Why South Africa’s New Environment Minister Worries Conservationists
Why South Africa’s New Environment Minister Worries Conservationists
Cyril Ramaphosa’s appointment of Willem Aucamp as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, alongside Alexandra Abrahams as deputy trade minister, has completed a small cabinet reshuffle involving the Democratic Alliance (DA) — the ANC’s main coalition partner.
The DA requested both appointments, restoring its 12 cabinet positions — the same number it held when the coalition government was formed last year.
However, environmental and animal welfare organizations have voiced concern about Aucamp’s appointment, citing possible conflicts of interest and fears of policy backsliding.
Background: A Change in Direction
Aucamp replaces Dion George, who had taken a more restrictive approach toward controversial wildlife practices, including the captive lion-breeding industry and lion bone trade.
During his tenure, George promoted voluntary surrender of lion bone stockpiles and supported ending commercial captive breeding, earning praise from conservation advocates but criticism from parts of the hunting and wildlife industry.
Civil Society Concerns
🟣The Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa (WAPFSA) argued that Aucamp’s “private interests could influence the state’s decision-making to his own advantage.”
🟣WAPFSA and allied groups pointed to Aucamp’s and his family’s reported involvement in wildlife breeding and hunting, saying it could create a “perceived conflict of interest.”
🟣The National Council of SPCAs also urged caution, warning that “any misstep could damage South Africa’s reputation in wildlife conservation and law enforcement.”
🟣In response, Aucamp said he hoped to engage directly with these organizations, stating: “If they get to know me, they will realize that their fears are unfounded and that I will act in the best interests of our country’s natural and wildlife heritage.”
Broader Context: Coalition Tensions
Analysts describe the ANC–DA coalition, formed after the 2024 election, as pragmatic but uneasy, given the parties’ ideological differences.
Earlier this year, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said that the DA “seeks to divide government, confuse the public,” while the alliance maintains it is ensuring accountability within a shared administration.
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