(a) The details ofthe applications for the removal of trees in line with the proposed Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) project are as follows:
(i) In August 2022, an application was submitted to remove 658 000 protected trees (including 120 000 Marula, 10 000 Baobab, 428 000 Leadwood and 450 Shepherd trees) for the southern site of the project. This application was not approved by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) as it did not meet the requirements of Regulation 4(3) of the National Forest Act Regulations.
(ii) Regarding the northern site, in November 2023, the DFFE received an application to remove 9 000 protected trees, including 60 Baobabs, 2 050 Shepherd trees, 4 840 Leadwoods, and 2 050 Marulas. However, this application was also not granted approval
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(iii) On 13 May 2024, a new application for a licence to remove 1 000 protected trees was submitted, comprising 350 Marula, 40 Baobab, 160 Leadwood, and 450 Shepherd trees. After evaluation, the licence for this request was granted, with conditions ensuring that sensitive environmental zones, such as riparian areas and locations with abundant Baobab species, were preserved and excluded from development activities. According to our records, no appeal to challenge the application has been received.
(b) Determining the number of trees planned for removal in areas designated for mining is not possible, as the information available to the DFFE covers all areas to be affected by the proposed MMSEZ project.
(c) Similarly, determining the number of trees planned for removal according to areas designated for residential purposes is not possible as the information available to the DFFE covers all areas to be affected by the proposed MMSEZ project.