Madam Deputy Speaker, South Africa is indeed a water-scarce country. Because of the natural beauty and resource-richness of our land, we should be governed and not exploited.
As we proceed on the path of development and a brighter future for all our citizens, we do not have the luxury of allowing environmental issues to stagnate, as developed nations did over the last 100 years.
There is definitely a decision that constantly needs to be made between growth opportunities that will contribute to job creation and the environment. These Bills propose amendments to the national environmental management laws and give effect to a single environmental management system. This is a move in a positive direction and the MF supports the call.
The streamlining of the system and the removal of duplications in the previous Acts will certainly put South Africa in a better position to assist the mining industry more efficiently, and this will create a better climate in which mineworkers and other people in the industry can operate.
Similar to special economic zones where government strives to create a favorable environment for businesses - Minister Pravin Gordhan focused on this in his Budget Speech yesterday - this Bill, within the very same context, strikes a balance between environmental responsibility and helping to speed up the administrative processes.
The MF welcomes, amongst other things, the amendment of section 24(n), where an environmental management programme has to be submitted by anyone before an application is approved.
This holds mining companies accountable and liable for any environmental damage that might occur due to mismanagement or negligence in adhering to the rules and deliberately nullifying government policies.
This will prevent companies from exploiting our resource-rich country to the detriment of those most dependent on our natural resources, namely the poor and the marginalised communities. We must never again experience the horrific impact of a system that only benefited the elite. [Interjections.]
Of course, the DA's business is commonly known to perpetuate this type of mentality. [Interjections.] Parties like the DA created a big fuss last year around acid mine drainage and its environmental effects. However, as calmness has been restored, we are shown that this government understands the problems and delivers accordingly, efficiently and effectively.
These amendments will provide us with enough teeth to hold mining companies and shareholders who are out of line accountable to the wrath of the law.
Furthermore, it is also prescribed that an annual assessment be made by mining companies regarding their environmental impact and liability. This, once again, provides mechanisms for government to regulate the entire process more efficiently. It is imperative that we remind ourselves again of the balance between industry and the environment, between economic growth and the protection of our land for future generations, between streamlining the pivotal mining sector of our economy and creating jobs, while also remaining environmentally responsible.
Therefore it is absolutely imperative and incumbent upon all South Africans who breathe South African air and who live on South African soil to commit to the protection of all our natural resources.
The MF supports the Bill. Thank you. [Applause.]