South Africa's disgusting rating

South Africa is a country with a reputation of magnificent natural beauty, with flourishing nature, with breath-taking landscapes- therefor it was a shock to discover that according to a Yale and Columbia University study, we have had the fastest environmental decline over the last 20 years. Again we are on the extreme end of the scale for the wrong reasons, ranked 128 out of 132 when it comes the Environmental Performance Index. 

( Number 1 was Switzerland, 2-Latvia, 3-Norway. The UK ranked 9 and the USA, 49. Australia came in at 48 and China 116.)

Notable, we 'achieved' the worst rating out of all the African countries studied. (Next worst was Tanzania-93 and Egypt-60) Even dysfunctional Zimbabwe rated 68, way higher than RSA. 

Coupled with this, we are number 11 in the world when it comes to pollution. 

The study, conducted on an annual basis, uses 22 indicators to measure 'human health, water quality, biodiversity and the management of conservation of ecosystems.' 

To make this even more disgusting, is that South Africa has been recognized as having some of the best environmental legislation globally. However, the government seems reluctant to act on this legislation. South Africa has also signed the Convention of Biodiversity Accord, committing to halve the current rate of biodiversity loss. 

The government turns a blind eye to companies who are known polluters, to compromised water systems, or the reliance on fossil fuels for energy and the destruction of natural fragile systems, like wetlands. They allow mining in environmentally sensitive areas and mines to operate with water licences. They are made aware of compromised water systems and the danger of rising acid mine-water- to no avail. 

A spokesman for the Department of Environmental Affairs admits that they are aware of the report, however, are unable to comment on it's credibility. Albi Modise, the spokesman, stated that the department assesses the environment on a 5 years basis, the next being at the end of the 2012 financial year. (The last was 2007) A comprehensive report by the CSIR on water resources was conducted last year and makes interesting reading.

A study like this and the CSIR one- both highlight grave problems and should be studied by the department and action taken immediately. Instead of simply brushing them aside, it should be a call to action.  (Due to government negligence and deliberate oversight, our electricity is under severe strain going into winter, with rolling blackouts a probability. Simply put, there is not enough power for the country. This is another result of brushing aside a report.)

Having said that, our government usually  has it's own agenda and from numerous reports, it seems money and power, are the priorities that the ANC led government concerns itself with. A little thing like the environment cannot get in the way if money is to be made. 

Soon the situation will be irreversible and it will be too late to turn back what damage has been done.