Environmental Management (July/August 2015)

Environmental Management

www.emmagazine.co.za July/August2015

Southern Africa’s leading sustainable development publication

“The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.”

— Gaylord Nelson, former governor of Wisconsin, co-founder of Earth Day

‘BRIGHT FUTURE’ CAMPAIGN • MINING • WILD DOG PUPS

Tribe Sauce | TG R C 07 / 1 5/ E M M 004

ALL GOOD THINGS COME FROM NATURE

Since the beginning, when the earth itself was formed, nature has given us a substance that today forms an integral part of our lives – glass.

Not merely a socially conventional activity, recycling glass makes a material difference – saving energy, water and natural resources, while reducing waste to landfill. Glass can also be recycled an unlimited number of times without compromising its quality and the product integrity is thereby retained. When using recycled glass (cullet) there is no wastage in the melting process – one ton of cullet will generate one ton of bottles. In contrast it takes approximately 1.2 tons of raw material to manufacture 1 ton of glass.

To find out where the nearest glass bank is in your area, SMS* the word: GLASS and the name of your suburb to 32310 or visit our website. *SMS costs R1.00

@TGRC

www.tgrc.co.za

www.facebook.com/TheGlassRecyclingCo

www.emmagazine.co.za

ED’S NOTE

Contents

BY SAMANTHA MORGAN

Dear Reader

04 TAKE NOTE

By the time you receive this latest copy of Environmental Management, we will have celebrated World Population Day already.

This significant event has happened every year on 11 July since 1989.

July 11 1987 saw humanity surpass the threshold of five billion people, and two years later the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme initiated the Day as an annual reflection on demographic trends and development in an ever more crowded world with increasingly limited resources.

The world population continues to

More than 800 million people are malnourished. Another two billion

Unilever’s ‘Bright Future’ campaign.

people (in 1950 it was 2.5 billion)

are short of essential micronutrients,

This initiative intends to engage

and this has had profound implications

which affect health. A billion more

people from all walks of life ensuring

for development: in a world where

consume too many calories and

that everyone has enough food to eat

the population is growing every day

are obese.

and no child goes to bed hungry; that

This year’s theme for World

every home has enough clean water

that relate to sustainability,

Population Day is ‘Investing in

to drink, cook with, clean and wash;

urbanisation, access to health

Young People’. Today, 1.8 billion

and that everybody can enjoy life

services and youth empowerment.

young people are forming social and

today while protecting the planet for

economic realities and above all

future generations.

According to current projections,

Tsogo Sun partners with Generation Earth .......................... 08 The power of partnerships ........ 12

14

In this issue we take a look at

grow: in 2011 it reached seven billion

there are challenges and opportunities

Unilever launches ‘Bright Future’ campaign ........................................ 06

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS Sika treatment for townhouse complex......................15

18 MINING

COVER STORY

Could we avert energy crisis by mining thorium?

Mining’ tsunami’ in Africa

18 20

22 INFRASTRUCTURE

the global population will reach eight

they are building the foundation of

billion by 2026, and will likely reach

the world of the future. Yet too many

adolescents and youth and investing

around nine billion by 2042. This will

people continue to struggle with

in their future, we are safeguarding our

result in two billion more mouths

poverty, inequality and human rights

planet and its survival.

that need feeding. If feeding today’s

violations that prevent them from

populace is a struggle, how will the

fulfilling their potential both personally

Enjoy the read!

earth cope with the increased burden?

and collectively.

Sami

In safeguarding the rights of

China’s geopolitical ambition impacts on Walvis Bay 22

24 WILDLIFE

CONSERVATION

Chronic pollution of seabirds

24

Litter of Wild Dog pups in Somkhanda game reserve.........26

28 LANDSCAPE Discovery of ‘Armageddon’ cave west of Johannesburg ................28

30

CLASSIFIEDS

31 DIARY

The new look Environmental Management - Keeping you up to date THE TEAM EDITORIAL

SUBSCRIPTIONS

CONTACT

HEAD OFFICE: New Media House,

EDITOR: Samantha Morgan

Felicity Garbers

Johannesburg

19 Bree Street, Cape Town, 8001

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Ground floor, Media Park, 69 Kingsway Avenue,

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Sandton, Johannesburg, 2146

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MANAGING DIRECTOR: Bridget McCarney Published on behalf of Media24 Magazines

by New Media Publishing (PTY) Ltd.

NON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Irna van Zyl

SOURCES: Shutterstock, supplied images, editorial staff.

While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of its contents and information given to readers, neither the editor, publisher, or its agents can accept responsibility for damages or injury which may arise therefrom. All rights reserved. © Environmental Management. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, photocopying, electronic, mechanical or otherwise without the prior written permission of the copyright owners.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JULY/AUGUST 2015

4

TAKE NOTE

The eagle has landed The Bulwer Park Community Public Sculpture

Project is building a large sculpture for Bulwer Park in Glenwood. It is a Vulturine Fish Eagle, aka Palm Nut Vulture, with a seven meter wing span. It will sit high among the tree tops of this beautiful park.

This sculpture project celebrates partnerships that provide artistically credible, interesting and

gobbled up this unique opportunity to repurpose

need to bring to public attention species other

informative public art.

these objects to make beautiful and meaningful art.

than the ‘big five’.

The Eagle is being made from unique materials

Recycling and upcycling is a sustainable

– kindly provided by Oricol Environmental Services

alternative to traditional sculpture materials.

internationally synonymous with eco-tourism

(Pty) Ltd, a Durban based company, who has been

Leading the project is Robin and Ujala of Umcebo

and in particular, birding or Avi – tourism. It is

awarded a contract by the National Regulator

Design along with group of local crafters. Sculptor

a bird of prey whose diet consists mainly of the

for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS). Oricole

George Halloway is constructing the frame from

fruit of the oil palm. To add, the Illala palm, the

meet the contract specifications and offer safe

galvanised steel round bar and these other ‘non-

vultures’ natural habitat has many important

destruction of non-compliant goods through

compliant goods’ which have been withdrawn from

uses within indigenous isiZulu culture and

environmentally friendly waste management

the market.

technology, the most widespread being

methods which ensure maximum recycling of the products and diversion from landfill.

The KZN district of Uthungulu is nationally and

basket weaving.

WHY THE VULTURINE FISH EAGLE?

The materials used are goods that venture into

The Vulturine Fish Eagle is found in the forests

Bren Brophy, Project Director,

the South African market as blatantly defective and

and savannah areas of Sub Saharan Africa, It is

Community Murals Project Trust

undesirable for responsible consumers: everything

considered a rare bird in South Africa but it is not

083 673 4569

from unuseable electric plugs to water safety vests

under any immediate threat. The decision for the

brendurban@gmail.com

that don’t float. This group of Durban artists have

sculpture to depict the eagle is motivated by the

www.facebook.com/bulwerparksculpture

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Turning Waste into a Resource

JULY/AUGUST 2015 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

TAKE NOTE

Plastic recycling figures show a growing industry

9%

increase in amount of plastic diverted from landfill

The latest plastic recycling figures released by Plastics|SA are reflective of a vibrant and dynamic industry that is growing despite the many challenges it faces.

INCREASE IN AMOUNT OF PLASTIC DIVERTED FROM LANDFILL

South Africa in 2014. This is the same

to 47 420, bringing the total number

total as 2013 although some materials

of jobs sustained through plastics

have increased and others decreased

recycling to 53 457 (an increase of

to recycle plastics for re-use,

Earlier last year, the South African

in tonnages.

11.4% since 2013.)

we are investigating

plastics industry set itself the

315 600 tons of plastics (22.5%)

The majority of plastics that were

aspirational target of diverting plastic

were diverted from landfill in 2014.

recycled in South Africa continue to

for difficult to recycle or end-of-

from the country’s landfill sites by

This is an increase of 9% from 2013.

be used locally to manufacture new

life plastics that could provide

Post-consumer materials still

products, mainly films (packaging,

a viable answer to our country’s

sustainability objective entitled

provide the most recyclables and

building and industrial) and pipes.

current electricity crisis, save natural

‘Zero plastics to landfill by 2030’.

62.7 % of all materials recycled

“We have proved that plastics

resources and support our objectives

The impact and influence that

originated from post-consumer

can effectively be recycled many

this strategic direction had on the

sources. A further 17.2% originated

times over into new products. South

litter, saving energy and reducing CO2

recycling industry can be seen in the

from post-industrial sources.

Africa is being recognised as one

emissions,” Hanekom concludes.

the year 2030, by adopting a new

2013-2014 results: A total of 1 400 000 tons of plastics

The formal employment

waste-to-energy recovery options

of saving landfill space, reducing

of the world leaders when it comes

provided by plastics recycling has

to ‘closing the loop’, or recycling

from domestic production and

increased by 34% to 6 037 workers.

products back into their original form.

www.plasticsinfo.co.za

imported materials were converted in

Informal employment has increased

Whilst our first choice will always be

For your Indigenous Plants and SA Flora requirements.

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Wildflower Wholesale Nursery (Pty) Ltd that was established in 2004 specialises in plants that occur in the Grassland Biome in Southern Africa. Most plants in the nursery were grown from seed collected in the wild. Currently the focus is on plants that have horticultural and rehabilitation potential. Plants are also selected on their importance from a biodiversity aspect. (Not all plants occurring in the Grasslands are suitable for propagation).

Currently the nursery stocks approximately 100,000 indigenous plants of 600 different species from the Grassland Biome as well as some others that do well in this environment.

Wildflower Nursery supplies plants to landscape architects, property developers, estates and contractors.

The owners are Dr. Johan Wentzel, who is a geohydrologist by profession and his wife Annette. Both have been dedicated on a full time basis to the nursery for the past eight years.

CONTACT DETAILS Johan Wentzel 082 801 1741 wildflowernursery@vodamail.co.za

Annette Wentzel 082 908 6591 wildflowernursery@vodamail.co.za

Address: Route 3, Plot D9 (on the left) Silkaatsnek, Hartbeespoort, South Africa www.wildflowernursery.co.za

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JULY/AUGUST 2015

5

TAKE

NOTE

future

bright U

nilever recently launched

the issue of climate change. In

their ‘brightFuture’

order to tackle climate change and

campaign, intended to

ensure global growth, future leaders

engage people from all

must be engaged and encouraged

walks of life to ensure that:

to heed the call and take climate

• Everyone has enough food to eat

action now.

and no child goes to bed hungry • Children reach their fifth

“There has never been a better moment than the present to

birthday and have the right

protect the planet for future

to a happy childhood

generations,” said Paul Polman,

• Every home has enough clean water

We aim to help more than a billion people by improving their health and well-being as well as enhancing their livelihoods by 2020

Unilever CEO, speaking at the

TRADE TREES FOR HAMPERS

national greening activities. When

in Johannesburg. In his call to action

while protecting the planet for

directed at business, government

NGO Wildlands has developed

with items that can add value

future generations

and NGOs, he continued by saying:

a unique model which involves

to the lives of our hard working

In partnership with government

“Now is the time to join hands as a

the trade of indigenous trees

Tree-preneurs, we are extremely

and NGOs, Unilever and other large

global community to work together

for hampers that are made up

appreciative and grateful.”

corporates have the opportunity

towards finding and committing to

of a prescribed list of Unilever’s

to eradicate poverty and deal with

solutions for climate change.”

health and well-being products,

Unilever South Africa made it

such as Sunlight, Lifebuoy,

known that with the collective

Domestos, Rajah, together

power of people, input by

with a few products purchased

government and interest by all

through its partnership with

companies, big and small, the

MassCash, providing tinned fish

human race can undo the damage it

and baked beans.

has caused on the planet. “Roads in

to drink, cook with, clean and wash • Everybody can enjoy life today

Unilever’s ‘brightFuture’ Gala Dinner

Peter Cowan, Chairman of

According to Nakagawa

India are actually melting as we feel

Marcos, Vice President Brand

the brunt of global warming. Gone

Building, “Unilever aims to

are the days where global warming

create sustainable societies,

was a future notion; an issue for the

and through our partnership

next generation to handle. It is our

with Wildlands, communities

time to act now or there may not

are empowered and given

even be an earth, a planet to sustain

a purpose.”

our progeny. The time to act is

Wildlands aims to pack and distribute 10 000 hampers

JULY/AUGUST 2015 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

partners like Unilever come forward

now,” he reiterated.

Mr Polman emphasised Unilever’s

across their communities

commitment to sustainable

over the course of 2015. The

business practice. “We don’t just

premise of the system is to

create campaigns for the sake of

change the perception of

looking good and ticking CSI boxes.

getting a ‘hand-out’, and show

At the core of our business we strive

these communities how they

to decouple the company’s growth

can better their lives through

from its environmental footprint

entrepreneurial ventures.

and increase positive social impact.

Said Wildlands’ CEO, Dr Andrew

We aim to help more than a billion

Venter, “We promote

people by improving their health

entrepreneurship with our

and well-being as well as enhancing

barter–reward model, based on

their livelihoods by 2020,” he added.

PHOTOS KELVIN TRAUTMAN ,ADI WEERHEIM AND SUPPLIED

6

TAKE NOTE

Sustainability Week 2015 BASF were once again be a key partner in the Sustainability Week initiative held from 23 – 28 June 2015 at the CSIR International Convention Centre.

Under the theme ‘Get ready to put ideas in motion’ BASF did exactly that: they put ideas in to motion with other thought leaders, policy makers, practitioners and producers who were sharing knowledge and ideas at the event to ultimately improve environmental and economic performance.

During this year’s programme, BASF created conversations around the universal topic of sustainability. Explained Vice-President and Head of Business Centre South Africa and Sub-Sahara, Joan-Maria Garcia-Girona: “Sustainability is firmly embedded into BASF’s strategy and organisation.

Sustainability management supports the company’s strategic principle ‘We drive sustainable solutions’ and follows its corporate purpose of ‘We create chemistry for a sustainable future,’” he said. “BASF defines sustainability as balancing economic success with social and environmental responsibility, both today and into the future.”

BASF is celebrating its 150th Anniversary during 2015 and, as part of the year-long anniversary programme, the company is focusing on global

GREEN TECHNOLOGY

challenges regarding Urban Living, Sustainable Food and Smart Energy.

Speaking at the same event,

These topics were transferred into a cutting edge exhibition at Sustainability

the Minister of Trade and

Week 2015. Garcia-Girona added “BASF recognises societal trends and the

Industry, Dr Rob Davies said

needs of people and, with research and development, continues to find

the Green Economy had been

innovative solutions to meet these challenges

identified as a key focus area

again and again.”

in the Industrial Policy Action Plan and it provided significant

www.basf.co.za

opportunities for job creation and economic growth.

He added that in the Climatescope 2014 report released by Bloomberg New Energy Finance, South Africa was ranked third, after China and Brazil, for investment in clean energy, accounting for more than 90% of these investments in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Also, in 2013, South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Programme (REIPPP) won the Green Infrastructure project of the Year at the 6th Global Infrastructure

Katharina Felgenhauer, PPP and Market Development from BASF East Africa and Juliet Mdluli, Communications Specialist: Projects and Services opening BASF’s Mini Creator Space at the Sustainability Week 2015.

Leadership Conference in New York. Over the REIPPP’s first three bid windows, the renewable energy sector has

and their plants serve as a model for

committed investments totaling

future Unilever global operations.

R120 billion, of which R23 billion

Mr Polman concluded: “Unilever

was committed to local content,”

cannot solve the world’s climate

said Minister Davies.

problems alone. Worldwide in every

He said the South African

country, every citizen, company,

government was extremely

government and NGO has a role

pleased that the investments

to play. Together we can make

made by Unilever were

significant strides in ensuring a better

advancing “Green Technology”

future for the leaders of tomorrow.”

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JULY/AUGUST 2015

7

8

TAKE NOTE

Raising awareness for coastal conservation Beautiful Cape weather highlighted the

Grants Manager for Wildlands. “It is for this

success of the Clovelly Golf Day. Grindrod Asset

reason that Grindrod and Wildlands have come

Management, in partnership with Wildlands,

together to form the Blue Fund, attempting

hosted the Blue Funds’ Golf day at the Clovelly

to drive coastal conservation awareness and

(Head of Fund Management, Grindrod Asset

Country Club in Cape Town at the end of May.

support the dedicated efforts of organisations

Management) handing out prizes to the

working in the sector.”

participants of the Golf Day. He ended off by

The focus of the event was to raise awareness for the Blue Fund, a partnership

Blue Fund,” said Francois Louw of SANCCOB. The evening wrapped up with Paul Stewart

Paul Stewart, head of Grindrod Asset

saying, “Through the success of Grindrod Asset

between Grindrod Financial Services and

Management, together with Mark Gerrard of

Management and the involvement and success

Wildlands, aimed at supporting coastal

Wildlands, then handed a cheque of R300 000

of our clients, we hope to continue the support

conservation throughout South Africa.

over to members of SANCCOB to allow the

for conservation through this partnership

“With South Africa’s spectacular and

purchase of an X-Ray machine for the centre.

with Wildlands and the Blue Fund, ultimately

lengthy coastline being the focus of much

“The purchase of the X-Ray machine will allow

contributing to the good work being done by

development, there is a serious need for

SANCCOB to improve its operational efficiency

organisations such as SANCCOB.”

energy to be put into marine and coastal

as well as significantly save costs in the future

conservation,” says Mark Gerrard, Conservation

and we really appreciate the support from the

www.grindrod.co.za

Tsogo Sun partners with Generation Earth Fittingly announced on World Environment

October, the student councils will present

Day on 5 June, Tsogo Sun has entered into

innovations linked to COP21’s theme of food

a new partnership with Generation Earth,

security and water and energy conservation,

a green networking platform with the

ahead of COP21 – the 21st session of

youth, for the youth and by the youth, that

the Conference of the Parties to the UN

recognises and develops green thinkers who

Framework Convention on Climate Change

are tomorrow’s global leaders.

– from 30 November to 11 December in Paris.

This new relationship, which sees Tsogo Sun becoming the venue and

agreement on the climate, applicable to

accommodation partner to Generation Earth,

all countries, of keeping global warming

including their annual summit in October this

below 2˚C.

year, follows on several years of partnership

JULY/AUGUST 2015 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Also introduced at the World Environment

with sister organisation Miss Earth, a

Day event were the Johannesburg nominees

leadership programme that empowers young

for Miss Earth 2015, who have all been

South African women with the knowledge

planting vegetable gardens, getting involved

and platform to create a sustainable

in waste projects, and planting trees,

difference in combatting the destruction of

in preparation for the crowning of the new

our natural heritage.

Miss Earth in September.

Generation Earth works with 80 school

Ella Bella, Candy Tothill, Catherine Constantanides, and Minister of Water & Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa

COP21 will aim to achieve a new international

“Green issues are high on our corporate

councils around the country, comprising

priorities and this work connects well with

about 1 700 learners, in a structured action

our CSI focus on youth development, making

plan for the youth to make a difference in

the partnerships with both Miss Earth and

the betterment of the environment. The

Generation Earth a good fit for Tsogo Sun.

students on the Generation Earth councils

Supporting youth in their efforts to build a

are expected to be studying the sciences,

sustainable future for us is the right thing to

and to have expressed an interest in a career

do – and we’re proud to do it,” says Candy

involving the environment.

Tothill, Tsogo Sun’s executive responsible for

At the Generation Earth Summit in

corporate affairs.

TAKE NOTE

ACWA Power to provide solar energy to South Africa’s national grid

Provides storage capacity of

1300MWh which is equivalent to

9.3

operational hours

term growth,” ACWA Power Chairman, Mohammed Abunayyan, today told a delegation of local journalists and government officials during a visit to the site. South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Thembi Majola and other dignitaries were also in attendance.

ACWA POWER TO PROVIDE SOLAR ENERGY TO SOUTH AFRICA’S NATIONAL GRID

the day, which can then be released after sun during peak demand periods between 5pm

LOCAL EMPLOYMENT CREATION, SKILLS TRANSFER

ACWA Power, Riyadh-based global leading

and 9pm in the early morning The thermal

The Bokpoort CSP Project has led to

water and power developer and owner and

storage capacity of 1300MWh, which is

the creation of more than 1100 local jobs

operator across 10 countries, announced a

equivalent to about 9.3 hours of operation,

during the peak of its construction – 390

molten salt solar project that will contribute

is the largest ever adopted by a solar power

from the surrounding community – and

approximately 50 Mega Watt (MW) to the

plant of this class in the world. This makes

over 50 permanent employment

country’s current electricity generation

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) the only

opportunities will be made available

capacity from early 2016. As part of the South

renewable technology at a commercial

during the operation of the power

African Government’s Renewable Energy

scale that is able to meet the country’s daily

facility. In addition, the initiative has

Independent Power Producer Procurement

peak demand, thereby helping to prevent

facilitated local shareholding in the

(REIPPP) programme, the Bokpoort

load shedding. The solar energy generated

project company and allowed for

Concentrated Solar Power Independent Power

by the 658 000 m2 of reflector area will be

the participation of high level

Project (Bokpoort CSP Project) is currently

fed directly into Eskom’s Garona substation,

broad-based black economic

in its commissioning phase at Groblershoop,

located next to the site, under a 20 year Power

empowerment (BBBEE)

situated near Upington in the Northern Cape - a

Purchase Agreement (PPA).

companies for construction,

province that boasts one of the highest solar radiation footprints in the world.

down; enabling consistent electricity supply

“We are proud to be a part of creating a

Northern Cape - a province that boasts one of the highest solar radiation footprints in the world

operation and maintenance.

sustainable future for South Africa through the reliable delivery of renewable electricity.

ADVANCED STORAGE TECHNOLOGY

This project allows for delivery of electricity at

Bokpoort’s CSP technology effectively allows

power supply network, and will also enhance

for the ‘banking’ of excess solar energy during

local socio-economic development and long-

www.acwapower.com

the lowest possible cost into Eskom’s national

Change that doesn’t cost the earth Environmental solutions: • Environmental Licensing and Permitting • Legal and Performance Auditing • Compliance Monitoring (Dust, Water and Noise) • Green Star Rating Assessments • Sustainability and Integrated Reporting • Specialist Assessments 086 112 ICAT www.i-cat.co.za

ENVIRONMENTAL S

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ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JULY/AUGUST 2015

9

TAKE NOTE / FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR

Zambia Green Jobs Programme Z

ambia’s economic

green jobs among small- and medium-

before. Now I know I can use local

growth, like that of

sized enterprises in the Zambian

material such as clay and earth bricks

many developing

building construction industry. It is led

and timber in construction,” she said.

countries, has

by the ILO with financial assistance

“We recently constructed a house

from the Government of Finland.

where I could put what I learned into

been steady especially during the last ten years.

practice. I saved a lot of time and

to significant job creation and poverty

FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR LEARNS ECO-FRIENDLY BUILDING TECHNIQUES

levels remain high, with more than

Omba Lacey is one of the many

half of the population estimated to be

dynamic entrepreneurs from Lusaka

business. Together with 15 men

living below the poverty line.

who has joined the programme. She

and women who also attended,

has been running a house construction

she decided to found a green

It is expected to reach 7.4% in 2015.

However, sustained growth has not led

What is more, much of the economic growth has come at a

business in the Zambian capital since

significant environmental cost.

2007. Last year, she took part in an

According to United Nations (UN)

ILO training course “Start and improve

statistics, the proportion of area

your green construction business.”

covered by forests decreased from

This was an eye-opener for her.

71%in 1990 to 67% in 2010. The majority of Zambia’s population (82%, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) ) still depend on traditional fuels such as wood, coal, charcoal or animal waste to meet their daily energy needs. Household air pollution attributable deaths for all age groups and both genders in Zambia amounted to 8 240 in 2012, according to WHO statistics published in May 2015, with more than half a million total years of life lost due to ill health, disability or early death in 2012.

This led authorities to look at the links between job creation and the greening of the economy, which resulted in the establishment of the Zambia Green Jobs Programme – a five-year US$12.1 million project developed jointly by the Government of Zambia and the UN. The programme aims to support the creation of

JULY/AUGUST 2015 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

“I had never even considered using sustainable materials in my work

money.” Omba Lacey, who runs a house construction business in the Zambian capital The training has changed Lacey’s

The International Labour Organization (ILO)-led Green Jobs Programme in Zambia is expected to create

5 000 new green jobs by 2017

thanks to a partnership between the government and the construction sector ANTON_IVANOV / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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According to ILO figures from 2012, Zambia requires 1.3 million new dwellings before 2030. That is one house every two minutes of each working day for the next 19 years.

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consortium to deliver green

through its partners from the

goods and services.

government and sector. It will

productivity and working

and window frames, compressed

conditions,â€? added Muzira.Â

earth bricks for the walls,

As an entrepreneur, Lacey

cost of building a house can be

green construction industry

slashed by up to 70%, which also

are essential for the sector to

makes houses more affordable for

contribute to job creation and

everyone,� she explained.

sustainable development.Â

the timber of the trees she had

invest in eco-friendly techniques.

to clear to build the house.Â

Also, access to funds should be

Previously, Lacey would import

facilitated especially to purchase

and steel) from South Africa and

construction. As an employer, made to improve occupational

“The construction sector has

health and safety, as well as

growth in recent years. It can

workers,� she added. “Zambia needs more and

provides a good example of

as energy saving, renewable

what can be done in developing

energy and water conservation,�

countries to invest in sustainable

said Tapera Muzira, Chief

development while also moving

Technical Advisor of the Zambia

forward on occupational health

Green Jobs Programme.Â

and safety and extension of

environmental-friendly practices

Zambia requires 1.3 million new

is feasible at a reasonable cost,�

dwellings before 2030. That is one

Muzira concluded.

YE A

TERRA FORCE

18

According to ILO figures from 2012,

work opportunities with

YE A

R

show combining more decent

YE A

0 R1

social protection. We want to

BETTER SAFETY AND SOCIAL PROTECTION

NOT

YE A

17

goods and technologies such

Imitators are

R

Jobs Programme in Zambia

16

green growth. The Green

building materials, services,

c o n s u m e r

YE A

R

better jobs for inclusive and

promotion of eco-friendly

g o o d fo r t h e

R9

gas emissions through the

c o m p e t i t i o n i s

YE A

8

access to social protection for

R

played a central role in Zambia’s contribute to reducing greenhouse

15

I also support efforts being

the environment.Â

G e n u i n e

YE A

R

China; this was costly and bad for

YE A

7

machinery adapted to green

R

materials (such as aluminium

YE A

14

such as myself can benefit and

R

so that more entrepreneurs

construction site, and to use

6

cut down all the trees at a

YE A

R

“More people need to be trained

YE A

13

awareness-raising in the

R

and solar panels for energy. The

YE A

5

believes that training and

R

rainwater harvesting for water

She was also taught not to

12

2Â 000 existing jobs by enhancing

such as timber for roofing, door

YE A

R

by using locally-sourced materials

4

also improve the quality of

R

“I saved a lot of time and money

YE A

TAKE NOTE

house every two minutes of each about-the-ilo/newsroom/

opportunities for job creation.Â

features/WCMS_372815/

“We estimate that the

lang--en/index.htm?shared_

programme will, facilitate the

from=media-mail

creation of 5Â 000 jobs by 2017

www.ilo.org

YE A

19

http://www.ilo.org/global/

So the sector also offers good

R

working day for the next 19 years.

Find your nearest supplier www.terraforce.com

Te l : 0 2 1 4 6 5 1 9 0 7 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JULY/AUGUST 2015

11

12

TAKE NOTE

THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS TACKLING DEGRADATION OF LANDSCAPES AND LIVELIHOODS

All of these combine into a heady

Quite some time ago a small band of

The road to sustainable development

environmental practitioners-cum-

and restoration of a two million

development activists struggled to

hectare catchment which supplies

find ways to collaborate with local

over one million people with water

authorities to tackle degradation of

and livelihoods is a tough one.

mix of institutional, governance and technical potholes and speed bumps.

the upper uMzimvubu landscape and the livelihoods dependent upon it.

Much of this effort was swept away

HOW IT ALL STARTED In 2011, CEPF (Critical Ecosystem

in the overwhelming tide of challenges

Partnership Fund) grants for

facing a largely undeveloped rural

Conservation SA and local NGO

several implementing partnerships

communal landscape along the

Environmental & Rural Solutions

to bring to life an initial five year

watershed with Lesotho. Altitude-

(ERS) allowed for the more structured

strategy and a growing conservation

related climatic extremes and

gathering of over 30 stakeholders in

economy base for the uMzimvubu

increasing severity of events

the uMzimvubu catchment. These

catchment, starting in the Matatiele

compound the levels of poverty and

include Traditional Authorities, local

municipality area. The latter forms

poor education through marginal

and line government, co-operative

the strategic upper catchment

production. Distances from services

networks, NGOs, consultants and

water factory, boasting over

and often complete lack of the latter

farmers associations. After years

42 765ha of wetlands (almost 10%

(an estimated 15% of the Matatiele

of simple relationships, ad hoc

of the municipal area) and 140km of

population don’t have access to piped

opportunistic sharing and scraping

watershed.

potable water)make life difficult.

the barrel, the frustrations paid off

Under-resourced local authorities face

and the CSA-ERS alliance allowed

biodiversity and linking community

the problem of the relative geographic

for a collective catchment vision to

based natural resource management

isolation of this former Transkei

be drafted and an Memorandum of

interventions with sound ecosystem

area in the northern Eastern Cape.

Understanding (MoU) emerged.

services has been adopted by the

JULY/AUGUST 2015 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

This laid the groundwork for

A stewardship plan for protecting

TAKE NOTE Matatiele Council. It has support for

gathering provides an opportunity

its implementation from key UCPP

for partners to share work and

begun and it will be a slow but exciting

members including the Eastern Cape

challenges, solve problems and forge

journey. The UCPP aims to conserve

Parks & Tourism Agency, Department

new alliances for effective use of

the full extent of the Umzimvubu River

of Economic Development,

limited resources.

through the sustainable restoration

Environment Affairs & Tourism,

However, the show has only just

and maintenance of the catchment

Maloti Drakensberg Transfrontier

COLLECTIVE ACTION

area in a manner that supports

Programme, Endangered Wildlife

In signing the MoU, all 32 organisations

economic development and enhances

Trust, WESSA, LIMA, CSA and ERS.

have committed to collective action to

suites of ecosystem services to

develop and support implementation

benefit local people, biodiversity

Environmental Affairs Land User

of a catchment management

and the functional landscape.

Incentives programmes are being

strategy and restoration plan for

implemented by local partnerships,

the Umzimvubu River. A key focus

employing over 500 people in clearing

of the partnership is to build on the

over 2 000ha of alien plants, working

Expanded Public Works Programme

on fire awareness and protection,

and foster good stewardship and

erosion control and herding. These

sustainable small enterprises which

also benefit another 150 households

can support the restoration and

from livestock sales through a

maintenance of intact ecosystem

rangeland management initiative

services. Facilitating learning

which facilitates improved

exchanges, establishing baselines

grazing/veld condition, animal

for ecosystem monitoring, advocating

health and auctions.

good governance through capacity

Several Department of

The UCPP is spearheaded by

www.umzimvubu.org

building, representation on the

ERS and CSA in Matatiele, as the

emerging Umzimvubu-Tsitsikamma

coordinating organisations for the

CMA and developing best practise

various stakeholders. The alliance

material and methods for replication

recently held its ninth quarterly forum

in the communal landscape are

session, with a focus on building

some of the successful interventions

climate resilience: each quarterly

to date.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JULY/AUGUST 2015

13

14

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS

Kaytech saves the day in construction of Tormin Mine The recently opened Tormin Mine,

and offers the reinforcement

with its active beach deposits of

characteristics of geogrids and

heavy minerals, is expected to inject

wovens in conjunction with the

over R5 billion into the Western Cape

favourable hydraulic qualities of

economy during the next five years.

nonwovens. With its high strength,

It is here, approximately 400km

multifilament polyester yarns,

north of Cape Town, that Kaytech

RockGrid PC demonstrates a very low

has supplied several of its top quality

creep tendency while its nonwoven

products for the construction of

layer protects the reinforcement

roads and waste water ponds for

elements during the critical

the new mine.

installation phase.

Obsideo Consulting was

Neoweb is a cellular confinement

responsible for project management,

system manufactured from Neoloy,

procurement and construction

an HDPE alloy. A composite system

management of the mine and

is created when its honeycomb

the processing plant, as well as

structure is filled with soil. For this

for the design of the associated

project however, the Neoweb cells

infrastructure.

were filled with crusher dust. In the

The area of Koekenaap, where

absence of layer works, Neoweb

the mine is situated, is extremely

provides a high quality, sustainable

sandy with little or no in-situ building

and durable reinforcement solution in

BIDIM

polyester from discarded plastic cool-

material. Due to the isolation

load support applications.

Bidim is a nonwoven, continuous

drink bottles (equivalent to around

filament, needle-punched geotextile

300 million 2-litre bottles). Converting

of the area, transportation of

By the end of the project,

suitable civil engineering materials

contractor, Joetsie Civils, had

that Kaytech has been manufacturing

this 100% recycled material into an

was economically unviable.

installed 27 400m2 of RockGrid PC

since 1978. Its many distinct

eco-friendly polyester geotextile

After consultation with Obsideo

50/50 over the subgrade. The same

advantages over other man-made

makes A-grade bidim the natural

Consulting, Kaytech recommended

square meterage of Neoweb 330b

fibres include:

choice for specialist base fabrics in

the use of its unique RockGrid PC

(200mm high) was then placed over

• better modulus of deformation

technical textiles. It also meets the

for reinforcement of the subgrade,

the layer of RockGrid PC.

• better plastic yield stability

most stringent civil engineering and

• higher breaking strength

industrial specifications.

and its Neoweb cellular confinement

Waste water ponds were

• better resistance to high

The ease and speed of installation

system for load support. These two

constructed during construction

reputable products would enable the

of the mine roads, and Obsideo

internal roads to accommodate the

Consulting specified Kaytech’s

• less sensitivity to UV degradation

only impressed both consultant and

heavy mine vehicles.

bidim A4 and A6 for protection

• better wettability

contractor during these projects, but

of the HDPE pond linings. Since

• it is 100% recycled

saved a significant amount of money in

temperatures

ROCKGRID PC

these high performance geotextiles

RockGrid PC is the first composite

offer optimum thickness in their

9001 registered production facility in

reinforcing geotextile to be

weight class, a high degree of

Atlantis has extracted more than

manufactured in South Africa

protection is provided.

18 million kilogrammes of high-grade

JULY/AUGUST 2015 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

For over 10 years, Kaytech’s ISO

of all these Kaytech products not

time, construction costs and expensive transportation of imported materials. www.kaytech.co.za

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS

When the upmarket Tivoli Gardens

The careful removal of plants

residential complex in North

growing in close proximity to

Riding, Johannesburg, required an

the walls of the complex, posed

effective water repellent treatment,

the biggest challenge for the

Architect Friederich Nel confidently

contractor. Once accessible,

specified Sika’s Sikagard-703 W for

the walls were coated with

the project. Contractor, Paint and

Sikagard-703 W by means of a

Power, was awarded the contract

conventional low-pressure spray,

to apply Sikagard-703 W to all

although a brush or roller may

exterior walls of each cluster home

also be used for application.

as well as all boundary walls.

Sikagard-703 W is vapour

As it is water based, Sikagard-

permeable, provides improved

703 W is environmentally friendly

resistance to dirt pick-up

and may be over-coated with water-

and reduces fungal, algal and

or solvent-based polymer paints.

lichen growth.

As a protective coat against water

By the end of the project in

ingress, Sikagard-703 W may be

August 2014, Paint and Power

applied to many facades including

had applied almost 5 000 litres

mortar, masonry, brick and stone

of Sikagard-703 W to the various

with the optimum hydrophobic

facades of Tivoli Gardens. This top

impregnation being achieved within

quality, internationally approved

a few days. This ready-to-use

product has given complete peace

emulsion is based on a combination

of mind to the owners of these

of silane and siloxane, and since it is

beautiful Tuscan style homes.

usually invisible, does not alter the substrate aspect.

www.sika.co.za

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JULY/AUGUST 2015

15

16

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS

- THE FUTURE OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT purification systems and

14 times more efficiently than ponds,

the process of introducing this option to

misting canon technology.

as evaporation machines are compact,

industrial clients, as part of our value-

“Our systems have been

reliable and e�cient, and can be

added service offering,” adds van Wyk.

well received by the local

transported to numerous sites.”

The evaporation machines can

2. Water fracturing evaporators

the concept is feasible,”

also be used as a low-cost addition

Through this process, water is fractured

states van Wyk.

to enhance evaporation on existing

through a high-speed fan and propelled

containment ponds, or to minimise

into the air. This solution is best-suited

can be carried out naturally

new pond surface area. I-CAT currently

for smaller areas where wastewater

in solar evaporation

offers two di�erent types of evaporation

contains high volumes of solids and

solutions, namely:

large particulates. “We are currently in

market, and trials prove that

The evaporation process

Evaporation is a quicker and more cost-

ponds, a slow process that requires a

effective alternative to reverse osmosis,

large surface area, or by mechanical

chemical dosing and desalination in

evaporation machines. “Natural solar

1. Water atomising evaporators

to two large projects in South Africa,

wastewater treatment applications.

evaporation is often limited by land

Air is compressed via a fan through a

both of which commenced in early

I-CAT offers innovative evaporation

availability and the cost of constructing

tapered barrel, and propels controlled-

2015. I believe that this could lead to

solutions for all industrial applications,

additional storage ponds, not to

sized water droplets that are created

considerable growth for I-CAT moving

including the removal of excess tailing

mention the added cost of clean-up

via nozzles. “This is best for larger areas

forward, as we continue to develop

dam water.

and re-vegetation,” he continues.

where wastewater contains lower

practical and cost-effective solutions

dissolved solids or minimal particulates.

for specific challenges experienced by our clients,” he concludes.

I-CAT technical manager

According to van Wyk, evaporation

the process of supplying this solution

Morné van Wyk indicates that the

machines can rapidly increase the

I-CAT has spent a considerable amount

innovative evaporation system

evaporation process, with minimal

of time in research and development

design incorporates proprietary water

footprint. “Space can be utilised up to

on evaporation solutions, and we are in

JULY/AUGUST 2015 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

www.i-cat.co.za

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS

BKB innovates SA wool and mohair industries through R8 million roof-mounted solar PV installation An R8 million roof-mounted solar

covers a total surface area of

according to Rhino Energy director

photovoltaic (PV) energy harvesting

3 400 m², is located on the roofs

Craig Brehany. BKB plans

system is to supply clean energy and

of BKB warehouse buildings

to recoup the project’s investment

reduce the South African wool and mohair industry’s carbon footprint

which house classing, handling and pressing facilities.

and is the initiative of BKB in Nelson

costs over a 10 year period through

This will enhance the eco credentials of South

The pitched roof

solar power installation projects in

sections of these buildings

South Africa.

were retrofitted with

BKB, which processes and

from our facilities.

R850 000 per year.

Mandela Bay. This is set to be one of the biggest

and exported

energy savings of approximately

approximately 4 680

African wool and mohair handled, pressed and shipped by BKB,” said Jacobus le Roux, KB head of corporate The solar PV system is significant

marketing and public relations.

exports two thirds of the South

solar panels, each with

for the country’s wool and mohair

African wool clip and more than 35%

an output of 100 Watt.

industries, and for approximately

company’s sustainability strategy and

of the country’s mohair clip, said the

The solar array, which is expected to go

28 000 emerging and commercial wool

its fifth organisational value which

installation will harvest

online next week will generate 40% of

and mohair producers which BKB serves.

promotes accountability and constant

and then introduce solar energy into

the facility’s electricity needs.

its handling and shipping facility in Port Elizabeth.

The solar PV system, which

“The clean energy supply chain

“It is the largest grid-tied solar PV

management innovations through our

system in the Eastern Cape and among

solar PV system will offset the carbon

the top 10 largest in the country,”

footprint of wool and mohair processed

The initiative forms part of the

innovation for environmentally friendly sustainable growth. www.bkb.co.za

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JULY/AUGUST 2015

17

18

MINING

Thorium could avert the energy crisis The topic of Nuclear power is a sensitive one.

It generates huge amounts of electricity with zero carbon emissions, and thus is held up as a solution to global energy woes. But it also entails several risks, including weapons development, meltdown, and the hazards of disposing of its waste products.

Sout h Af ric a has su fficient thoriu m reserves to supply all Sout h Af ric a’s energy needs for the next 10 0 years

H

owever those risks and benefits all pertain to a very specific kind of nuclear energy: nuclear

fission of uranium or plutonium isotopes. There is another kind of nuclear energy that’s been waiting in the wings for decades – and it may just demand a change of mind set on nuclear power.

Nuclear fission using thorium is

Steenkampskraal Thorium Limited

could desalinate sea-water for human

risks are considerably lower. Thorium

SOUTH AFRICA’S FUTURE WATER CRISIS LINKED TO THE CURRENT ENERGY CRISIS

(STL), said the solution lies in

consumption and produce water

power also has other attractions. Its

Within 35 years, South Africa will

developing small thorium-based

for irrigation. “Millions of people die

production of nuclear waste would

be short of fresh water which will

nuclear power stations, which are

every year in Africa from water-borne

be on a significantly lower scale than

be linked to the energy crisis. The

far safer than uranium-based power

diseases. Our reactor could produce

that of conventional nuclear power.

preferred way to address this is

stations and more affordable. Thorium

clean drinking water.”

Thorium would be easier to obtain

through desalination. However,

reactors use dry cooling or minimal

than uranium.

unless the energy crisis is addressed,

water, either inland fresh water from

and safe technology that is more

easily within our reach, and compared with conventional nuclear energy, the

Trevor Blench, chairman of

of Africa are dry, the thorium reactor

“Thorium represents an emerging

South Africa is destined for long-term

rivers and dams or sea water along

efficient than uranium, produces

thorium power, in our geopolitically

power and water shortages primarily

South Africa’s coastline to create

significantly less hazardous waste

dicey world, is that the fuel is much

because power will be need to

energy and desalinate water.

and cannot easily be used for nuclear

harder to turn into a bomb.

produce clean water.

Perhaps the most salient benefit of

JULY/AUGUST 2015 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Mr Blench said while many parts

proliferation purposes,” he said. “The

MINING solution to the energy and future water crisis is to develop small

diesel generators, at very high cost.”

“These countries cannot afford to

thorium-based nuclear power stations

spend billions of dollars buying big

deployed at these strategic locations.”

expensive reactors, up to ten years

Mr Blench said that thorium

building such a reactor or plug a

fuel is being tested in Norway. STL

1 000 MW nuclear reactor into

owns the rights to the thorium of

their tiny grids,” he said.

the Steenkampskraal mine in the

Mr Blench said the reactor being

Western Cape. He added that the

developed will be suitable for African

Steenkampskraal mine has the

and remote conditions. “The reactor

highest known thorium and rare earth

will be affordable for the small

grades in the world.

countries that make up most of Africa

Thorium is a much cleaner fuel than uranium.

and it will cost a fraction of the large nuclear Light Water Reactors (LWRs).

It will be modular and quick to build.”

STEENKAMPSKRAAL MINE

Within 35 years, South A frica will be short of fresh water which will be linked to the energy crisis.

Mr Blench believes that if Africa

Steenkampskraal was mined by Anglo

is going to embark on a nuclear

American during the 1950s and 1960s

future, it should leap-frog over the

for its thorium. About a dozen reactors

Generation 3 reactors and go straight

were built in Germany, England and

to Generation 4 reactors. “The

America. It is believed that most of

technology is available. It has been

that thorium came from this mine.

tried and tested over many years.

“We are designing a nuclear reactor

Our reactor is a Gen 4 design. What

that is appropriate for Africa. Typically,

does that mean? It means that

African countries have a total annual

our reactor is intrinsically safe and

ammonia. This ‘hydrogen’ could be

down their living standards.

electricity production of between

meltdown-proof.”

used to make fertilisers to improve

Our small plant could provide

agricultural yields.”

electricity for remote towns and

1 000 and 5 000 MW per year. They

19

“There are many problems in

do not have well-developed grids to

Africa. Three of the biggest problems

distribute electricity, and currently

are food, water and power. Our plant

power shortages that retard their

generate a lot of their electricity with

can produce hydrogen in the form of

rates of economic growth and hold

“Most parts of Africa suffer from

villages all over the continent.” www.thorium100.com

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JULY/AUGUST 2015

20

MINING

Mining ‘tsunami’ set to take Africa by storm

JOHN C. CANNON, MONGABAY.COM CORRESPONDENT

AS NATIONS INVEST BILLIONS IN EXTRACTION DEVELOPMENT, FORESTS MAY SUFFER BIG LOSSES

biologists, NGOs, and governments

well as established, industrialised

increased agricultural yields and

to guide this investment to both

ones including Canada and Australia,

encouraging higher incomes through

encourage economic development

have ploughed billions into mining

participation in national and regional

and safeguard natural habitat, author

developments in Africa in recent

economies.

Many of the minerals that enable

Bill Laurance and his colleagues

years. In 2009 China alone invested

our technology, back the value of

catalogue known

more than $100 billion each year

potential positive aspects of foreign

our economies (or did at one time),

mineral deposits and examine

in mineral extraction, a four-fold

investment,” Laurance said. But

and power our cities can be found

where they converge with

increase since the turn of the century.

while mining could be a booster shot

in Africa. And yet the continent still

biodiverse areas. As much as

According to data from Global Forest

for struggling economies in tropical

remains something of an untapped

a quarter of the continent’s mineral

Watch, between 2001 and 2013 alone

Africa, it’s not the panacea that

resource, as the vast majority of

wealth is concentrated in three

the DRC lost more than 5.8 million

some purport it to be. “The social

mineral extraction occurs elsewhere.

areas in Cameroon, Gabon and the

hectares of forest – a swath of land

advantages can be very spotty, and

A new report published by a team

Democratic Republic of Congo.

larger than the Netherlands.

there can be major environmental

“One can’t ignore all of the

of scientists from James Cook

“In the coming 50 years, this

University in Cairns, Australia,

will be one of the most important

enormous opportunity afforded

The act of mining itself can be

documents a surging tide of foreign

environmental issues on the planet,”

by this influx of cash. Mines can

detrimental to the environment,

interest in mining in Africa and

Laurance told mongabay.com.

provide much-needed employment,

as it is often necessary to remove

and accompanying infrastructure

forest and other types of habitat

cautions that the sector’s unchecked

The study’s authors point out the

impacts,” he added.

development and expansion could

MINING INVESTMENTS

development in the form of roads

to get at the minerals in the

devastate the environment.

Rapidly growing countries such as

and rail lines could help connect

ground. The authors of the report

Russia, India, Brazil and China, as

farmers to markets, incentivising

note a worrisome trend known

In a ‘call to arms’ for conservation

JULY/AUGUST 2015 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

MINING as PADDD – short for “protected

plantations, one-off mines can be

area downgrading, downsizing

just as deleterious (if not more so) to

and degazettement” – in which

the environment than their industrial

governments trim down parks and

counterparts. According to the study,

reserves or scale back their protected

ad-hoc miners use “unregulated,

status to allow mining companies

improvised and often harmful

easier access to minerals. PADDD is

extraction methods to piggyback

often a symptom of weak governance,

onto operations involving precious

a serious problem afflicting many

commodities, especially gold.”

countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

One of these methods is the use

TREE FELLING TREE MAINTENANCE SITE CLEARING SUPPLIER OF WOOD CHIPS FULLY INSURED

We are a long-standing selected supplier for SALI We are also FULLY INSURED for even more peace-of-mind

of mercury to separate the ore

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS

which can quickly contaminate

Laurance has also called for

local water supplies and harm fish,

strengthening environmental impact

wildlife and humans.

21

from its surrounding rocky matrix,

assessments, which companies are mineral extraction begins. “The

NEED FOR CAREFUL REGULATION

environmental impact assessment

In many ways, the land rush to

process is in many cases very

extract valuable minerals found in so

inadequate,” he said, “often just

many of the products we use every

focused on the narrow set of impacts

day, from cell phones to jewellery

that occur in the immediate area

to electrical wiring, parallels the

of the mines and only for the time

rush to invest in oil palm in tropical

when a company is actively working

Africa. At once representing

to pull minerals from the ground.

unparalleled economic opportunities

But, a huge set of knock-on effects

and the specter of environmental

from the development of mines can

devastation, oil palm and mineral

have potentially even more serious

extraction both need careful

environmental side effects than the

regulation and the incorporation

mines themselves.”

of the needs of local populations

typically required to carry out before

Roads present one of the most

52 Verdun Road, Kya Sands, Johannesburg Fax: 086 530 6656 Email: brandstf@mweb.co.za

into the formation of strategies that

significant issues. While many of the

will protect the environment and

African countries where minerals

provide for the countries where this

are abundant are in dire need of

development is occurring. For mining

governance structures of these

more transparent supply chains and

infrastructure improvements to move

and oil palm, scientists like Laurance

countries to ensure that mining

better labelling. With minerals, it’s

goods to market and allow the freer

are calling for greater transparency.

development is carried out in a

not so easy, Laurance said. “All this

sustainable way.

stuff goes into a gazillion different

movement of people, roads also

BrandsQB_Aug2013.indd 1

“We need to be talking about it

2013/08/13 7:27 AM

open previously inaccessible wildlife

much more vigorously than we are

However, Laurance points out

habitats to a variety of other human

right now,” he added. Additionally,

that the struggle to exert pressure

products, many of which we’ve come to depend on in our modern lives.”

uses. In one case, a proposed road

he and his colleagues insist that

on mining companies may be more

As consumer demand soars for

aimed at moving gold from areas

it’s imperative to strengthen the

difficult. With oil palm, consumers

products that depend on these

around Lake Victoria to the coast

and NGOs have been able to get

minerals, so will the demand for the

will cut right through Serengeti

no-deforestation commitments

land that holds them. “It’s a bit of a

National Park, disrupting perhaps

from large companies by calling for

tsunami. What can one do against

the most iconic animal migration on

a tsunami?” he said. Still, he’s not

the planet. Mines also draw in people

willing to give up. “We have to try to

looking for jobs, Laurance and

do something.”

his coauthors wrote. Once in the www.mongabay.com

vicinity, the established pattern says they’ll clear land for their homes and crops and diminish local wildlife populations with bush meat hunting.

In addition, some locals, seeking to benefit from the mineral wealth just like the companies in the vicinity, may start their own small-scale mining operations, known as artisanal mining.

Unlike small-scale oil palm production, which can represent a more sustainable alternative to large

African forest elephants are listed as ‘Vulnerable’ by the IUCN*. Much of the proposed mining activity will occur within their habitat.

*International Union for Conservation of Nature

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JULY/AUGUST 2015

22

INFRASTRUCTURE

China’s geopolitical ambitions expand to Namibia’s South Atlantic Sea Walvis Bay port

BY MICHELLE FLORCRUZ

China’s interests in Africa have multiplied in recent years, with trade rising tenfold since 2000 to nearly $107 billion last year. Reuters

A

Liberation Army naval base in Walvis

routes, thereby maintaining regional

Bay that would be home to as many

and world stability,” Namibian news

as six Chinese warships. While the

reports said.

naval base plan has not been publicly

For Namibia, it seems that a naval

confirmed by China or Namibia, such

base would bolster an already robust Chinese presence.

cross continental Africa,

$15.6 billion in Ethiopia’s energy,

a project would likely have significant

China’s presence can’t

transportation and technology

geopolitical and economic benefits

be ignored. While China

sectors over the same period.

for both China and Namibia, local

that China already has major satellite

reports said.

tracking installation in-country. China

Chinese money already runs

has made multibillion-

“Several Namibians pointed out

dollar investments in various

throughout the continent, with

According to an earlier report

is developing key uranium mines.

countries and industries throughout

the term “Chinese colonialism”

by the Namibian, citing Chinese

Chinese immigrants are opening

the continent, a shift toward a

being used liberally to describe

accounts, the proposed Walvis

shops in every corner of the land.

military presence - in the form of a

the China-Africa relationship.

Bay plan is one of 18 such plans

A Namibian told me he would not be

for China around the world, with

surprised if Namibia soon elects its

proposed naval base along Namibia’s Atlantic coast - implies a totally

PLANS FOR WALVIS BAY

others eyed for Yemen, Sri Lanka,

first Chinese member to parliament,”

different kind of investment for China.

As for the proposed project in

and Madagascar. All would be

Robert C. O’Brien, a foreign affairs

Namibia, a report in January from

intended to help the Chinese military

commentator and former U.S.

Foundation says that in the first

the Namibian revealed details of a

patrol significant trade passages.

alternate representative to the

half of 2014, China invested nearly

confidential letter from Namibia’s

The Walvis Bay base fits into the

United Nations, wrote for

$21 billion in technology

ambassador to China, Ring Abed, to

country’s larger plans globally and

and transportation

Namibia’s Foreign Ministry. The letter

would “further enhance China’s

in Nigeria alone. On

describes a meeting that was being

effectiveness in taking responsibility

the other side of

planned for late March in which a

for maintaining the safety of

the continent,

delegation from China would visit to

international

A report by the Heritage

China invested

JULY/AUGUST 2015 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

discuss construction of a People’s

maritime

INFRASTRUCTURE

the website RealClearDefense.

“Once that happens, he said, Namibia becomes in essence, a Chinese colony.”

XI’S AMBITIONS One of the hallmarks of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s tenure since taking office in late 2012 has been a dramatic military overhaul, used to enforce Xi’s geopolitical ambitions.

During his term, Xi has reshuffled the army’s leadership, consistently increased the nation’s defence budget and has been unabashed about using a stronger military presence to defend territorial

China’s self-proclaimed “nine-dash

been patrolled by Britain, China

for port visits and to conduct joint

claims on both land and sea. Closer

line” in the area. After 11 months,

has history on its side. O’Brien says

exercises across the ocean from its

to home, in the South China Sea,

satellite imagery found that China

China’s interests are heavily linked to

hoped-for base at Walvis Bay,” O’Brien

China’s military has had virtually free

had dredged materials to create

its access to oil and gas fields near

says. “China is putting the South

reign throughout the region, which

a manmade island among the

the Falklands, via South Atlantic sea

Atlantic into play with an audacious

houses several important economic

resource-rich Spratly Islands, which

lanes, would likely be more welcomed

and clever geopolitical move to

zones and trade routes. This has

now houses what appears to be a

by Argentina because of lingering bad

Walvis Bay.”

prompted several neighbouring

newly constructed airstrip–ideal for

blood from events such as the 1980s

countries, including Vietnam, the

regional surveillance.

Falklands War. “Chinese warships

@mflorcruz

should have ample opportunities

m.florcruz@ibtimes.com

Plastics|SA Cleanup&Recyle2015 add new paths.pdf

Philippines and Japan, to dispute

1

06/07/2015

11:05

In Walvis Bay, which has historically

C

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ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JULY/AUGUST 2015

23

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Chronic pollution of seabirds S

ANCCOB has been

the water also increases their risk of

non-profit organisation

caring for 30 oiled

chicks have responded well to

So far, the oiled birds and their

becoming oiled, as well as reducing

SANCCOB, for the

African penguins and

rehabilitation. “The ongoing chronic

the likelihood of them being able to

washing, rehabilitation

four orphaned African

pollution of seabirds is a major

return to the colony if they are oiled.

and hand-rearing costs

penguin chicks at its centre in Cape

concern for SANCCOB. The number of

St. Francis, Eastern Cape. The birds

oiled birds captured for rehabilitation

manages the only two African

were admitted from Bird and St. Croix

is rarely an accurate reflection of the

penguin colonies in the Eastern Cape.

islands off Port Elizabeth (part of the

actual impact of chronic oil pollution

The rangers identify and stabilise

Algoa Bay Hope Spot) and they will

on seabird populations”, said Juanita

all seabirds in need of rehabilitation

be washed and rehabilitated until

Raath, Rehabilitation Coordinator at

and hand-rearing, and transport

they are ready to be released back

SANCCOB in Cape St. Francis.

them to SANCCOB for rehabilitation.

into the wild.

Addo Elephant National Park

organisation mandated by the South

of the Addo Elephant National

The exact source of the oil that

African government to respond to

Park (SANParks), rescued these

affected these birds is unknown, but it

oiled seabirds, and the oiling of these

African penguins, air-lifted them via

is a well-known fact that hundreds of

penguins highlights the importance

helicopter, and then transported

thousands of seabirds are affected by

of maintaining a well-trained team

them by road to SANCCOB’s seabird

chronic oil pollution around the world.

ready to respond to catastrophic

centre. The birds received a few days

There is a significant overlap between

events, as well as these ongoing,

of intensive care to improve their

the busy shipping lanes around our

smaller spills.

strength and hydration. Many of

coast, especially those close to busy

the oiled penguins, had 50 to 80%

harbours (such as Port Elizabeth

saving African penguins and other

of their bodies covered in oil. The

and the Coega Region), and areas

threatened seabirds. It never takes a

washed birds will continue to be fed,

with a high concentration of seabirds

day off and its rehabilitation team is

hydrated and swum to ensure they

(such as Algoa Bay). The illegal and

on 24-hour call.

regain the natural waterproofing of

incidental operational discharges

their feathers.

from ships, the possibility of wrecks

emergency response skills in Africa,

The four African penguin chicks,

our website. www.sanccob.co.za

Currently, SANCCOB is the only

SOURCE OF THE POLLUTION

Rangers from the Marine Section

of seabirds please visit

SANCCOB is at the forefront of

SANCCOB deploys its specialist

leaking oil, and the seeping from

the Indian Ocean region, Antarctica

that are less than three weeks old,

faulty pipelines are a constant threat

and Sub-Antarctic. Through its

were removed from their nests as

to seabirds along our coastline.

training academy it equips people

The recent shift in the availability

their parents were also oiled and

to work in the environmental

rescued. Weighing a mere 500 grams

of sardine and pilchard, which is

sector; and a passion to instill

upon admission, and with their bodies

the main source of food for African

pride and knowledge about

covered in fluffy down feathers, these

penguins, has also caused penguins

marine conservation drives its

chicks are being hand-reared by

to travel further distances from their

education programmes.

the SANCCOB Eastern Cape team,

breeding locations to find enough

to ensure that the tiny chicks have

food to sustain themselves and their

everything they need to grow into

chicks. The extended periods of

healthy, fit youngsters.

time that they are now spending in

JULY/AUGUST 2015 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

SANCCOB is a leader in seabird disease research.

Should you wish to donate towards the

STORY CREDIT: LOUANNE MOSTERT (SANCCOB) PHOTOS SANCCOB AND SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

24

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

LATEST AFRICAN PENGUIN FIGURES

released by South African Department of Environmental Affairs (2012):

18 683

breeding pairs in the wild in South Africa (excludes Namibian ямБgures)

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JULY/AUGUST 2015

25

26

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

dog’s

CONSERVATION BREAKTHROUGH • CONSERVATION BREAKTHROUGH • CONSERVATION BREAKTHROUGH

It’s a

A

t the end of 2014, the

antelope for subsistence poaching

Gumbi Community made

of meat. Unfortunately Wild Dog

history by being the first

are particularly susceptible to

community owned game

snaring as they cover large areas

reserve in South Africa to introduce a

when hunting and also fan out as a

pack of endangered African Wild Dog

pack, thus increasing the likelihood

onto their land. The pack settled in

of encountering a snare. She was

well and their success was cemented,

found first thing in the morning by the

as the alpha female gave birth to the

Wild Dog monitor on the reserve but

pack’s first litter earlier in the year.

unfortunately the snare had killed her.

Since introduction late last

was confusion in the pack as

successes, but also some tragedy.

hierarchy was once again contested.

After establishing their hierarchy,

One of the other females had left the

the alpha female (dominant

pack briefly during the night and was

female who leads the

caught and killed by a leopard. She

pack) was caught in

was found the following morning with

a snare one night. This snare was not put out specifically for dogs but rather to target small

JULY/AUGUST 2015 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Shortly after this incident, there

year, the pack has had some great

bite marks to her head and leopard tracks in the area.

These two fatalities have left the

PHOTOGRAPHS AXEL PRIMMER – WILDLIFE ACT FUND AND SHUTTERSTOCK

life

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

27

CONSERVATION BREAKTHROUGH • CONSERVATION BREAKTHROUGH • CONSERVATION BREAKTHROUGH

only a single female left with the

THE RESERVE

infrastructure development. In addition to this, a

two males. The incidents have,

Somkhanda Game Reserve is situated in the Zululand

pack of endangered African Wild Dog was released

however, resulted in a stabilisation

District Municipality, in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The

in September 2014 as an additional draw-card for

in the pack dynamics and they have

Gumbi people, who had lived in the area until the

tourism on the reserve.

settled down well. It was with great

late 1960s when they were forcibly removed by the

excitement that the new alpha pair

apartheid government, laid claim to the land through

the KwaZulu-Natal Wild Dog Advisory Group (KZN

were seen mating and, several weeks

the land reform process and it was restored to them

WAG), including Wildlands, EWT and Wildlife ACT

later, the female was seen inspecting

in 2005. The Tribal Authority decided to keep a large

Fund. In order to maintain genetic variability, and pack

warthog burrows around the reserve.

proportion of their land (12 000ha) under conservation

viability, the females were brought in from Madikwe

She eventually settled on one near

and to create a consolidated game reserve that could

Game Reserve in the NW province and the males

a drainage line which offered good

be used as an economic engine to drive development.

from Zimanga Game Reserve in KZN. The dogs were

cover and soft soil in which to dig.

As part of the economic model for the reserve, a

initially released into a boma for a couple of months

pack extremely vulnerable, with

The Dog were introduced with assistance from

large number of game species have been reintroduced

on the reserve to allow them to bond before they were

just under two and a half months

to Somkhanda, including Black and White Rhino.

released. They are monitored daily to ensure that the

and when the monitors noticed her

These animals have been released in an effort

pack initially settled in well and then also to monitor

spending more time at the den site

to increase the tourism and the live game sales

dynamics, movements and health. This monitoring

and less on the hunt, the excitement

capability of the reserve. Wildlands has also recently

is vital for the long term success of the pack in the

started to grow. Over the weekend

implemented another project to develop the tourism

reserve and within the greater meta-population of

of 16 May, Axel Primmer, the Wild

operations on Somkhanda, through training and

South Africa.

Wild Dog typically gestate for

Dog monitor from Wildlife ACT Fund, noticed her to be visibly thinner and also heard chirping noises coming from the den itself. “She had been venturing out with the males less frequently, relying more heavily on regurgitation from the males for food,” commented Axel.

“This is an extremely happy time for the reserve and the painted dogs of Somkhanda,” stated Nkosinathi Mbhele, Reserve Manager.

“With the introduction and success of this pack of African Wild Dog, Somkhanda and the Gumbi community are contributing significantly to Wild Dog conservation in the country, not only increasing the number of Wild Dog in the country, but more importantly increasing available habitat for, and pack numbers of this endangered species,” commented Mark Gerrard, Wildlands’ Threatened Species Coordinator. markg@wildlands.co.za

To donate, go to:

https://different.org/projects/wildlands-conservation-trust/save-rhinos-dogs/ African Insight- the tourism partner on the reserve http://www.africaninsight.co.za/somkhanda-game-reserve.html Wildlife ACT Fund carry out the monitoring for the Wild Dog and rhino http://www.wildlifeactfund.org/ ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JULY/AUGUST 2015

LANDSCAPE

Deepest dry cave system in South Africa The sink hole measured about 18m across and 50m deep

A

bout an hour west of

meteor strike have created this

shadow turned out to be the entrance

Johannesburg, deep

massive cave?

to the deepest dry cave system in

came about is that when a meteorite

The theory about how the cave

below the ground, is

John Webb, Carte Blanche

South Africa. “So far we have just

struck the ground two billion years

a cave that has yet to

presenter, took an intrepid crew

over 4kms of cave mapped out with

ago in the Vredefort region, rocks

reveal the secrets of its limits to the

into the dark bowels of this little

laser devices. The roof is so high, the

were compressed by the enormity

carefully chosen group of explorers

known scar in the earth and explored

only way we can measure it is with

of the impact. Says Boshoff: “Rock

and scientists who have descended

unchartered depths and astonishing

laser range finders. We keep finding

layers sort of ‘slipped’ across each

into its endless darkness. In a world

geological formations so astounding

more extensions and more levels...

other, creating new structures. We

exclusive, the Carte Blanche cameras

that he is left saying “This is by far the

we know the Armageddon system

call these structures low angle

descended into a cavern so awesome

most extraordinary thing I have ever

has at least three levels, and is at

thrust faults. Where the rocks

in size and character that it has been

done in my life. Extraordinary and

least 350 meters deep.”

look ‘torn’, we’re seeing low angle

aptly named Armageddon.

absolutely terrifying. No wonder they

Carte Blanche gained an

call it Armageddon.”

exclusive preview of this super

University of Johannesburg

On one of Pedro Boshoff’s many trips down Armageddon, he noticed

thrust faults.”

“Immediately after the force of

something unusual about the rocks

the impact the dolomitic rocks

cave – on condition that the

postgraduate student Mr Pedro

inside: they had been torn apart,

expanded again, and deep vertical

location was kept a secret to

Boshoff, supervised by Professor

resembling shredded tissue. “The

tears were formed. The combination

prevent unauthorised access to

Jan Kramers and Dr Herman van

rocks were sloping in a very unique

of these structures allowed the

the cave and its dangerous terrain.

Niekerk, is exploring the ancient

way. I’d never seen anything like

process of cave formation to begin,

geological secrets this monster cave

this before inside a cave. The rock

a process still continuing today,”

woke in the early hours of the

holds for of his Master’s thesis. As

structures had been mangled by

says Dr van Niekerk.

morning in the 1990s to a tremendous

part of the Speleological Exploration

tremendous forces: forces so huge

thundering. He emerged in the

Club (SEC) Pedro was amazed to

and so sudden that none of the usual

exclusive story, Carte Blanche

breaking daylight to see one of his

discover revealing rock formations

suspects could be held liable. It

Executive Producer George

staff members running toward him

when he ascended into the depths

was clear that something had to be

Mazarakis added: “These are some

shouting “There is a sinkhole in the

of the cave. As with many great

behind these structures in the rocks;

of the very first humans to have ever

mealie field!”

scientific discoveries, this colossal

something that could instantly tear

entered this cave, an unknown spot

cave system was revealed by

rocks apart,” says Boshoff.

which the planet has kept hidden for

West of Johannesburg a farmer

Measuring about 18m across and 50m deep – deep enough to swallow

fortuitous circumstances.

a 12-storey office building, this

On 13 January 2013, almost a

‘Cave popcorn’ mineral deposits

In commenting on this world

two billion years. The Carte Blanche

and sparkling needles of aragonite tell

team, led by veteran producer

sinkhole later gave way even further

decade after the farmer had first

further stories about the formation

Diana Lucas, felt privileged as do

as the earth opened up once more a

seen the hole, a group of caving

of the cave after the meteor impact.

we all, to be allowed to enter this

few years later. The rock formations

specialists from SEC saw the sinkhole

Armageddon cave is one of only two

extraordinary space and bring a truly

hint at an impact on the earth of

for the first time. Steven Tucker, an

known worldwide to be caused by

awesome and remarkable natural

massive proportions capable of

SEC member was the first person

meteorite impacts. It is possible that

phenomenon to our audiences.”

tearing rocks in two as though they

to descend to the bottom of the

there are more of these structures

were paper. Could a cataclysmic

sinkhole and enter the shadow. That

below the western part of Gauteng.

JULY/AUGUST 2015 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

www.carteblanche.co.za

Sources: www.uj.ac.za

28

B-BBEE Level 2

Contributor

30

CLASSIFIEDS

since 2000 Rated as “Highly Recommended” in PLC Which Lawyer since 2007 LEGAL ADVISORY AND CONSULTING SERVICES INCLUDE: Electronic SHE Legal Registers Training and capacity building SHE legal compliance audits Environmental legal reviews and process advice for EIAs Advising on environmental authorisation requirements Assistance in drafting and reviewing Corporate Sustainability Reports Corporate Sustainability Advisory Services These specialist services encompass air quality, waste, water, coastal & marine, protected areas, public participation and biodiversity issues IMBEWU collaborates with the law firm Warburton Attorneys in order to provide specialist environmental litigation and other legal services. www.warburtons.co.za 53 Dudley Road, Cnr Bolton Avenue, Parkwood, 2193 Tel: +27 11 214 0660/1 • Fax: +27 11 880 6577 • www.imbewu.co.za www.imbewuregisters.co.za

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SAMANTHA MORGAN Tel: 082-218-6273 samanthamorgan@telkomsa.net Environmental Management

Southern Africa’s leading sustainable development publication R32 (vat incl) RSA

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"From birth, man carries the weight of gravity on his shoulders. He is bolted to earth. But man has only to sink beneath the surface and he is free."

— Jacques Yves Cousteau, Oceanographer

+ COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT • RESCUING OUR OCEANS • GEOTECHNOLOGY AT WORK

JULY/AUGUST 2015 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

DIARY THE DANIE KRIGE GEOSTATISTICAL CONFERENCE

Diarise these events

Geostatistical geovalue —rewards and returns for spatial modelling

19–20 August 2015 Crown Plaza, Johannesburg The theme of the conference is ‘Geostatistical Geovalue—Rewards and Returns for Spatial Modelling’, a theme which emphasises the improvement in, or addition to, value that spatial modelling can bring to the process of mine evaluation and mineral resource and reserve estimation. Spatial modelling of earth-related data to estimate or enhance attributed value is the principle domain of geostatistics, the broad content of the Danie Krige commemorative volume, and the focus of this conference.

Geostatistics constitute a globally accepted technical approach to mineral resource-reserve estimation and the basic toolkit for mine evaluation practitioners. www.saimm.co.za

MineSAFE 2015 26–27 August 2015—Conference 28 August 2015—Industry day Emperors Palace, Johannesburg Every mine worker returning from work unharmed every day. Striving for Zero Harm www.saimm.co.za

CONTACT: Tel: +27 (028) 316 2905 | kruger@krugerassociate.com| www.larssa-conference.co.za

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JULY/AUGUST 2015

31