Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) – South Africa

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is a national department under the national government of South Africa.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment was renamed on 1 April 2021, from the previous Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF).

In June 2019, the Department was established by incorporating the forestry and fisheries functions from the previous Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries into the Department of Environmental Affairs.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is mandated to give effect to the right of citizens to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being, and to have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations. To this end, the Department provides leadership in environmental management, conservation and protection towards sustainability for the benefit of South Africans and the global community.

The strategic objectives of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment are to:

  • Provide leadership, strategic, centralised administration, executive support, corporate services, and facilitate effective cooperative governance, international relations, and environmental education and awareness
  • Promote the development and implementation of an enabling legal regime and licensing/authorisation system to ensure enforcement and compliance with environmental law
  • Promote, manage and provide strategic leadership on oceans and coastal conservation
  • Improve air and atmospheric quality, lead and support, inform, monitor and report efficient and effective international, national and significant provincial and local responses to climate change
  • Ensure the regulation and management of all biodiversity, heritage and conservation matters in a manner that facilitates sustainable economic growth and development
  • Implement expanded public works and green economy projects in the environmental sector
  • Manage and ensure that chemicals and waste management policies and legislation are implemented and enforced in compliance with chemicals and waste management authorisations, directives and agreements

Reporting Entities

  • iSimangaliso Wetland Park
  • South African Forestry Company SOC Limited (SAFCOL)
  • South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)
  • South African National Parks (SANParks)
  • South African Weather Service

Office Bearers/Management

Minister

  • Dr Dion Travers George (Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment) (DA)

Deputy Minister

  • Mr Narend Singh (Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment) (IFP)
  • Ms Bernice Swarts (Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment) (ANC)

Director General

  • Ms Nomfundo Tshabalala

Chief of Staff

  • Ms Lee-Anne Levendal

Chief Financial Officer

Ms Andiswa Oyama Jass

Deputy Directors General

  • Ms Vanessa Bendeman (Regulatory Compliance and Sector Monitoring)
  • Mr Lisolomzi Assaph Fikizolo (Ocean and Coasts)
  • Mr Maesela Kekana (Climate Change and Air Quality, and Sustainable Development)
  • Ms Mmamokgadi Mashala (Corporate Management Services)
  • Ms Sue Middleton (Fisheries Management)
  • Ms Nonhlanhla Mkhize (Environmental Programmes)
  • Ms Mohlago Flora Mokgohloa (Biodiversity and Conservation)
  • Ms Mamogala Musekene (Chemicals and Waste Management)
  • Ms Pumeza Nodada (Forestry Management)

Senior Management

  • Mr Chris Mashilo (Stakeholder and Special Programmes)
  • Mr Wimpie Oelofse (Director: Internal Audit)

Communications Officers

  • Ms Noma Bolani
  • Ms Dudu Maseko (Head of Office and Cabinet Liaison: Deputy Minister Swarts)
  • Mr Peter Mbelengwa (Chief Director: Head of Communications, Advocacy, and Spokesperson)
  • Adv Anthony Mitchell (Head of Office and Cabinet Liaison: Deputy Minister Singh)
  • Mr Zolile Nqayi (Director Communication: Cape Town)

Secretaries

  • Ms Nomonde Magagula (Private Executive Secretary: Minister)
  • Ms Sizwe Mhlungu (Private and Appointment Secretary: Deputy Minister Swarts)
  • Ms Siphokazi Vanda (Executive Support: Director General)
  • Ms Nomvula Zulu (Private and Appointment Secretary: Deputy Minister Singh)

Contact Details

The contact details of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) are listed in the table below.

Physical Address:473 Steve Biko & Soutpansberg Roads, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083
Postal Address:Private Bag X447, Pretoria, 0001
Telephone:086 111 2468
Email:callcentre@dffe.gov.za
Website:www.dffe.gov.za