Deputy Minister Narend Singh: Garden Route Alien & Invasive Species Compliance & Enforcement Operation
Opening remarks by Mr Narend Singh, MP; Deputy Minister Of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment; during the Garden Route Alien & Invasive Species Compliance & Enforcement Operation; on Thursday, 10 August 2026; in Plettenberg Bay
Programme Director,
Executive Mayor and Councillors of the Bitou Local Municipality,
Senior Management of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment,
Representatives of the South African National Parks,
Environmental Management Inspectors from Department and Bitou Municipality,
Officials from participating government departments and institutions,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a privilege and honour to join you today for the launch of the Garden Route Alien and Invasive Species Compliance and Enforcement Operation. This operation demonstrates our collective commitment to protecting one of South Africa's most treasured natural landscapes.
The Garden Route is internationally renowned for its exceptional natural beauty and ecological significance. Its indigenous forests, fynbos ecosystems, rivers, wetlands, mountains and coastline support an extraordinary diversity of plant and animal life. These natural assets contribute significantly to tourism, local livelihoods, water security, economic development and the well-being of communities across the region.
However, these valuable ecosystems face several environmental threats, one of the most significant being the spread of alien and invasive plant species. Invasive species compete with indigenous vegetation, reduce biodiversity, alter ecological processes, diminish water availability, increase fuel loads and intensify fire risks. They contribute to soil degradation and undermine the health and resilience of ecosystems upon which people, wildlife and future generations depend.
The consequences of unmanaged invasive species are not merely theoretical. We were reminded of their devastating impact during the Knysna fires of June 2017. Approximately 15 000 hectares were burnt, about 800 buildings were destroyed, 151 businesses were adversely affected and, most tragically, seven lives were lost. This tragedy highlighted the importance of responsible environmental management and the need to reduce factors that increase the intensity and spread of wildfires.
Programme Director,
Government has both a constitutional and legislative responsibility to protect South Africa's environment and natural resources. In fulfilment of this responsibility, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has initiated this joint compliance and enforcement operation in and around Plettenberg Bay to assess compliance with the provisions of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act and the associated Alien and Invasive Species Regulations.
During this operation, Environmental Management Inspectors will conduct inspections to determine whether landowners and land users are complying with their legal obligations relating to the management, control and eradication of listed alien and invasive species. The objective is not only to enforce the law, but also to promote responsible environmental stewardship and encourage proactive management of invasive species across the landscape.
Our commitment to compliance monitoring and enforcement in the Garden Route is not new. Between 2021 and 2025, four joint compliance and enforcement operations were undertaken in the Knysna and Wilderness areas. During these operations:
- 168 farms and properties were inspected;
- 67 properties were found to be non-compliant; and
- More than 67 administrative enforcement notices were issued requiring corrective action.
These figures demonstrate government's commitment to ensuring compliance with environmental legislation and protecting our biodiversity and natural resources for present and future generations.
As we commence this operation, it is important to emphasise that all inspections must be conducted lawfully, professionally, objectively and impartially. Environmental Management Inspectors must exercise their powers in accordance with the law and respect the rights of all affected persons. Landowners and their representatives must be treated with dignity, fairness and respect throughout the inspection process.
Where evidence of non-compliance is identified, appropriate enforcement or compliance measures will be taken in accordance with applicable legislation and due process. Our approach remains firm but fair, ensuring accountability while promoting voluntary compliance wherever possible.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Garden Route is a national treasure. Its protection is a shared responsibility that extends beyond government. Success depends on the active participation and cooperation of landowners, communities, municipalities, conservation agencies, businesses and civil society.
Together, we can safeguard our indigenous forests, wetlands, rivers, mountains and coastal ecosystems. Together, we can reduce the threats posed by invasive species, protect our biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience and secure our natural heritage for generations to come.
Let us continue working together to protect our biodiversity.
Let us safeguard the Garden Route.
And let us continue to uphold and enforce our environmental laws in the interests of all South Africans.
I thank you.
For media enquiries, please contact: Zolile Nqayi on 082 898 6483 / znqayi@dffe.gov.za
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