Dion George on first year as environment minister

South Africa was making meaningful progress in the fight against poaching and illegal wildlife trade, according to Dion George, minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).

- Annelie Coleman

Reporting on his first year in office in June 2025, he said a coordinated approach led to successful prosecutions and a continued decline in rhino poaching incidents. The department was “also turning its attention to species like pangolins and abalone”, he said.

“The domestic trade of rhino horn, lion bone and lion parts is under consideration. The lives of these animals are not commodities. They are a vital part of our ecological and cultural identity,” George added.