MEDIA ADVISORY 

MEC MANOPOLE TO LEAD AN AWARENESS CAMPAIGN ON ILLEGAL COLLECTION OF BIODIVERSITY IN NAMAKWA 06 December 2021

The Northern Cape MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, Hon Mase Manopole, will this week, lead a three-day awareness campaign on illegal collection of biodiversity in the Namakwa District.The Northern Cape is home to agreat variety of protected plants and animal species. From Tuesday, 7 December to Thursday, 9 December 2021, MEC Manopole will lead the campaign in Garies, Kamieskroon, Springbok and Steinkopf.

The MEC will be joined by external stakeholders such as SANParks, SAPS (Stock theft and endangered species unit) and the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and the Environment. The awareness campaign comes as result of recent increase in smuggling of rare and endangered species, which is a major threat to our biodiversity. These illegal activities often go hand in hand with organized crime syndicates such as drug smugglers with international networks.

For media enquiries contactZandisile Luphahla, Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson to the MEC, on 083 391 5388. Issued by the Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform.

Mr Zandisile LuphahlaMedia Liaison Officer and Spokesperson to the MECDepartment of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Land Reform and Rural Development. Northern Cape
Mobile: 083 391 5388Email: zluphahla@ncpg.gov.za / luphahlaz@yahoo.com

Programme of the day attached.