Important Facts of the News
- The Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) secured second place nationally in the 2025 EIA Performance Awards by the Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA).
- The award recognises the department’s excellence in managing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).
- Zaahir Toefy, Director of Development Planning, accepted the award on behalf of the department.
- Minister Anton Bredell and Head of Department Gerhard Gerber commended the team for their contribution to sustainable and balanced growth.
- The recognition celebrates teamwork among government officials, environmental practitioners, developers, and affected communities.
- The DEA&DP reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, transparency, and environmental integrity in all EIA processes.
Western Cape’s EIA leadership acknowledged at national awards
The Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) has earned national recognition for its outstanding work in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). The department achieved second place in the 2025 EIA Performance Awards organised by the Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA).
Accepting the award, Zaahir Toefy, Director for Development Planning, said the honour was a tribute to the shared commitment of many stakeholders dedicated to advancing sustainable development across the province. He noted that the achievement reflected a collective effort rather than the work of any single individual or institution.
Recognition of teamwork and dedication
Toefy highlighted the tireless contribution of environmental officers whose professionalism and ethical standards underpin the province’s environmental management systems. “Every assessment, site inspection, and decision illustrates the passion and diligence of our team,” he said, acknowledging their continued efforts to uphold high standards of environmental stewardship.
He further expressed appreciation to Minister Anton Bredell, who oversees Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning, as well as Head of Department Gerhard Gerber and the Senior Management Service, for their leadership and consistent guidance in policy and implementation.
Collaboration for sustainable progress
The department also credited environmental assessment practitioners, community representatives, and developers for their constructive participation in the EIA process. Their collaboration, it said, plays an essential role in ensuring development that supports both the economy and the environment.
Minister Bredell remarked that the recognition reinforces the Western Cape Government’s commitment to efficient EIA processes that balance economic expansion with environmental responsibility. “Our economy depends on robust environmental management systems that ensure sustainable growth,” he stated.
Echoing this sentiment, Gerber described the award as a symbol of teamwork and partnership. “When we work together, engage meaningfully, and strive for excellence, we achieve development that benefits both our people and our environment,” he said.
Commitment to continuous improvement
Looking ahead, the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning reaffirmed its pledge to strengthen the efficiency, transparency, and fairness of its EIA framework. The department aims to ensure that the province continues to set benchmarks for responsible and sustainable development in South Africa.