Department gives clarity on domestic trade in rhino horn
There has been misrepresentation claiming that South Africa does not have systems in place to ensure that any prospective domestic sale of rhino horn.
THE Department of Environmental Affairs has clarified the processes associated with the domestic trade in rhino horn. There has been misrepresentation claiming that South Africa does not have systems in place to ensure that any prospective domestic sale of rhino horn takes place in a strictly regulated manner – and does not contribute to an increase in the illegal international trade.
However the department on Thursday said legislative provisions are in place to ensure the domestic trade in rhino horn is strictly controlled and that the prohibition of the commercial international trade by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is not violated.
“The current regulatory regime includes, among others, NEMBA, TOPS Regulations, Rhino N&S and provincial. Additional measures are being taken to tighten legislation with regard to the domestic trade in rhino horn,” the department said.
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From February 2017, three sets of regulatory measures were published for public comment. These include the draft regulations to regulate and control the domestic trade in rhino horn; the prohibition of the intentional powdering or shaving of rhino horn and the domestic sale and export thereof; and the listing of the Eastern Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis michaeli) as a protected species in South Africa.
On a claim that Minister Edna Molewa is ‘acting irresponsibly’ by allowing the on-line auction, or any sale/ trade domestically in rhino horn, the department said government has a Constitutional mandate and a duty in terms of the NEMBA to regulate the domestic trade of rhino horn.
“To this effect, the department’s responsibility encompasses the evaluation of each application on its own merits, making a decisions based on information submitted by the applicant, taking into account existing legal requirements, and has the right to refuse or issue a permit with or without conditions.”
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