Marine Oil Pollution Bill spells news dawn for SA

By Emily Setona

BETHLEHEM – A public hearing held at the Bethlehem Town Hall saw overwhelming support for the Marine Oil Pollution (Preparedness, Response, and Cooperation) Bill. The Bill aims to strengthen regulations on oil pollution, ensuring improved preparedness and response to oil spills.

In the absence of the bill’s presenter – delayed due to car trouble – the Free State Legislature’s legal advisor, Puseletso Ramotheba, outlined its key provisions.

“South Africa is reinforcing its commitment to environmental protection with the Marine Oil Pollution Bill. The bill strengthens pollution regulations by ensuring preparedness and effective responses to oil spills. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) will enforce strict measures requiring oil-handling companies and ships to conduct risk assessments and develop contingency plans,” Ramotheba stated.

Upon his arrival at the hearing on 13 March, Dumisani Ntuli, Chief Director for Policy and Legislature in the Department of Transport, emphasized the Free State’s significant role in the maritime economy despite being landlocked.

“All goods come through here. Your location away from the ocean does not belittle your contribution to the maritime economy. The oceans, as they surround the country, belong to the citizens of the Free State as well. This bill, therefore, impacts you,” he explained.

Oil spills not only threaten marine life but also impact tourism and neighbouring countries. Ntuli highlighted the economic consequences, noting that oil spills could deplete fish stocks and deter tourists, both local and international, who visit South Africa’s beaches for recreation and leisure.

South Africa has adopted a zero-tolerance stance on oil pollution, earning a global reputation as the “ship arrestor of the world.” The bill enforces hefty penalties for oil spills and extends its reach beyond ships to regulate pollution from companies, including land-based waste such as plastics and sewage. This aligns with concerns raised by Dihlabeng MMC Sophia Jacobs regarding inland pollution:

“Let there be an addition to this bill because we have dams and rivers that can be polluted. We may be far from the ocean, but we have many bodies of water around us. Sea animals also have a right to life, so we support this bill.”

Bethlehem resident Enoch Zulu echoed these sentiments: “Sea creatures are dying because of oil spills, and we also gather at beaches for swimming. These oil spills affect us all. The bill must regulate the companies responsible. I support this bill.”

Similarly, Morwa Molingoane and Makwatile Moloi from Qwaqwa endorsed the bill while calling for additional programmes to address inland pollution.

“We support the bill, and we request programmes to assist with pollution that comes from inland,” they stated.

A common sentiment at the hearing was that pollution originating from rivers ultimately flows into the ocean, making environmental protection a shared responsibility across all provinces.

The strong support at the public hearing underscored the bill’s importance in safeguarding South Africa’s waters, marine life, and economy. By strengthening pollution regulations, the legislation reinforces the country’s commitment to environmental protection for future generations.