SAPS highlights work of its men and women in blue

As the country observes this year’s 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is highlighting the work of its men and women in blue, who go beyond the call of duty to protect women and children in South Africa.

Today, SAPS introduces the nation to Warrant Officer Sonwabile Dlomo, an investigator attached to the Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) Unit in Zwelitsha, Eastern Cape.

Dlomo says his childhood dream of becoming a police officer came true when he got enlisted to the Service 19 years ago. 

His inquisitive mind eventually led him to become a detective and he has been within the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) environment since 2010.

To date, Dlomo secured 23 life terms and 594 years for 16 rapists, who are now behind bars.

In June 2024, the Makanda High Court sentenced Glass Lechesa to six life terms and an additional 125 years imprisonment on multiple counts of rape, robbery with aggravated circumstances and robbery common.

Lechesa targeted young girls in and around the areas of Joubertina and Addo, the youngest victim being 14 years old at the time. He stalked and attacked these victims in farm areas, robbed and repeatedly raped them before he fled the scene.

The case landed on Dlomo’s desk for further investigation. The suspect was still unknown at that stage, but that did not deter Dlomo from cracking the case. He meticulously pieced all available leads together and through the application of various investigative techniques, he managed to link the suspect to 10 rape cases.

Hot on the suspect’s heels, Dlomo proceeded to Addo police station to ascertain if there were more rape dockets similar to these 10 cases.

Dlomo says his instinct led him to trace the suspect’s activities during his ‘cooling off’ period. He then found three more cases with a similar modus operandi. These cases were eventually added to the serial following positive confirmation from the SAPS’ Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).

Lechesa’s reign of terror came to an end on 16 April 2023, when he was arrested by Dlomo and his team. They operationalised information they obtained on the location of the suspect. Dlomo successfully opposed bail and Lechesa remained in custody until sentencing.

As a SECI investigator, Dlomo’s duties include the investigation of serial rape cases, as well as sexual crimes committed on electronic mediums, such as the possession, distribution and manufacturing of child pornography.

“In most of my cases, the suspects are unknown at first. My goal is always to go beyond the call of duty to trace and arrest these suspects to ensure justice prevails for the victims,” said Dlomo. – SAnews.gov.za

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Africa Celebrates Ranger Heroes at the 2024 African Conservation Awards

The 2024 African Conservation Awards, hosted by the Game Rangers’ Association of Africa (GRAA) (www.GameRanger.org) is an opportunity to celebrate just some of the outstanding work by African conservationists. It is the GRAA’s privilege to be able to showcase the exceptional contributions to protecting Africa’s natural heritage. In 2024, the GRAA modified categories in this prestigious event to ensure Marine Rangers are also recognised and celebrated.

These awards continue to remind us of our responsibility to rangers working across Africa, many of whom are working in challenging environments with a lack of resources. Every organisation and individual nominated for these awards has displayed remarkable resilience and determination, despite their overwhelming odds and have remained steadfast in their dedication to achieving their conservation goals, inspiring us all with their unwavering commitment. Rangers should be acknowledged and celebrated.

The Winners for the 2024 African Conservation Awards are:

Best Field Ranger

Winner: Modiki Claver, Ranger Team Leader, Dzanga Sangha Protected Areas, Central African Republic (CAR)

Modiki Claver, the Team Leader of Dzanga Sangha Protected Area’s law enforcement section in CAR, has risen from starting as a porter in 2010 to becoming the top team leader in the landscape. Leading a team of seven rangers across the Congo Basin, including parts of Noubale-Ndoki National Park and Lobeke National Park, Claver exemplifies leadership by dismantling snares, seizing weapons, and making arrests. He has significantly contributed to scientific research, including tracking elephant populations, assessing the impact of logging, and monitoring illegal hunting activities. Beyond his law enforcement duties, Claver has fostered strong relationships with local communities and youth, guiding them toward conservation careers. During the 2013 military-political unrest, he demonstrated exceptional courage by covertly tracking rebel movements and providing critical information to protect wildlife. Known for his field skills, ethical leadership, and commitment to the rights of indigenous people, Claver is an inspiring role model in conservation.

1st Runner Up: Sekibibi Bareke Désiré, Central Sector Manager, Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

2nd Runner Up: Jean Claude Kyungu, Former Head Ranger Maiko National Park, DRC

Best Marine Ranger

Winner: Chanel Hauvette, Senior Marine Field Ranger, Robberg Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area and Keurbooms River Nature Reserve, South Africa

Chanel Hauvette is a Senior Marine Field Ranger who demonstrates extraordinary dedication to marine conservation, leading stranding responses, law enforcement, biodiversity monitoring, and community engagement across Robberg Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area. As coordinator of the Plett Stranding Network, she manages hundreds of annual strandings, from seals and birds to endangered turtles, often stabilizing animals at her own home. Despite challenges like limited resources and transportation, Chanel forges strong partnerships with local businesses, NGOs, and residents to secure support. Her leadership, innovative protocols, and passion for conservation inspire her team, educate communities, and ensure the protection of marine biodiversity.

1st Runner Up: Emily Nyevu Simba, Ranger Corporal, Watamu Marine Protected Area, Kenya

2nd Runner Up: Clive Hendricks, Section Ranger, Addo Elephant National Park – Marine Section, South Africa

Best Ranger Team

Winner: South Luangwa Rapid Response Unit for Human-Wildlife Conflict, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

The South Luangwa Rapid Response Unit for Human-Wildlife Conflict (RRU-HWC) is a joint initiative between Conservation South Luangwa and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife. It has significantly improved coexistence between communities and wildlife through proactive education, innovative solutions, and swift conflict resolution. Reaching over 4,000 people, their educational outreach fostered awareness and led to a 44% improvement in predator-proof livestock enclosures, reducing livestock predation. The team also tackled challenges like elephant crop raids and predator attacks with rapid responses and non-lethal deterrents, earning trust within the community. Despite resource limitations, the RRU-HWC has empowered local wildlife committees, inspired community-led initiatives, and strengthened partnerships with government and NGOs. Their dedication has not only mitigated conflicts but also fostered a culture of conservation, ensuring long-term benefits for both people and wildlife.

1st Runner Up: Tango 1 Mobile APU Team, Tana Delta, Kenya

2nd Runner Up: South Luangwa K9 Unit, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Best Ranger Supporter

Winner: Munene Kamundi, Strong Ranger Initiative, Kenya

Munene Kamundi is a dedicated advocate for wildlife ranger wellbeing, leveraging his expertise in occupational health and safety to address critical challenges faced by rangers in conservation. Despite financial hardships and resource limitations, he has reached over 400 rangers this year, aiming to support 5,000 annually. Through his innovative wellness ambassadors program, Kamundi promotes mental health, safety practices, and emergency response training, aligning with global biodiversity frameworks like the Kunming-Montreal agreement. His tireless commitment, even in the face of adversity, highlights his transformative leadership and vision to integrate ranger wellbeing into sustainable conservation efforts across Africa.

1st Runner Up: Amon Koutoua Benoît, Technical Director, Office Ivoirien des Parcs et Réserves, Côte d’Ivoire

2nd Runner Up: WCS Congo Counter-Wildlife Trafficking Teams (North and South), DRC and Republic of Congo

In a poignant video message, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, esteemed Patron of the African Conservation Awards, paid homage to the brave conservation heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice. He solemnly honored the memory of the 64 rangers who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty over the past year, safeguarding our planet’s invaluable natural heritage. Prince Albert expressed profound gratitude to these fallen heroes and to all of Africa’s rangers, who selflessly dedicate their lives to protecting our natural spaces. He urged collective action to support the 30×30 global initiative, emphasizing that achieving these ambitious goals requires providing rangers with the resources, infrastructure, and tools they urgently need. His message carried a deep reverence for the thousands of rangers who face immense risks daily, serving as steadfast guardians of our planet’s biodiversity and natural wonders.

“Every year we are reminded of the dedication, commitment and resilience required to be a ranger in Africa. This year is no different and those recognised today are some of Africa’s best working in seven different countries across our continent. We are humbled to call them our colleagues and to be able to bring their work out into the light for all to see. It is particularly exciting to be recognising Marine Rangers this year who do such inspiring work on our oceans and coastlines to conserve our marine resources. Well done to the winners, runner ups and nominees of the African Conservation Awards 2024! Thank you for what you do for our planet and its people!” – Andrew Campbell, CEO, Game Rangers Association of Africa

The African Conservation Awards are hosted annually by the Game Rangers’ Association of Africa (GRAA) and are endorsed by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment. His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, who is committed to the protection of endangered species through the support of his Foundation, is the Patron of the African Conservation Awards.

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Africa Fact: A sixteenth century traveller visited the central African civilisation of Kanem-Borno and commented that the emperor’s cavalry had golden “stirrups, spurs, bits and buckles.” Even the ruler’s dogs had “chains of the finest gold”.

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Tanzania President, Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO with 15 First Ladies inaugurate their 11th Africa Asia Luminary 2024

  • The 11th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary was officially inaugurated by The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. SAMIA SULUHU HASSAN, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp and Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.
  • The First Ladies of Burundi, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of The Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Maldives, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, Zimbabwe and Zanzibar were the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers for the 11th Edition of Merck Foundation’s Annual Conference.
  • More than 6,000 healthcare providers, policymakers and media from over 70 English, French, Spanish and Portuguese speaking countries attended the Luminary through hybrid model to benefit from five parallel scientific and social sessions to advance healthcare capacity and awareness in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.
  • Celebrating 7th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and marking 12-year journey of their development programs, during 2024 Luminary.

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 11th Edition of their annual conference, “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary”, under the patronage of The President of Tanzania, and in partnership with the Government of Tanzania on 29th and 30th October, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The conference was officially inaugurated by H.E. Dr. SAMIA SULUHU HASSAN, The President of the United Republic of Tanzania together with Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, along with First Ladies of 15 Countries, who joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.

While inaugurating the conference, The President of United Republic of Tanzania, H.E Dr. SAMIA SULUHU HASSAN emphasized “I am delighted to host this prestigious conference in Tanzania. It is a great honor to inaugurate the conference alongside the First Ladies of Africa and Asia. I am certain that this conference will help us to achieve our shared mission — to make a transformation in the health and well-being of our people. I deeply appreciate the programs of Merck Foundation that are building healthcare capacity, breaking infertility stigma, and supporting girl education.”

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary emphasized, “I am delighted to have Her Excellency, Dr. SAMIA SULUHU HASSAN, The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, inaugurate our annual conference. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to our partner, the Government of Tanzania, for their unwavering support in making it a success. Moreover, I am honored to welcome our esteemed Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers, the First Ladies of African and Asian Countries, also the Ambassadors of the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”. Together, we shared experiences and engaged in meaningful discussions on the impact of our programs, aimed at transforming patient care and raising awareness on a wide range of critical social and health issues.”

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees added, “I would like to thank H.E. Dr. SAMIA SULUHU HASSAN, The President of Tanzania, our partners, The First Ladies of Africa and Asia, along with African Ministers, Health Experts, Policy Makers, Government Officials, Academia and Media from over 70 countries for joining hands with us to realize the Merck Foundation’s vision that  “Everyone can lead a Healthy and Happy life.”

The First Ladies of 15 Countries, who joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers are:

  • H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE, The First Lady of the Republic of Burundi
  • H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO, The First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde
  • H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of Central African Republic
  • H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI, The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of The Congo
  • H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, The First Lady of the Gabonese Republic
  • H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia
  • H.E. Mrs. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO, The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana
  • H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO, The First Lady of Kenya
  • H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia
  • H.E. Mrs. MONICA CHAKWERA, The First Lady of the Republic of Malawi
  • H.E. Mrs. SAJIDHA MOHAMED, The First Lady of the Republic of Maldives
  • H.E. Mrs. ISAURA FERRÃO NYUSI, The First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique
  • H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe
  • H.E Mrs. MARIAM MWINYI, The First Lady of Zanzibar
  • H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe

“I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided more than 2080 scholarships to young doctors from 50 countries in 42 critical and underserved specialties such as Oncology and Cancer care, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Cardiovascular, Fertility Care, Embryology, Sexual & Reproductive Medicine, Internal Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Acute Medicine, Critical Care, Pediatric Emergency, Gastroenterology, Rheumatology, Clinical Psychiatry, Urology, Ophthalmology, General Surgery, Trauma & Orthopedic, Dermatology, Neonatal Care, Pain Management, Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Advanced Surgical Practice, Neuroimaging for Research and more. Many of them are becoming the first specialists in their countries”, added Senator Kelej.

During the 11th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, two important occasions were marked; the 7th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 12 years of Merck Foundation’s development programs that started in 2012.

On the first day of the conference, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2024 took place, featuring a high-level panel discussion with the participating First Ladies of Africa and Asia. Moreover, two high-level ministerial panel discussion were held with African Ministers and top healthcare experts from across the globe.

The Day 2 of the conference will have five key parallel medical and scientific sessions, covering topics such as oncology, diabetes and hypertension, fertility and reproductive care, and medical capacity building in other specialties like respiratory care, acute care, emergency pediatric and neonatal care, and more. Additionally, a community awareness session, Merck Foundation Health Media Training, will be conducted for African journalists. This session will emphasize the critical role of the media in influencing communities and driving cultural change, with regards to a wide range of social and health issues like Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls’ Education, Stopping GBV, Ending Child Marriage & FGM, Empowering Women, Diabetes and Hypertension Awareness.

Countries participating in the 11th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary include:

Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central Africa Republic, Cambodia, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Guinea – Bissau, Guinea – Conakry, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, The Gambia, Togo, Tunisia, U.A.E, UK, Uganda, US, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe and more.

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Africa Fact:In June 2019, Google announced their plan to build a private fiber-optic subsea cable that will run along the west coast of Africa, which will greatly enhance Africans’ access to the internet.

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Families Evacuated From Their Flooded Homes in Nelson Mandela Bay

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality says it is evacuating people in flooded areas to churches and community halls.

Hundreds of families across Nelson Mandela Bay have sought shelter in churches and community halls after their homes were badly flooded on Monday night. Essential infrastructure is badly damaged. Several main roads in Kariega and Gqeberha have washed away.

Schools and some factories in affected communities were also closed for the day.

On Tuesday morning, we found scores of people and children from Lapland informal settlement in ward 45 walking in the pouring rain to neighbouring communities because their shacks were badly waterlogged.

Residents carried satchels and plastic bags filled with their belongings and whatever food they could carry.

People from Lapland informal settlement in ward 45 in Kariega, including children, walked in the rain with whatever they could salvage from their flooded homes. Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality says it is evacuating people in flooded areas to churches and community halls.

“We woke up at about 5am on Tuesday and my shack was filled with water. We had to flee. This is the second time since June that we have been hit by floods like this,” said Marshall Kerby, a concerned father. “We did not heal from the June flood. We lost everything again that we tried to recover planks, zincs and furniture,” he said.

His neighbour, Johnson Williams, said about six police vans had helped to transport them to a church in the nearby Gamble community. “I stay with five children in my shack. We lost all our belongings to the flood. We are about 500 people in Lapland.”

Gibbon Street in Kariega was closed on Tuesday after part of it was washed away by heavy rainfall.

On Tuesday, the municipality’s Electricity and Energy Directorate said, “In light of the recent flooding in and around the metro, we urge all customers experiencing house flooding to switch off the main switches on their distribution boards as a precautionary measure. This action will help eliminate the risk of possible electrocution.”

The municipality added that areas worst affected by the storm included Lapland, Motherwell, Ibhayi, Vastrap, and Jubilee Park, among others.

Niven’s bridge, leading in and out of KwaNobuhle, has been closed due to damage.

“As a relief measure, residents have been moved to Sunshine School, Missionvale Care Centre and the UCC Church. NMBM’s Disaster Management Directorate will be moving residents from Lapland to Tambo Hall, residents from Veeplaas and Soweto will be moved to Veeplaas Community Hall, and residents from Soweto and Salamntu will be moved to Soweto Community Hall.

“Residents will be provided with mattresses, blankets and soup whilst mop up operations continue. Gift of the Givers, Shoprite, NHC Nama Royal House, Al-Imdaad Foundation and SASCO Pepsi Co have donated warm meals that will go to residents who have been moved to the evacuation halls.”

Houses along Sahlunge Street in NU11 in Motherwell, Gqeberha were still flooded on Tuesday afternoon.

Shacks in Endlovini along Addo Road in NU12 were waterlogged.

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Penguin Pairs are up in the Addo MPA

By Ronelle Friend | Algoa Bay Conservation via Raggy Charters

It is with much delight that we received news that the African penguin breeding pairs on St Croix Island in Algoa Bay is on the increase. Last year they reached rock-bottom, with only 700 pairs left. This year the colony has grown to 1200 pairs, this is fantastic news!

The main reason for this increase in the penguin colony is that Ship-to-Ship (STS) bunkering has been prohibited since September 2023. This was due to financial issues where the tax man was wanting his fair share of the oil transfers that are taken place in the bay. It seems that an impasse occurred between SARS and the operators, to such an extend that the taxman impounded some of the bunkering vessels, and prohibited any further STS transfers.

We had a long and hard battle for more than 5 years against this extremely hazardous fuel transferring operation occurring, on the open sea, in our bay. In this time we have seen the world’s largest colony of African penguins plummeting, losing 85% of the colony. This was a catastrophic ecological disaster, caused by the selfish and possibly unlawful STS bunkering operations.

Not only has the numerous oil spills influenced the marine environment, it also led to oiled penguins that had to be rescued. Many did not make it. Furthermore, the visiting vessels moved across the foraging area of the penguins, negatively influencing their feeding habits, and causing pollution, emissions, noise and contaminated water discharges.

From the beginning we have voiced our utmost resistance to the bunkering vessels in the bay, transferring oil close to the marine protected area and St Croix Island. We organized public meetings, submitted concern letters and reports to the ministers and operators, obtained legal opinion, used printed, television, radio and social media, all while protesting the inconceivable deed by government to permit this hazardous operation. We did not stop and used every opportunity to address this injustice done to our bay, tenaciously fighting to protect our penguins.

In the end, in 2022, Minister Barbara Creecy (then minister of DEFF) had to agree with us, and ordered a risk assessment to be done. The results of the assessment put specific restriction to the STS bunkering operations. Possibly the restrictions, together with the financial mess that they found themselves in, were too much for the bunkering fraternity. The operators vanished overnight- leaving the bay to recover from the damage caused by them.

And recover it did.. to our delight!

Now, after less than a year, the colony has grown by 70%! This is an indication of just how huge and absolute devastating impact STS bunkering had on the penguin population for so long. As soon as bunkering was gone, the population bounced back and flourished. We are holding our breath, hoping that this trend will continue year-on-year.

We would like to thank each and every one who helped us in various ways on the path to protect our penguins. From being in despair, we are now cautiously optimistic for the future of the penguins in Algoa Bay.

Who knows, maybe one day we will again be able to claim the accolade for the largest colony of African penguins in the world!

I hope that day will come soon.

Ronelle Friend Algoa Bay Conservation

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SA National Parks Week Announced

Issued by South African National Parks

SANparks has announced the dates for their eagerly anticipated SA National Parks Week which offers free park access for South African citizens to encourage them to visit, explore and appreciate our exquisite national parks. The dates for Addo Elephant National Park: 9 – 13 September 2024. Unbelievable as it may seem, this is the 19th annual SA National Parks Week!

On 8 September 2024, South African National Parks will host a celebratory event at Marakele National Park to kickstart the National Parks Week which will be held from 9 to 13 September 2024 and extended to 14 and 15 September at selected national parks. During this period free access is granted to most of the 21 national parks under the management of South African National Parks.

Please take special note of the fact that free access to national parks at this time does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities. National Parks Week has seen an influx of day visitors in all participating parks since its inception in 2006. SANParks also uses this time to cultivate a sense of pride in South Africa’s natural, cultural and historical heritage as protected and preserved by the national parks system.

SA National Parks Week has proved to be a successful campaign that provides education and awareness about South Africa’s inclusive approach to conservation. Whilst offering an opportunity to experience South Africa’s rich natural and cultural heritage, attention is also drawn to the sustainable development practices made possible through partnerships with key role players like communities living adjacent to national parks, businesses, scientists and tourists.

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Why a Tax Dispute is Good News for African Penguins

With numbers dwindling, scientists are concerned about the future of African penguins.

On St Croix Island in Algoa Bay, which is part of the Addo Elephant Marine Protected Area (MPA), there were 7,000 endangered African penguin breeding pairs in 2015. By 2023, the number had collapsed to 700, according to researcher Professor Lorien Pichegru. But the good news is that numbers are rising again – thanks to a tax dispute.

St Croix, only 12 hectares in size and four kilometres from the Port of Coega (Ngqura) couldn’t be in a worse spot. The African penguins on St Croix suffer, says Pichegru, from the double whammy of commercial fishing in the surrounding areas and noise pollution from ships heading in and out of the port.

Pichegru, who is acting director of the Institute for Coastal and Marine Research at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha, has been knee-deep in African penguin research for about 15 years. She sometimes lives with them on Bird Island. Pichegru has published nearly 100 papers and been cited more than 2,000 times, according to ResearchGate, and is one of the world’s leading authorities on the species known as Spheniscus demersus (African penguin).

In a study published in 2022 called “Maritime traffic trends around the southern tip of Africa – Did marine noise pollution contribute to the local penguins’ collapse?” Pichegru led a team of eight fellow scientists as they researched the impact of noise in Algoa Bay.

They found that an increase in annual estimated vessel noise corresponded to a significant average decrease of penguin pairs and that the lowest recorded numbers of penguins’ breeding pairs corresponded to the period after ship-to-ship bunkering began in 2016.

Bunkering is a practice whereby ships are refuelled out at sea instead of coming into port. It’s a noisy process and increases the risk of oil spills. And in Algoa Bay all this takes place in or right next to the MPA.

The area where the African penguins of St Croix Island forage is full of ships. Source: “Maritime traffic trends around the southern tip of Africa – Did marine noise pollution contribute to the local penguins’ collapse?”

“The intensification of underwater noise levels in the African penguin’s foraging habitat was linked to the initiation and expansion of ship-to-ship bunkering activities which intensified the maritime traffic in the area,” the scientists said in the 2022 paper. “Noise levels were significantly related to the collapse of what had been the world’s largest remaining colony of endangered African penguins.”

Algoa Bay became one of the noisiest bays in the world.

Breeding pairs of penguins dropped as noise levels rose. Source: “Maritime traffic trends around the southern tip of Africa – Did marine noise pollution contribute to the local penguins’ collapse?”

But this year, the number of pairs of penguins, who mate for life, has almost doubled on St Croix. Pichegru, who has just returned from a stay on nearby Bird Island, says the number is up to 1,200 pairs.

This 71% year-on-year jump in numbers, she says, is because there has been no bunkering in the area in the last year. And this is because of a tax dispute. Earlier this year the Eastern Cape High Court heard the case, with the South African Revenue Service (SARS), which confiscated some of the refuelling vessels last year, claiming that illegal bunkering had cost the fiscus as much as R7-billion in lost revenue. The defendants said SARS’s directives about bunkering were unclear. The court found that SARS needed to clarify its regulations, a process that’s still ongoing. While this is ongoing bunkering has stopped, which is good for the penguin population.

But though the news from St Croix is good, Pichegru is still very concerned about the future of the penguins.

An expert panel appointed by former Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy recommended in 2023 various measures to protect penguins.

In August that year, Creecy said the partial ban on commercial fishing for anchovy and sardine around six penguin island colonies, including St Croix would continue unless conservationists and fisheries came to agreements on new fishing bans by the start of this year. With no agreements reached, the partial bans are now in place for the next ten years.

BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds) have challenged this decision in court, saying Creecy did not take into account all the recommendations of the panel. Specifically, they say, she did not take into account recommendations on how to define a “valuable area for African penguins” when considering how to balance penguin needs with fishing industry interests.

As a result, her decision was “biologically meaningless”, they say.

“I do believe penguins have a high risk of becoming functionally extinct by 2035 at the rate they’re going,” Pichegru says. And this is despite the fact that scientists are working to identify the next 5% of South Africa’s ocean that needs protection. At present South Africa has 41 MPAs covering 5.4% of the sea which is under South African law. Like many other countries, South Africa has promised to protect 30% of its sea by 2030.

Given the penguins’ core foraging range, it would be enough to extend the closures out to sea for 40 kilometres at most, says Pichegru. That’s a tiny speck of space when compared to the 1.1 million square kilometres of ocean that fall within South Africa’s exclusive economic zone but would make all the difference to the penguins.

“They can be resilient and have the capacity to produce up to four chicks a year in really good conditions, so they can bounce back should we give them a chance,” Pichegru says. “There is a realistic chance to stop them from disappearing by providing them with adequate protection at sea.”

Renée Bonorchis is a journalist and the founder of The Ocean Advocate, which is co-publishing this story. This is the last in a three-part series. Read part one and part two.

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Adrenalin Addo introduces Bungee Bounce

Adrenalin Addo has introduced a new activity to their action-packed offerings: the Bungee Bounce! Harnessed in and winched up above a trampoline via a bungee system, take acrobatics to new heights with sky high jumps, flips and aerial manoeuvres!

Situated in the heart of the Sundays River Valley in Greater Addo, Adrenalin Addo is an outdoor adventure park that embraces the motto ‘life is for living’.

Whether you are looking for some heart pumping action on our zip line or superman zipline, or some stomach-losing madness on our giant swing, Adrenalin Addo’s activities are all about trying new things and above all else, surrendering to boundless fun set in the beautiful wilderness of the valley. Rated as the number one attraction in Greater Addo, Adrenalin Addo is an ideal getaway for families and friends, and the premier adventure venue for corporate groups and school camps.

Learn more about Adrenalin Addo.

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World Bank Group Executive Directors note progress and re-affirm support to South Africa and Namibia

A delegation of the World Bank Group’s (WBG) Board of Executive Directors (EDs) noted South Africa‘s and Namibia’s progress in achieving their development goals and re-affirmed World Bank Group’s commitment to providing support. The 11 EDs and Alternate EDs were hosted by the World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC) country offices during their recent visit on July 7-13.

The visit provided a platform to assess progress with projects and engage on the evolution of the World Bank Group’s relationship with the countries, from a knowledge-focused to a broader knowledge and financing partnership. EDs met government and business leaders, local stakeholders, and project beneficiaries, and experienced first-hand how the countries manage development priorities and challenges. South Africa and Namibia have common challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Throughout the visit, the delegation discussed the ongoing and future support from the World Bank Group to boost inclusive economic growth and job creation.

In South Africa, over the past three years the country has shifted from being a non-borrowing client to borrowing over $1 billion per year from the World Bank. South Africa also constitutes the largest IFC portfolio in Africa and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency’s (MIGA) second largest on the continent.

In Namibia, the World Bank Group is preparing a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with the government that will strategically guide its support as the engagement continues to grow. The World Bank recently approved a $138.5 million renewable energy and transmission loan to NamPower, after 15 years without borrowing.

Key highlights of the visit included:

  • In South Africa, the delegation met with the Minister of Finance Honorable Enoch Godongwana, and the Minister of Electricity and Energy Honorable Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. EDs visited two IFC clients and two World Bank projects which showcased support for key government priorities and demonstrated how these projects link to global issues and corporate initiatives such as the just energy transition, health, urban development, and subnational government engagement. The delegation toured and engaged with stakeholders at the Komati power station – the site of the Eskom Just Energy Transition Project; the Addo Elephant Park that houses the innovative Wildlife Conservation Bond; and the IFC-supported Trust for Urban Housing Finance and BioVac Institute that manufactures vaccines locally.
  • In Namibia, the delegation met with Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises Honorable Ipumbu Shiimi and key stakeholders, including development partners and the private sector.  The delegation visited informal settlements near Windhoek to gain insights on housing related issues, a sector where IFC is investing and which the government has identified as a priority for World Bank Group engagement.

Matteo Bugamelli, the World Bank’s Executive Director who represents the constituency of countries including Albania, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, San Marino, and Timor-Leste, expressed optimism about the countries’ progress. He emphasized the World Bank Group’s commitment to helping South Africa and Namibia address unemployment and inequality challenges. He particularly welcomed the increased financing to support the implementation of much needed reforms.

About the World Bank Group’s Board of Directors: The Board of Executive Directors is responsible for the conduct of the general operations of the Bank, making decisions on loans, credits, grants, policies, and financial matters. The Board consists of 25 members who represent the 189 member countries, providing guidance for the institution’s development activities.

Visiting Board Officials: The delegation included Mr. Abdulaziz E A Almulla (Executive Director for Bahrain, Arab Republic of Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Maldives, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, West Bank and Gaza, and Republic of Yemen); Mr. Matteo Bugamelli (Executive Director for Albania, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, San Marino, and Timor-Leste); Ms. Ayanda Dlodlo (Executive Director Angola, Nigeria, South Africa); Mr. Floribert Ngaruko (Executive Director for Botswana, Burundi, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe); Ms. Katharine Rechico (Executive Director for Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis and St. Vincent & the Grenadines); and Mr. Tauqir Shah (Executive Director for Afghanistan, Algeria, Ghana, Islamic Republic of Iran, Morocco, Pakistan, and Tunisia.

Visiting Alternate Executive Directors:  Mr. Louis Albisson (Alternate Executive Director for France); Mr. Felice Gorordo (Alternate Executive Director for the United States), Mr. Koji Uemura (Alternate Executive Director for Japan); Ms. Kerstin Sumana Wijeyewardene (Alternate Executive Director for Asia and the Pacific Constituency) and Mr. Weifeng Yang (Alternate Executive Director for China).

Included in the delegation was Ms. Mercy Tembon, World Bank Vice President and Corporate Secretary.

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