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​Bathurst preparing to face up to mining threat

PIET MARAIS - THE BATHURST community is preparing to face the latest threat of a sand and stone mining to the historic 3 000-hectare commonage...

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Growing interest in sustainable travel - surveys

20 May 2025

ANNE KRUGER - A report by the World Travel & Tourism Council has shown that consumers are in favour of sustainable travel but that cost is the biggest influence on their choices...

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Mining application curveball for Bathurst

15 May 2025

PIET MARAIS, GST Editor - Scarcely a year after the Bathurst Commonage Management Committee (BCMC) was formed as a milestone of collaboration, they are met with their first major challenge...

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PRESS RELEASE, DR DION GEORGE - As we join the global community in celebrating Earth Day 2025, I am proud to reflect on the progress we have made in safeguarding South Africa's environment and fostering a sustainable future for all. This significant day on the environmental calendar offers a powerful opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to preserving our natural heritage and tackling the urgent complexities of climate change, biodiversity loss and resource scarcity. Since taking office as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, my department has worked diligently to advance policies and initiatives that protect our environment while promoting resilience and prosperity. Today, I am pleased to highlight some of the impactful efforts underway, particularly in the City of Cape Town, which exemplifies environmental leadership. The City of Cape Town is a trailblazer in climate action, having earned an A rating from the Carbon Disclosure Project in 2022 for its climate change disclosures and recognition as a national winner in the One Planet City Challenge. As a member of the C40 Cities alliance, Cape Town is dedicated to innovative solutions to combat climate change. The city's ambition to achieve Urban Forest status in the coming years leverages Nature based Solutions, expanding urban canopy cover, mapped through advanced satellite imaging, to enhance resilience against high heat days, protect biodiversity and sequester carbon. Cape Town's global leadership was further highlighted as the host of the 2024 Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony, which celebrated innovative climate solutions, reinforcing its role as a pioneer in sustainable urban development. Nationally, we are steadfast in our efforts to protect our rich fauna and flora. A landmark achievement has been brokering a court case to save the iconic African Penguin from extinction, ensuring this treasured species endures for future generations. We are also cracking down on environmental crime, holding criminals accountable for the poaching of our precious animals, including rhino, abalone, pangolins and plants, to safeguard our biodiversity for future generations. In a water scarce country like South Africa, where climate change intensifies complexities, my department is prioritising sustainable water management to secure this vital resource. We are accelerating the transition to renewable energy by expanding solar photovoltaic and wind energy to address South Africa's electricity needs while advancing our climate goals, aligning with the ambitions of the Paris Agreement. We are holding Eskom accountable for their emissions through very strict conditions, ensuring compliance with environmental standards while supporting energy reliability. We are actively developing carbon markets to unlock the rich potential of South Africa's biodiversity, creating economic opportunities while promoting conservation and climate resilience. As the chair of the G20, we will use this platform to make further progress on improving the global environmental situation, advocating for sustainable development and collaborative solutions to protect our planet for future generations. Across the country, we are committed to maintaining clean and presentable environments through efficient service delivery and responsible resource management. From urban cleanups to sustainable waste practices, we are working to preserve South Africa's natural beauty. On this Earth Day, I urge all South Africans to join in protecting our environment. Whether through reducing waste, conserving water or supporting sustainable policies, every action matters. Together, we can ensure that South Africa's natural heritage thrives for generations to come. Let us celebrate Earth Day 2025 by renewing our commitment to a greener, more resilient South Africa, a nation that is beautiful, sustainable and thriving. For media enquiries please contact: Thobile Zulu-Molobi: +27 82 513 7154 / tmolobi@dffe.gov.za | Peter Mbelengwa: +27 82 611 8197 / pmbelengwa@dffe.gov.za ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Earth Day 2025: Building a sustainable and resilient South Africa

22 April 2025

PRESS RELEASE, DR DION GEORGE - As we join the global community in celebrating Earth Day 2025, I am proud to reflect on the progress we have made in safeguarding South Africa's environment for all...

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11 April 2025 PRESS RELEASE, Cape Town - World Travel Market (WTM) Africa yesterday announced the winners of its prestigious 2025 Responsible Tourism Awards, recognising outstanding contributions to sustainable and responsible tourism practices across the continent. "Today, we're here to celebrate Africa's changemakers," said Rachel Nxele, SATSA's Vice Chairperson and Chair of Responsible Tourism, who presented the awards. "Among you are small businesses and large businesses. All of you have made a significant contribution not just to make tourism better, but to make tourism responsible." The ceremony recognised 20 businesses from nine countries: Kenya, Namibia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Gold Award Winners In the Nature Positive category, Emboo Safari Camp claimed the Gold Award for its pioneering approach to luxury sustainable hospitality. The Kenya-based operation has successfully demonstrated that high-end tourism experiences can coexist with and actively contribute to environmental regeneration. !Khwa ttu, known as "the embassy of the San," received Gold in the Shared Value category for its innovative integration of San cultural heritage, ethical sourcing, and community empowerment into its food and beverage offerings. "We value this award because we're passionate about recycling. We support our locals by buying only from our locals. We all need each other. If you look after your friend, your friend will look after you. We need to stand up together," said their representative. Similarly, Dlala Nje earned Gold for its immersive inner-city tours and experiences that empower local communities while challenging stereotypes. For excellence in Managing Waste, HBD Principe secured Gold for implementing comprehensive waste management systems on a UNESCO Biosphere island with no industrial treatment facilities. Their initiatives include innovative glass recycling and community engagement programmes. Township and Village was awarded Gold in the Peace and Inclusivity category for connecting communities in Stellenbosch to tourism while raising awareness about socio-economic divides and apartheid-era displacement. The organisation has developed comprehensive workplace policy manuals that ensure all employees understand their rights, responsibilities and expectations, with ethical standards aligned to responsible tourism commitments. In the Climate Change category, Green Safaris of Zambia earned Gold for pioneering "Silent Safaris" with solar-powered electric vehicles. Their lodges are over 80% solar-powered and they've eliminated single-use plastics. Through their foundation, they distribute fuel-efficient stoves that reduce household emissions by an estimated 2.28 tons of carbon annually. The judges were particularly impressed by their bamboo planting initiatives and ecosystem restoration efforts. Foxes Safari Camps received Gold in the All Inclusive category for applying circular economy principles throughout their operations. They maintain organic vegetable gardens and a working livestock farm to supply their properties with fresh produce, source 90% of supplies from local communities, and prioritise skills development through training programmes in hospitality, guiding, driving and aviation. They also produce furniture and provide vehicle maintenance training for local artisans and mechanics. Silver Award Winners Silver Awards were presented to several outstanding initiatives including: Volcanoes Safaris (Uganda/Rwanda) - Nature Positive The Community Rhino Conservation Initiative (Zimbabwe) - Nature Positive Kijani Supplies (Kenya/Uganda) - Shared Value Hamagriza Indigenous Restaurant & Hub (South Africa) - Shared Value Destination Zero Waste Zanzibar (TUI Care Foundation project) - Waste Management, which has created 48 jobs and collected over 1.5 million kilograms of glass and nearly 15,000 kilograms of plastic waste Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (South Africa) - Waste Management, which manages 1.2 million kilograms of waste over the past decade, diverting 62% from landfills and creatively repurposing old cable car cables into souvenirs The Heart of Cape Town under Uthando SA - Peace & Inclusivity, which illuminated wire art across parts of Cape Town created by local artists to promote love, compassion and kindness Saruni Base Camp (Kenya) - Climate Change Mitigation Hideaways Africa (One to Watch) - Recognised for responsible tourism initiatives addressing environmental conservation and community engagement across operations in South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe One To Watch Several emerging projects were recognised as "One To Watch" due to their innovation or early-stage potential. These include: TUI Futureshapers Namibia, which is piloting electric vehicle training linked to employment pathways Conservation-led operations such as Loisaba Conservancy Ele Collection (Zimbabwe), a grassroots initiative tackling plastic waste at Victoria Falls. Established in October 2024, they've developed a comprehensive waste recovery programme that empowers vulnerable women through income opportunities, transforming seven types of plastic waste into construction materials City Visa, which uses gamification tools to encourage more sustainable travel behaviours among visitors engaging with conflict heritage routes across southern Africa "These are not easy awards to win," emphasised Professor Harold Goodwin, WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor who led the expert panel of judges. "The judging process is intense and to be honest, it gets harder each year. To be on this recognition list is a massive achievement." Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director for the event’s producer RX Africa, commented on the winners: "Your work inspires us to build a responsible future." In keeping with that ethos: every award handed out was handcrafted by local children in collaboration with Uthando SA using corks donated by Painted Wolf Wines - a creative reuse initiative making each trophy both meaningful and unique. To close off celebrations on a warm note befitting African hospitality traditions-the ceremony concluded with a curated wine-and-chocolate pairing experience sponsored by Painted Wolf Wines featuring responsibly sourced ingredients produced within fair-trade supply chains. All gold winners will now move forward automatically into consideration for WTM London’s Global Responsible Tourism Awards later this year-offering international exposure alongside industry leaders from around the world. About WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards The WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards recognise and promote the most inspiring and replicable examples of responsible tourism practices in the African tourism industry. The awards are aligned with the global sustainable development goals and aim to encourage the industry to adopt responsible tourism practices for the benefit of destinations, communities, and the environment.
WTM Africa announces winners of 2025 Responsible Tourism Awards

11 April 2025

CAPE TOWN - World Travel Market (WTM) Africa yesterday announced the winners of its prestigious 2025 Responsible Tourism Awards, recognising outstanding contributions to sustainable and responsible tourism practices across the continent...

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9 April 2025 PRESS RELEASE, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - World Travel Market (WTM) Africa 2025 officially opened today with unprecedented global participation, welcoming industry professionals from a record 96 countries under the theme "Ignite Africa". The event signals strong recovery and growth in African tourism, with significant increases in both buyer and exhibitor numbers. In her opening address, Carol Weaving, Managing Director of RX Africa, highlighted the event's impressive growth: "We have 96 countries represented this year, which is the biggest World Travel Market Africa in eleven years. We have a 27% increase in buyers this year and 82% of these are new to World Travel Market Africa, which is amazing for our exhibitors." The eleventh edition of WTM Africa features 742 exhibitors, with first-time participation from six new destinations: Zambia, Netherlands, Qatar, Croatia, Sierra Leone and São Paulo. The event has also attracted 13 new buyer countries, including Peru, Algeria, Uzbekistan, Malaysia, Thailand, Czech Republic, Azerbaijan, Latvia, Romania, Finland, Ireland, and Kuwait. Alderman James Vos, Cape Town's Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism, welcomed delegates to "the best city in the world," noting that "Cape Town was now ranked as the best city in the world by Time Out for 2025, moving up from the second place last year." Vos went on to share key statistics that reflect Cape Town’s growing role as a travel hub: 226 international flights land weekly, connecting Cape Town to 31 destinations. A total of 76 cruise ships are scheduled this season. Targeted marketing campaigns reached over 68 million people in India alone - with more than 130 million page impressions within just one month. During his address, Vos outlined his five-point programme to drive tourism growth in Cape Town, starting with landing more flights. "The more flights we land, the more visitors we attract, the more jobs we create," he said, citing recent engagements with airlines in India about launching direct routes between Cape Town and Indian cities. Similar efforts will be made later this year during an official visit to China. His plan also includes expanding the city's cruise economy, increasing conferences and events, implementing clever destination marketing, and investing in more attractions and experiences with geographic spread. Vos stressed that all these efforts are underpinned by investment into infrastructure resilience - including water security projects; independent energy generation; expanded public transport; enhanced law enforcement deployment; and visa reform initiatives aimed at improving access: "One of the biggest barriers to travel is access. That’s why I champion visa reform - to make it easier for visitors to choose South Africa - and ultimately Cape Town." Both leaders highlighted the importance of tourism as an economic driver, with Vos stating: "Tourism is more than just an industry. It's a game changer for businesses and communities. And tourism isn't just about the places we visit. It's also about the people we empower." WTM Africa 2025 features a comprehensive programme including responsible tourism awards, content sessions across five theatres, travel tech showcases, and specialised events focused on business tourism, eco-tourism, and tourism investment. The event has generated 38,559 appointment requests, reflecting its serious business nature. Weaving concluded her remarks by emphasising the human element driving African tourism success: "Africa's people are our superpower".
World Travel Market Africa 2025 "Ignites Africa"

9 April 2025

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - World Travel Market (WTM) Africa 2025 officially opened today with unprecedented global participation, welcoming industry professionals from a record 96 countries under the theme "Ignite Africa". The event signals strong recovery and growth in African tourism...

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16 November 2024 FANIE KRIGE, Solid Stuff Media Agency - Betty's Bay parkrun is a perfect example of the international phenomenon that celebrated its twentieth anniversary in October, continuing to grow and thrive. From humble beginnings with thirteen participants at Bushy Park, London, parkrun has expanded to millions of runners at 2,500 venues across 23 countries. It is a free, community event known for its positive, welcoming, and inclusive environment where participants can walk, jog, run, volunteer, or spectate. There is no time limit, and no one finishes last. The system rewards continuous participation and volunteer efforts with special icons for those who have completed 25, 50, 100, 250, and 500 runs or duties. About a month ago, the parkrun community in Betty's Bay, consisting of around 150 regular participants and 24 volunteers, learned about the 10 Boomerangs Project. Launched by South Beach parkrun near Fremantle in Western Australia, this unique endeavour involves sending boomerangs to different parkruns around the world. All boomerangs come with instructions for recipients to document their events with photos, fostering a sense of unity and shared adventure among the global parkrun community. Boomerang 3 was taken from the Harold Porter Botanical Garden in Betty's Bay to the Botanical Gardens parkrun in Pretoria, coinciding with their breast cancer awareness day. It returned to Somerset West two weeks later and then travelled to Bredasdorp, from where it was taken to the Atlasville parkrun in Gauteng. It now accompanies Willem Scholtz to Uvongo in KwaZulu-Natal, where he hopes to find an overseas runner to continue its journey abroad. Another boomerang, B5, currently making its rounds in South Africa, is now in the hands of Marelise Stodart-Lochner, who is heading for Cape Town from the Voortrekker Monument parkrun. On her way, she attended the Afrikaans is Groot Musical Festival in Pretoria. Before this week's handover, B5 spent a few weeks in KwaZulu-Natal, showcasing the amazing nature reserves and wildlife there. The 10 Boomerangs project has already generated incredible posts, photos, and connections, embodying the true spirit of this global adventure. Despite losing track of some boomerangs, organizers remain hopeful they will eventually return to South Beach near Fremantle, Western Australia. For more details and to follow the boomerangs' journey, visit the 10 Boomerangs Facebook Page. This project demonstrates that parkrun can play a significant role in promoting sustainable tourism by encouraging eco-friendly practices and fostering community stewardship among participants. By hosting events in scenic locations such as nature reserves, botanical gardens and heritage sites, parkrun draws attention to conservation and promotes cultural events. Participants often stay longer and explore the surrounding region, boosting local economies and supporting small businesses. Parkrun's ethos of inclusivity and volunteerism also helps fostering a culture of respect and care for natural environments, ensuring that the impact of tourism is minimized. Additionally, parkrun events can serve as a platform for educating participants about sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, using public transport, and supporting local conservation efforts. This collective effort not only enhances the visitor experience but also contributes to the preservation and appreciation of beautiful tourist destinations.
Boomerang Project: Celebrating Twenty Years of Parkrun's Power

16 November 2024

FANIE KRIGE, Solid Stuff Media Agency - Betty's Bay parkrun is a perfect example of the international phenomenon that celebrated its twentieth anniversary in October. Parkrun has expanded to millions of runners at 2,500 venues across 23 countries...

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Andy Selfe: conservation is in his blood

16 November 2024

ANNE KRUGER, GST Correspondent - How the Alwyn Vintcent, a historic steam tug, landed up in landlocked Villiersdorp, is quite a tale. The man who instigated the move, is Andy Selfe (73) of Grabouw: a man with a love for machines of all kinds, the older the better.

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16 November, 2024 NIëL DU TOIT - In an era where sustainability is paramount, the European Union is taking significant strides to ensure that companies making green claims provide verifiable, science-backed evidence1. This initiative is crucial for holding institutions accountable and ensuring that their contributions to greening and sustainability in tourism are genuine and reliable. Understanding Greenwashing Greenwashing occurs when a company or destination presents itself as sustainable through marketing and advertising, misleading customers into believing their practices are environmentally friendly, while in reality, they are harmful. This deceptive practice undermines genuine sustainability efforts and misleads consumers. Key Allegations by Mr. Baptiste Carrierre-Pradal, Co-Founder of 2BPolicy Mr. Baptiste Carrierre-Pradal, policy director of Sustainability has highlighted several critical points regarding greenwashing: Prevalence of Greenwashing: Half of the sustainability claims by companies and certification schemes amount to greenwashing. Avoiding Vague Claims: Companies must avoid vague overstatements and terms like "sustainable," as these can have different meanings in different contexts. Clarity and Specificity: Claims should be easy to understand and specific, only making assertions that can be substantiated. Science-Backed Evidence: Claims must be based on reliable, comparable, and verifiable information. Focus on Results: The actual results of sustainability efforts are what count, not just the intentions behind them. GST: Measure and Manage As the Founder and CEO of Sustainable Tourism Management System (Pty) Ltd, trading as GST (Go Sustainable Tourism), I, Niël du Toit, would like to summarise our approach and how it aligns with these principles. What is GST? GST is a management method designed for entrepreneurs in the tourism stay industry who are committed to sustainability. Our approach encompasses four key pillars: Conservation: Ethical utilisation of local resources to retain natural and cultural biodiversity. Community: Involvement of locals in management and employment. Customer: Guidelines for the visitor target market. Company: Ensuring the profitability of the business. Each pillar includes relevant questions reflecting management objectives, which are annually revised for statistical validity. Entrepreneurs manage their businesses according to these standards, and an assessor verifies the management standards using an internationally accepted audit format. Verification audits are conducted every second year. The Value of Verification Verification is a crucial part of our management method. It involves establishing facts in relation to proposed criteria in a questionnaire format, answering the question: "How do you know it actually happened?" For example, in a cookie factory, a manager reviews production records to confirm that the cookies were baked to the specified temperature. Similarly, in GST, we specify management criteria as a set of questions, and the assessor reviews the answers to confirm the actual facts. Certification If satisfied, the GST member’s factual standard of management is confirmed through a confidential report to the owner, a public management report, and a formal Certificate. The GST logo, certificate, and public report can be used for marketing, showcasing the business’s genuine commitment to sustainability. By adhering to these rigorous standards, GST ensures that our members’ sustainability claims are credible, verifiable, and truly contribute to a greener future.
Ensuring Verifiable Green Claims in Tourism

16 November 2024

NIëL DU TOIT - In an era where sustainability is paramount, the EU is taking significant strides to ensure that companies making green claims provide verifiable, science-backed evidence. This initiative is crucial for ensuring that contributions to sustainability in tourism are genuine...

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16 November, 2024 FANIE KRIGE, Solid Stuff Media Agency - Pringle Bay is fast becoming a culinary hotspot, hosting renowned chefs and exclusive dining experiences. They recently indulged in an authentic Italian feast as the Pringle Proms welcomed global cuisine expert Enrica Rocca for a one-day event. Known for her acclaimed Italian cooking schools in London and Venice, Rocca, also known as the Cooking Countess, brought her culinary magic to Pringle Bay. Rocca has received rave reviews from prestigious publications like Gourmet, Vogue, and The Financial Times. Her 2014 book, Venice on a Plate: But what a Plate!, won two international Gourmand Cookbook Awards. Born into Venetian aristocracy, Rocca's love for food was nurtured from an early age. She honed her skills at the prestigious hotel management school in Lausanne, Switzerland, and her culinary journey has taken her across the globe - from Switzerland to Sudan, South Africa, London, and Venice. Now back in Cape Town, Rocca is sharing her passion. She demonstrated how to craft an antipasti platter featuring an array of breads, roasted vegetables, dips, olives, cold meats, and cheeses. The lunch menu included Conchiglioni Farciti - jumbo pasta shells stuffed with ricotta, herbs, and lemon zest baked in a tomato sauce - Chicken Scalopini with white wine, lemon, and capers, and for dessert, her classic Rocca Tiramisu and a caramelised fruits platter. This intimate and exclusive experience, limited to 10 guests, included an Italian cocktail, wine, lunch, and coffee and rane from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Earlier, in October, 30 people gathered in Pringle Bay for Brian Berkman’s Pringle Proms lunch and a compelling conversation with food icon Ina Paarman. The event featured a lunch prepared from Paarman’s new book, My Favourite Recipes, including Roasted Tomato Soup and Hummus with onions and breads; Strawberry and Roasted Pepper Salads, Macadamia Nut Bobotie, Orange Chicken Bake, Spiked Rice, and for dessert, Malted Chocolate Brownies and Red Velvet Cake with berries and cream. Food and culinary experiences play a pivotal role in sustainable tourism by creating a deep, authentic connection between travelers and their destinations. By highlighting local cuisines, sustainable tourism can promote the preservation of traditional recipes and cooking methods, supporting local farmers, fishers, and artisans who produce the ingredients. This, in turn, contributes to the local economy and reduces the carbon footprint associated with importing food. Culinary tourism encourages tourists to dine at local restaurants, visit food markets, and participate in cooking classes, providing economic benefits to small businesses and fostering a sense of community. Moreover, food tourism often involves educating visitors about sustainable practices, such as farm-to-table dining, the use of seasonal and organic ingredients, and reducing food waste. This not only enhances the visitor experience but also promotes a broader understanding and appreciation of environmental conservation. By celebrating and preserving local food heritage, sustainable culinary tourism helps maintain cultural diversity and encourages the protection of natural resources, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same authentic flavours and experiences.
Pringle Bay: Emerging Culinary Hub Hosts Exclusive Events

16 November 2024

FANIE KRIGE, Solid Stuff Media Agency - Pringle Bay is fast becoming a culinary hotspot, hosting renowned chefs and exclusive dining experiences. They recently indulged in an authentic Italian feast as the Pringle Proms welcomed global cuisine expert Enrica Rocca for a one-day event...

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16 November, 2024 ANNE KRUGER, GST Correspondent - The Cape Leopard Trust (CLT) is not just any predator working group - it's a beacon of hope for the majestic leopards of the Fynbos mountains! With a vision as grand as the mountains themselves, the CLT is dedicated to ensuring the long-term survival of leopard populations, securing their habitats, and promoting harmonious co-existence with people. Since its inception in 2004, the CLT has risen to prominence as a leading authority on predator conservation in the Cape and across South Africa. This dynamic, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization is at the forefront of innovative research, conservation, and education projects, all aimed at preserving our planet's biological diversity. The CLT's team is small but mighty-highly dedicated, educated, and brimming with enthusiasm, they are spread across several project areas, making a significant impact. Why the Leopard? Leopards (Panthera pardus) are the most widespread of the big cats, with a historical range that spans much of Africa and Eurasia. These incredible creatures are the epitome of versatility, thriving in habitats ranging from bone-dry deserts to lush jungles and rocky cliffs. They hunt a wider variety of prey than any other big carnivore and can even flourish near bustling cities. However, this elusive predator is facing serious challenges. A comprehensive recent study has revealed that leopards have lost about 75% of their historic range worldwide. In Southern Africa, leopards have also experienced dramatic range contractions, now mainly confined to the rugged mountainous areas of the Northern, Western, and Eastern Cape. As the apex predator in the Fynbos mountains, leopards play a crucial role in maintaining the mountain ecosystem. They regulate prey numbers and influence the abundance, behaviour, and densities of smaller predators. In this sense, the leopard is an "umbrella species" - conserving leopards is essential for the conservation of other local species and their prey base. The leopards' mountain habitat also serves as a vital water catchment area for urban and agricultural use. Thus, conserving leopards leads to broader habitat conservation, benefiting the entire ecosystem. The Need for Leopard Research Studies have shown that Cape leopards differ morphologically and genetically from their counterparts elsewhere in Southern Africa. Home ranges in the study areas can be up to 10 times larger than previously reported, indicating that population numbers are far lower than estimated. Due to these low densities, large home ranges, and limited suitable habitat, Cape leopards may be more threatened than many other leopard populations. Dr Quinton Martins, co-founder of the Cape Leopard Trust, began his study of leopards in the Cederberg Mountains in 2003. Hiking through these majestic and rugged mountains, he found signs of leopards but was shocked at how many were being needlessly killed. Realizing the urgent need for change, he sold everything he owned to fund his work. His dedication paid off when he met Johan van der Westhuizen, conservationist-landowner of Bakkrans wilderness concession in the Cederberg, who provided the first financial support. Since then, the Cape Leopard Trust has gone from strength to strength, with core projects in the Cederberg and Boland, and research areas including the Little Karoo, northern Cape Namaqualand region, and Table Mountain National Park. The use of modern technology, such as remote-sensing cameras and GPS satellite tracking devices, has provided remarkable insights into the ecology of these elusive animals. Research is conducted on both CapeNature and privately-owned land, with gratitude for access to these wilderness areas. The Trust's strength is underpinned by a board of six carefully selected Trustees, chaired by Van der Westhuizen, and a Scientific Advisory Board of zoology and carnivore specialists, chaired by Professor Bill Horsnell. According to Van der Westhuizen, the Cape leopard is smaller than those found in the north of the country and plays an important role in controlling smaller predators like the caracal and jackal. He has halted all farming activities on his property and focuses on conservation only. Buildings have been restored for use as tourist accommodation. More recently he has reintroduced the Cape Mountain Zebra into the area and hopes to develop a Cape Mountain Zebra reserve. Johan has been instrumental in the development of the sustainability audit of Go Sustainable Tourism, and his Bakkrans farm is a founder member.
Cape Leopard Trust: Guardians of the Mountain Predator

16 November 2024

ANNE KRUGER, GST Correspondent - The Cape Leopard Trust (CLT) is not just any predator working group - it's a beacon of hope for the majestic leopards of the Fynbos mountains! With a vision as grand as the mountains themselves, the CLT is dedicated to ensuring the long-term survival...

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29 September 2024 PIET MARAIS, Editor GSTBlog - Located an hour’s drive from Cape Town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, Drakenstein Municipality is not only the country’s top-rated secondary city for good governance, but also boasts the largest economy in the Cape Winelands. Spanning 1 538 km², it includes the historic Winelands towns of Paarl and Wellington as well as 2 380 farms and it is home to 305 281 residents. Awarded one of South Africa’s most financially sound, well-governed, stable and sustainable municipalities, Drakenstein Municipality has since 2011 achieved 16 consecutive unqualified audit opinions from the Auditor-General of South Africa, of which nine were clean audits. Embodying its vision of "a city of excellence", the Municipality prides itself on providing its residents, businesses, investors and visitors with excellent services and well-maintained, advanced infrastructure. It has a proud record of consistently delivering clean potable water and stable electricity services. The Municipality is one of only 22 wastewater systems out of 850 in South Africa to be awarded Green Drop status. Drakenstein, recognised for having one of the highest growth potentials in the province, is perfectly situated for investment, development, and business expansion. The Municipality has been investing substantially in infrastructure to make new business happen. Today it is a thriving manufacturing hub with a well-developed road network and a skilled workforce. As a progressive business and investment region and a city geared for growth, it constantly attracts new development. As South Africa’s first self-declared Fair Trade City, Drakenstein Municipality is serious about building a sustainable future, and has garnered recognition and various awards for its commitment to sustainable and environmentally conscious practices. Finally, Drakenstein guarantees a quality lifestyle and an attractive, authentic tourism offering - from its beautiful natural scenery, rich cultural and architectural heritage, top achiever schools, esteemed lifestyle estates, pristine golf courses, and assortment of cycling, running, and hiking trails, to its acclaimed wines and inspired farm-to-table cuisine, and friendly, welcoming people. Picture below: Ms. Cheryl Phillips is the Senior Manager for Economic Growth and Tourism at Drakenstein Municipality
About the Drakenstein Municipality

29 September 2024

PIET MARAIS, Editor GSTBlog - Located an hour’s drive from Cape Town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, Drakenstein Municipality is not only the country’s top-rated secondary city for good governance, but also boasts the largest economy in the Cape Winelands...

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29 September 2024 PIET MARAIS, Editor GSTBlog - "Fair trade has the power to transform lives, communities and economies," said Councillor Stephen Korabie, Executive Mayor of Drakenstein Municipality. "Obtaining Fair Trade City status has been a significant milestone in Drakenstein Municipality’s growth and development. It marks our commitment to promoting fair trade practices and supporting local producers in Drakenstein, and ensuring that our community benefits from equitable trade relationships." He was delivering the opening address at the 17th Fair Trade Cities and Towns International Conference in Paarl on Friday, 20 September 2024. Held for the first time on African soil, the conference is taking place at the Nederburg Wine Estate from 20 to 22 September 2024. Leaders and decision makers in the fair trade movement and sustainability sector are gathering to discuss, workshop and network around the theme of "Cultivating Equitable Economies". Welcoming delegates to the conference, Councillor Korabie said: "We acknowledge the tireless efforts of Fair Trade advocates, producers and consumers who drive this movement forward. We look forward to continuing our journey together as we catalyse future growth and development for the benefit of all our citizens." He said the Fair Trade Cities and Towns International Conference aimed to articulate the benefits of adopting the sustainability agenda; promote the positive impact of ethical, fair and sustainable processes; foster engagement between key societal pillars and sustainability pillars; share best practices; and create synergies between cities and countries for local economic development." According to the Executive Mayor, Drakenstein Municipality’s own journey as a Fair Trade City began in 2020. It is the first town in Southern Africa to self-declare as a Fair Trade City and the fourth on the continent. It boasts the largest economy in the Cape Winelands, with a GDP contribution of 32.7%. "Our Fair Trade City campaign focuses on creating sustainable social enterprises; encouraging sustainable, ethical and fair trade practices in businesses; promoting sustainability and fair trade education; encouraging consumer sustainability practices; and promoting triple bottom-line enterprises (profit, environmental and social impact)," he said. "As we move forward, we envision a city that is vibrant, inclusive and sustainable, and that leaves no one behind. We believe that sustainability is part of our DNA. As a city we offer opportunities for all, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, and we are a hub for economic growth and development," the Executive Mayor concluded.
Drakenstein committed to local producers

29 September 2024

PIET MARAIS, Editor GSTBlog - "Fair trade has the power to transform lives, communities and economies," said Councillor Stephen Korabie, Executive Mayor of Drakenstein Municipality. "Obtaining Fair Trade City status has been a significant milestone in Drakenstein Municipality’s growth and development...

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29 September, 2024 PRESS RELEASE - The three-day Fair Trade Cities and Towns Conference wrapped up on Sunday 21 September at the Nederburg Wine Estate outside Paarl. This was the first time that this conference was presented on the African continent. Drakenstein Municipality was selected to be the host city in 2023 after it self-declared as a Fair Trade City three years earlier. This partnership between the National Government, Local Government, Municipality, and Private Sector provided a platform to host an international delegation representing countries from around the world, centred around the theme of "Cultivating Equitable Economies." President of the World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO) Roopa Mehta delivered the opening remarks on Friday in which she praised the collaboration between Drakenstein Municipality and the organisation’s regional network for Africa and the Middle East in hosting the event. She acknowledged the role of this partnership in bringing the first Fair Trade Cities and Towns International Conference to African soil. Mehta also expressed confidence that the delegates would greatly benefit from the shared experiences and enjoy the hospitality of Drakenstein and South Africa, reaffirming the World Fair Trade Organisation’s commitment to supporting these campaigns globally. Welcoming delegates to the conference, Councillor Stephen Korabie, Executive Mayor of Drakenstein Municipality said: "Fair trade has the power to transform lives, communities and economies. Obtaining Fair Trade City status has been a significant milestone in Drakenstein Municipality’s growth and development. It marks our commitment to promoting fair trade practices and supporting local producers in Drakenstein and ensuring that our community benefits from equitable trade relationships." Markus Ochsenkühn, the Lord Mayor of Neumarkt, also addressed the event. Expressing his support for the ongoing partnership between Neumarkt and Drakenstein, he stressed the importance of municipal-level action in driving global sustainability and fairness, stating, "Fair trade is proof that it can work well by ensuring producers receive a higher, fairer price for their products." He further explained that Fair Trade not only provides better prices for producers but also invests in social infrastructure, benefiting local communities. "Fair Trade aims to change unfair trading conditions by offering an alternative and through educational work," he told delegates, encouraging cities around the world to embrace these principles for a more equitable future. Several important discussions were held over the three days, including one panel that focused on how sustainability movements can contribute to African economies. One of the speakers on this panel was Hisham El Gazzar, an entrepreneur who built Yadawee, a Fair Trade business in Egypt that specialises in handcrafted products. "There are restrictions within the craft industry, and artisans are expected to do too much - design, exporting, logistics, all of it. They need support to run their businesses. It is not easy working with artisans, but it presents an opportunity," said Hisham. "Fair Trade opens doors to new markets and helps create a demand for sustainable products internationally." Noko Masipa MP explained that the biggest challenges in SA were market readiness, and the risk associated with farming. Masipa sits on the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development. "Last year agriculture faced natural disasters costing R4 billion. The sector needs disaster insurance and we need commercial banks to come on board," he said. Senior Manager-Economic Growth and Tourism at the Drakenstein Municipality Cheryl Phillips added that sustainability should be "embedded in what we do every day, not something extra." Wrapping up this discussion, Hisham El Gazzar pointed out that many see sustainability as a luxury, but he cautioned that this was not true. "Sustainable craft should be matched with sustainable tourism. We don’t always need to export out of Africa to the US. Focus on selling to neighbouring countries, where few product adaptations are required. Africa should focus on what we have," he said. The international Fair Trade Town movement began nearly a decade ago with a pioneering initiative by the local Oxfam Group in Garstang, United Kingdom. The success of this initiative led to the establishment of over 2,000 Fair Trade Town campaigns in 30 countries, all focused on promoting Fair Trade practices. The conference outside Paarl marked a milestone in advancing Fair Trade principles.Participation in Fair Trade Cities and Towns initiatives empowers communities and supports sustainable development by ensuring fair wages and decent working conditions for producers in developing countries.
Fair Trade Cities and Towns Conference wraps up

29 September 2024

PRESS RELEASE - The three-day Fair Trade Cities and Towns Conference wrapped up on Sunday 21 September at the Nederburg Wine Estate outside Paarl. This was the first time that this conference was presented on the African continent. Drakenstein Municipality was selected...

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