Cape Town: With the climate change challenge gaining momentum around the world, South Africa, like other countries, is taking steps to mitigate the effects of climate change and pollution. This as President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Amendment Bill into law in January. The bill ushers in stronger measures to better protect South Africa’s oceans from ship-related pollution.
According to South African Government News Agency, the International Marine Organization (IMO) describes the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) as the primary international convention addressing the prevention of marine pollution by ships from operational or accidental causes. The MARPOL convention was adopted in November 1973 at the United Nations specialised agency tasked with the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships.
The signing of the amendment bill is vital to safeguarding the country’s environmental and economic security, given that South Africa is endowed with a coastline stretching over 3,000 kilometres from Namibia on the Atlantic Ocean to Mozambique on the Indian Ocean. The Presidency noted that the legislation also contributes to global efforts to protect the marine environment and sustainable economic exploitation. The law amends the Marine Pollution Act to incorporate Annex IV and Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships. Annex IV regulates the treatment and safe disposal of sewage from ships, while Annex VI addresses ship energy-efficiency management and greenhouse gas emissions.
‘By including Annex IV (sewage management) and Annex VI (air pollution and energy efficiency), the bill strengthens environmental protection and supports the sustainability of South Africa’s marine economy, which is vital for both biodiversity and job creation,’ said SST Chief Executive Officer Janine Osborne in an interview with SAnews.
The amended legislation broadens the powers of the Minister of Transport to make regulations relating to air pollution prevention from ships and sewage pollution prevention. It also increases fines for serious offences under the Marine Pollution Act or the international Convention forming part of South African law, improving prison sentences from five to ten years. Osborne welcomed the increase in fines and expanded regulatory powers, saying it reflects ‘the government’s commitment to safeguarding marine resources.’
South Africa has a large exclusive economic zone at sea, and its marine economy supported about 400,000 jobs in 2022 across sectors like shipping, construction, tourism, and fisheries. Bordered by three oceans, South Africa faces marine pollution challenges due to plastic waste and inadequate waste management, impacting marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
The SST emphasises the importance of education in addressing marine pollution. The organisation runs educational activities such as the Munch programme, which integrates environmental education into school curricula, and the African Waste Academy, offering free courses on pollution and waste management.
In June, South Africa commemorates Environment Month, raising awareness of environmental issues. Recently, the government launched the National Clean Cities and Towns Campaign in Soweto, a nationwide initiative aimed at fostering cleaner, greener urban spaces, advancing sustainability, and creating opportunities for community employment.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) launched the Climate Change Coastal Adaptation Response Plan to manage South Africa’s coastal assets effectively. The plan supports Operation Phakisa’s efforts to achieve a sustainable oceans economy, which aims to unlock the potential of South Africa’s ocean economy across sectors like marine transport, aquaculture, tourism, and offshore resources.
Osborne highlighted the critical role of implementation in the success of the Act, stressing the need for robust monitoring systems, sufficient resources, and transparent enforcement processes. She cautioned that without strong enforcement mechanisms, the bill’s impact might not fully meet its intended goals.
The South African government has made strides in environmental protection through renewable energy projects, enacting the Climate Change Act, and promoting a circular economy, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and economic growth. However, challenges remain, including reliance on coal, slow renewable energy deployment, and enforcement gaps at local levels. Osborne believes that accelerated transition away from fossil fuels, improved coordination among government entities, and investment in infrastructure for waste management and renewable energy are necessary steps forward.