DFFE launches R32 million initiative for coastal job creation and environmental care

Making South Africa's coastline more environmentally friendly, boosting tourism, and creating jobs are the aims and objectives of the Working for the Coast (WftC) Programme that was launched by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) over the weekend.

Deputy Minister Narend Singh indicated at the launch held in Durban that R 32 million had been earmarked to make the programme actionable.

According to Singh, the programme has already created 1,274 jobs within the eThekwini area, which signals a strong commitment to both employment and coastal protection.

The WftC Programme, established under the Integrated Coastal Management Act of 2008, aims to address the diverse environmental challenges affecting South Africa's coastal regions.

From Amanzimtoti to Umgababa, as well as from the Bluff to Umhlanga, participants are actively engaged in numerous tasks that uphold the integrity of ecologically sensitive areas.

“The main objectives of the programme are job creation, environmental management practices, and strengthening support for Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs),” Singh announced.

As the coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal grapples with pressing environmental issues heightened by adverse weather, ineffective waste management, and unsustainable practices, the DFFE's programme provides a much-needed helping hand.

Through a collaborative effort with the eThekwini Municipality, the project is primarily devoted to the crucial task of cleaning the coastline.

“We are working very closely with municipalities to ensure that the issue of dysfunctional pump stations, etc., is addressed and resolved, thus ensuring communities and tourists can enjoy our beaches.

This will hopefully help to restore the blue flag status at many of our beaches,” Singh said.

The initiative takes an in-house implementation approach, favouring direct municipal involvement over appointing external service providers.

This not only ensures local oversight but also enhances community engagement in the project, with departmental officials overseeing the overall management.

Employment generated through this initiative is temporary, with roles expected to last until the end of November.

Singh emphasised the significance of this initiative, stating, “We are creating almost 6,000 jobs in this programme throughout all the coastal areas of the country, of which 20% comes from eThekwini."

This effort underscores a collective aim between the municipality and the department to create sustainable job opportunities for local communities.

Adding further insight, the department's Deputy Director General Nonhlahla Mkhize confirmed the number of jobs that were created in eThekwini and the country and that the department was committed to facilitating work opportunities in coastal areas, vital for both environmental sustainability and economic relief for local residents.

Participants in the programme shared their experiences. Thembinkosi Ntuli from Inanda expressed his appreciation and hoped for the work to go beyond November.

“Things were not easy under the current economy. Our hope is to see the contract being extended so that we can continue to support our families during the festive holidays,” he said.

Similarly, Siphokazi Shezi from Ward 57 thanked the deputy minister for providing such opportunities in eThekwini.

“We started on the 7th of August, and everything is going smoothly. My wish is that both the city and the department extend our contracts until January next year,” she pleaded.

DAILY NEWS