Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts Leads Desertification and Drought Day Ministerial Imbizo in Rietfontein

The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Bernice Swarts, led the Desertification and Drought Day Ministerial Imbizo in Rietfontein, bringing together government representatives, stakeholders and community members to address the environmental challenges affecting drought-prone areas. The Imbizo formed part of government’s ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable environmental management, strengthening climate resilience and supporting communities impacted by drought and desertification.

As part of the programme, Deputy Minister Swarts officially handed over two newly completed boreholes to communities affected by persistent drought, improving access to safe and reliable water. In addition, the initiative will create employment opportunities for 84 young people through invasive alien plant clearing programmes, contributing to both environmental restoration and local economic development. The engagement provided an important platform for meaningful dialogue between government and communities on critical issues such as land degradation, water scarcity, desertification and the need to build resilience against the impacts of climate change.

In her closing address, Deputy Minister Swarts reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable communities and preserving the country’s natural resources, emphasising the importance of access to basic services by stating, “Water is life and sanitation is dignity.” The Ministerial Imbizo highlighted the importance of collaborative action in addressing environmental challenges while advancing sustainable development and improving the quality of life for communities in the Northern Cape.