Minister Aucamp commits to financial disclosures amid wildlife industry concerns
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Willie Aucamp said while he, as an MP, is obliged to disclose his business interests, including trusts and companies, his family is not required to report their interests to Parliament.
Image: IOL
Newly-appointed Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Willie Aucamp, reaffirmed his commitment to annual financial disclosures required of MPs and Cabinet ministers.
This comes in response to questions from MK Party MP Mzwanele Manyi, who sought clarity on Aucamp's stance regarding the reporting of financial interests, particularly relating to his family’s involvement in game-breeding operations.
Aucamp said while he, as an MP, is obliged to disclose his business interests, including trusts and companies, his family is not required to report their interests to Parliament.
“As private citizens, however, my family is not duty-bound to report business to Parliament,” he said.
Manyi had enquired whether Aucamp would disclose the full list of entities in which he and his immediate family hold direct or indirect interest in game-breeding operations.
He also wanted to know whether Aucamp will recuse himself from all departmental decisions, including the issuing of permits, exemptions, licences, and any regulatory and or policy changes that could be perceived to benefit any such entities.
Responding to this concern, Aucamp asserted his commitment to performing his duties with integrity, as dictated by his oath of office and ethical convictions.
“I am, therefore, bound to ensure that the Constitution and all other laws of the Republic are fully adhered to at all times without compromise or bias,” he said.
“As such, all government regulations, legislation, and policies will be implemented without prejudice in accordance with the departmental core mandate to manage, protect, and conserve our natural resources,” said the minister.
Aucamp’s reply comes amid fallout between DA leader John Steenhuisen and former minister Dion George, who was replaced following complaints and allegations of underperformance.
There have also been reports that there was a campaign by powerful private wildlife interests to recapture the department, and Aucamp is viewed as being aligned with the wildlife breeding and hunting industry.
Steenhuisen has since dismissed the speculation around George’s axing.
“I wish to set the record straight in this regard, not least given the reportage that seeks to make out that his removal is due to external pressure and interests. The simple truth is that it is not.
“The DA currently holds 12 positions within the National Executive. It is, therefore, imperative that these roles are occupied by the most capable individuals our party has to offer — people who bring integrity, energy, and excellence to government,” he had said.
Animal rights group, the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA), last month demanded that the DA explain its reasons for appointing Aucamp.
“We are disappointed as our request was made in good faith, and while it was not a formal request, it was based on courtesy and the principles of good governance and transparency. We will now proceed with a formal request in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to obtain the requested records," NSPCA communications director, Jacques Peacock, recently told IOL.
The Wildlife Animal Protection Forum (WAPFSA) has claimed that Aucamp was “proudly, explicitly, and publicly” aligned with South Africa’s hunting and wildlife breeding.
“His clear alignment with this specific sector makes him an entirely inappropriate candidate for Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment as it stands in stark conflict with South Africa’s environmental legislation and policies as well as international treaties to which South Africa is a party," WAPFSA was quoted as saying.