Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 31 October 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# The Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning has given environmental authorisation to the Cape Winelands International Airport project in Cape Town. The eight-billion-rand project entails the expansion of the airport just outside Durbanville in a series of phased developments. Airport managing director, Deon Cloete, says the development will also include airside infrastructure such as taxiways and aircraft parking stands:

# Fifteen-year-old Owen Lineker from Plettenberg Bay has smashed both the South African and the All-Africa junior record at the Junior Bottom Fish Nationals. He caught a 5.9-kilogram red stumpnose on a reef off the Gqeberha coast, surpassing the previous record of 4.9-kilograms. Found around rocky reefs, red stumpnose are prized by anglers for their fighting spirit and rarity as a top recreational catch. Owen says he now has his sights on representing South Africa on the international stage.

# And finally: SANParks Arid Region hosted its annual Regional Awards at the Mokala National Park in the Northern Cape, recognising excellence, dedication, and teamwork among staff. A total of 48 awards were presented across categories such as best customer service, leadership, ranger post, and lifetime contribution. SANPark’s JP Louw says the event celebrated employees from Kgalagadi, Augrabies Falls, Namaqua, and Mokala National Parks, who exemplify SANParks’ commitment to conservation, tourism, and community engagement.

Stay tuned for more news………….