Marine Oil Pollution

Bloemfontein – The Free State Legislature has officially announced a series of public hearings to discuss the Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response, and Cooperation Bill [B10B-2022]. The hearings will be conducted by the Portfolio Committee on Public Works, Roads, Transport, and Human Settlements, led by Hon. D.E. Janse Van Vuuren.

The Bill aims to enhance South Africa’s ability to manage, prevent, and respond to marine oil pollution, particularly from ships, offshore installations, seaports, and oil-handling facilities. It will also align South Africa’s legal framework with the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response, and Cooperation (1990).

Key Objectives of the Bill:

• Strengthening measures to prevent and control oil spills in South African waters.
• Ensuring effective cooperation with neighbouring countries in marine oil pollution response.
• Reducing the impact of oil spills on marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and coastal economies.
• Improving South Africa’s readiness and response strategies to oil pollution incidents.

Public Hearing Schedule and Participation Details

The Free State Legislature has invited stakeholders and interested parties to participate in the hearings and submit written inputs before 2 April 2025, at 16:30.

The hearings will be held at the following venues:

• 13 March 2025 (14:00) – Town Hall, Bethlehem (Dihlabeng Municipality, Thabo Mofutsanyana District)
• 18 March 2025 (09:00) – Fourth Raadsaal, Bloemfontein (Mangaung Metro Municipality and Xhariep District)
• 27 March 2025 (14:00) – Rautenbach Hall, Moqhaka Local Municipality (Fezile Dabi and Lejweleputswa Districts)

How to Submit Written Inputs

Stakeholders can submit their written submissions to Ms. Portia Khunou, Committee Coordinator, via:

• Tel: 051 407 1225 or 082 376 8383
• Email: PortiaK@fsl.gov.za

For further information, the Legislature’s Spokesperson, Mr. Jongi Ndakana, can be contacted at (051) 407 1100.

A Call for Public Engagement

Hon. M.A. Dukwana, Speaker of the Free State Legislature, has encouraged public participation, emphasising that community input is vital in shaping environmental protection laws.

Hon. D.E. Janse Van Vuuren, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works, reiterated the Bill’s importance, stating that marine oil pollution poses a significant threat to South Africa’s coastline and economy, and that legislation must be strengthened to safeguard aquatic resources.

The Free State Legislature is urging coastal industries, environmental organisations, and local communities to attend the hearings and provide input on the Bill.

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