The Democratic Alliance (DA) has refused the disclosure of information and documentation relating to the proposing of Minister Aucamp to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, in response to a letter by the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) requesting the DA’s “reasons, process and safeguards relied upon” in making the nomination.
The DA, through its legal representatives, notified the NSPCA in a brief letter that their “client has considered the request and has decided not to provide the reasons, criteria, or documentation referred to in [the NSPCA’s] letter.” Instead, it has directed the NSPCA to pursue information through a formal request in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 (PAIA), via its website.
The NSPCA finds this response disappointing, particularly given the seriousness of animal welfare matters and the need for transparency and accountability where the lives and welfare of animals may be affected.
The NSPCA’s letter to the DA, as the body who proposed the appointment of Minister Aucamp to the President of the Republic, sought clarity in light of widespread and ongoing public concern over potential conflicts of interest involving the Minister, particularly regarding the wildlife industry. This request was made in line with the constitutional values of openness and accountability, in terms of sections 1(d) and 195 of the Constitution of the country, as well as section 2 of the National Environmental Management Act No. 107 of 1998, which requires transparent, participatory, informed governance.
As South Africa’s only statutory body for animal welfare, the NSPCA has a duty, in terms of our enabling legislation, to monitor and respond to the application of laws affecting animals and to make representations to the appropriate authorities where necessary.
The NSPCA remains committed to transparency and the responsible administration of environmental and animal-welfare governance. South Africans, as collective custodians of our fauna, deserve confidence that the stewardship of the country’s environment and its animals meets the highest ethical and governance standards.
The NSPCA will proceed with a formal request in terms of PAIA to obtain the requested records.
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