Hon Chairperson, the time has come for our environment to no longer play second fiddle to our economy and the small-minded, short- term games of the few at the expense of the many. This land, our land, is all we have. Why do we allow and tolerate the abuse that is continually perpetrated against her? Why are our laws, concerning her welfare, of such inconsequence that the unscrupulous fear nothing in breaking them?
This department is mandated with the maintenance and the preservation of our natural resources, our fauna and flora. It is tasked with keeping the balance between rampant industrial and economic enterprise and the safe, sustainable use of the environment. This department is performing admirably in its mandate. It has our full support. [Applause.] The Minister has our full support.
We would, however, like to see greater impetus and legislation in the following areas. Poaching of our fauna, particularly our rhino and elephant populations, is increasing like a monstrous cancer. At last count, we had lost 354 rhinos to poaching this year. We clearly require more stringent policies and measures, for the current measures are not stopping this slaughter. In this respect we urge the Minister to ensure that our anti- poaching units are equipped with all the necessary equipment and manpower that they require in order to effectively carry out their protection mandates. We also note that Botswana has recently introduced a "shoot to kill" policy in order to combat poaching within its national parks. Whilst this is an extremely harsh measure, it may also be an effective deterrent in our war against poaching.
The IFP also supports all calls to end recreational killing of lions in South Africa. Lions are being bred in captivity, in most instances, tranquilised and then released into large enclosed areas to be hunted. They are then being hunted by the pseudo-hunters who take great pride and satisfaction in being able to kill a tame lion at point blank range with a high-powered rifle. This is as pathetic as it is cruel. It is reported that these lions are bred for the sole purpose of being hunted. Often spending the majority of their lives in small cramped quarters, they are bred and released into a controlled environment only when they are about to be shot. Approximately 700 lions are killed in trophy hunts each year.
The African wild lion population is also under threat, with numbers dwindling from 450 000 to only 20 000 currently left in Africa and only 2 000 in South Africa. The IFP accordingly urges the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs to immediately ban or, at the very least, to act by severely limiting the number of lion hunting permits issued in South Africa each year. We also call for the immediate ban of trading in lion bone.
Air pollution remains another grave concern, especially the kind generated from domestic burning of wood, coal and other substances. Our township populations are suffering from all kinds of respiratory ailments caused by this. It has been said that we are literally choking our population to death on a daily basis in the townships.
The department must embark on greater awareness campaigns which highlight the dangers and risks involved in domestic burning of wood and coal. Suitable alternatives in respect of low-cost heat generation must be found and rolled out within our communities.
Companies that are found to be in contravention of our air pollution laws and those involved in the illegal toxic dumping of waste products must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of our laws. We call for far greater enforcement and monitoring measures from the department.
Genetic modification of crops has been shown to poison the soil. The IFP supports the Budget Vote. [Time expired.] [Applause.]