Workshop 7

Mercury Policy Understanding and Developments in South Africa – Where to from here?

Workshop Objectives:

To strengthen understanding of the mercury context in South Africa.

Abstract
Mercury’s detrimental impact on both the environment and human health is well-documented and is known to affect systems such as the nervous, digestive, and immune systems. Given its persistence, toxicity, and ability to accumulate in ecosystems, global attention has focused on addressing mercury pollution. South Africa has actively participated in international efforts, notably by contributing to the development of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, ratified in 2019, aligning with its constitutional commitment to a healthy environment and sustainable development.

The National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment conducted the Minamata Initial Assessment (MIA) in 2016 to 2021, revealing the status of mercury sources and releases within the South Africa. This assessment was undertaken to inform the development of South Africa’s National Implementation Plan (NIP) to manage mercury, including measures to phase out mercury-added products, reduce emissions, manage mercury-containing waste, and raise awareness. In addition, draft National Regulations for the Management of Mercury in South Africa were published on 4 December 2023 (Government Gazette No. 49816) for public comment.

In the MIA (2021), the South African government committed to implement the Convention effectively, focusing on establishing proper disposal facilities, reducing anthropogenic emissions, and phasing out mercury-added products. Additionally, efforts to educate the public about mercury’s harmful effects and enhance the capacity of relevant authorities for better monitoring and management.

This session will take a look at the current progress that South Africa has made with regards to implementing the Minamata Convention. In this session, government, academia, non-governmental organisations and researchers will take a critical look at the way forward in terms of implementing the Minamata Convention in South Africa. All interested in contributing to this session are welcome.

Presenter Affiliations / Biographies
Government, Academia, Non-Governmental Organisations, Researchers (South Africa)
Gottlieb Arendse: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/eadp/
Patience Gwaze: https://www.dffe.gov.za/
Joy Leaner: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/eadp/
Lynwill Martin: https://www.weathersa.co.za/
Vernon Somerset: https://www.cput.ac.za/
Elizabeth Masekoameng: https://zabcor.com/
Rico Euripides: https://groundwork.org.za/