Johannesburg – In an unprecedented move, two Gauten companies have recently paid some of the environmental crime fines and supplied thousands of trees and shrubs to the Garten Environment Bureau (GDENV).
This mixed cash and peplant initiative, highlighted in the 2023-2024 GDENV Annual Report, aims to mitigate the negative effects of illegal activities on the environment by forcing offenders to pay a portion of the fines in a way that supports environmental protection.
This innovative initiative aims to achieve sustainable development by balancing economic growth and social justice.
Among other things, the initiative is intended to support the Gauteng Clean and Green campaign, which includes cleaning up state trash hotspots and planting fruit and shade trees throughout the state.
During his state speech in February 2025, Gauten Prime Minister Panyaza Lesfi emphasized the importance of planting trees alongside the Garten Clean and Green campaign.
Gdenv Member Member of Executive Council (MEC) Shyla Peters received trees and shrubs from two fined companies based in the department Kempton Park.
The trees will be planted as part of a Million Tree Programme aimed at planting one million trees in the Garten State.
“We would like to thank you for following our call to make change within the state within the environment.
“As a newly formed Environmental Bureau, we want to change the way we work with the public.”
One company, fined for illegal recycling, paid a portion of the R625 000 fine by supplying 2000 units of 1.0L Tulbaghia Violaecia Shrubs and 300 units of conti suits, which will be used as personal protective equipment for Gauteng Clean and Green Campaigns, under the expanded Public Works Program.
The company paid a balance of R150 000 with a fine.
Another company, fined R2 million for illegal housing development, was ordered to donate to 200 units of Rhus Pyroides tree and hire four individuals from surrounding communities during the construction phase of the development.
The company paid a balance of R250 000 with a fine.
Both companies are the first criminals.
They voluntarily approach Gdenv to rectify their actions and have paid the already reduced monetary fines to the Gauteng Treasury.
This fund will be used to support activities in other states.
Since then, representatives of the companies have thanked Gdenv for providing an eco-friendly alternative to pay part of the fine.
About the Author: Emmanuel Koro is an internationally awarded environmental journalist based in Johannesburg and writes independently about the issues of the environment and development in Africa.
