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Organisation profiles Department of Water Affairs and Forestry - South Africa
Contact details Director -General
Department of Water Affairs and Forestry
Private Bag X93
Pretoria
0001
Website: www.dwaf.gov.za
Tel: +27 12 336 7500 Main contact person Dr Themba Simelane Tel: 012 336 6663
Linda Mossop Tel: 012 3367240 Background, mission and goals To promote the optimal development of conservation, commercial (industrial) and community forestry through policy development, regulation, facilitation and monitoring, along with the effective management of State forest timber and conservation areas. The vision of the Department, particularly forestry has changed and it reads thus, "Forests are managed for people and we need to create an enabling environment environment for economic and social development through sustainable forestry, especially at local level".
The new approach which might not be captured in the website is that DWAF as a national department is moving away from the day to day operation to regulating and policing. This means drawing up strategies for example the biomass strategy and others. We no longer have Community Forestry Directorate at National level. I think it will be good in future please Direct all the queries to the MANAGER FORESTRY, and then she will identify the person to work with. Approach, organisational programmes and activities: The forestry programme promotes the sustainable management of the country's natural forest resources and commercial forestry for the lasting benefit of the nation. Woodlot Management: We are responsible for the best practice management of 120 DWAF owned woodlots, which are small plantations established to provide fuelwood and building material to communities. This core function is temporary, as we are in the process of devolving woodlots to communities. Promotion of Fire Legislation: We provide information about and promote the implementation of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act (Act 101 of 1998).Community Forestry also provides three cross-cutting services which relate to each of the core functions. In this regard DWAF encourage land owners to establish Fire Protection Associations. Woodland Management: We promote the sustainable use of natural forest and woodland resources by working in partnership with communities, Local Government and other service providers. The strategy is being developed. Examples of past successes and experience DWAF participated in Biomass Initiative- mainly focusing on promoting community forestry, i.e. nurseries, woodlots and other tree planting projects that would ultimately contribute to the availability of firewood. Currently, DWAF staffs in Limpopo Province are supporting the implementation of the PROBEC project. Overall institutional structure Directorate: Forestry Policy
National Planning
Technology & Information
International Liaison
Directorate: Forestry Regulations
Forest Act Implementation
Land Use Management
Fire Act Implementation
Directorate: Forestry Restructuring
Other details DWAF is currently reviewing its strategy in terms of addressing firewood needs of communities.
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