Two Gauteng-based companies partially settled environmental fines in South Africa by supplying thousands of trees and shrubs to provincial authorities, the Gauteng Department of Environment announced.
The companies paid the remaining portions of their fines in cash, totaling R400,000 ($21,900).
One company, fined R625,000 for unlawful recycling, provided 2,000 Tulbaghia Violaecia shrubs and 300 protective suits for workers in the province’s Clean and Green Campaign.
It paid the remaining R150,000 in cash.
The second company, which was fined R2 million for illegal housing development, contributed 200 Rhus Pyroides trees and agreed to hire four residents during construction.
It paid R250,000 in cash to settle its obligation.
“We would like to thank you for adhering to our call to make a difference in the environment,” said Shyla Peters, Member of the department’s executive council, during a handover ceremony at its Kempton Park facility.
The trees will support the 1 Million Trees Programme, which aligns with Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s emphasis on tree planting during his February State of the Province Address.
Both first-time offenders approached authorities voluntarily. The monetary portions of their fines were directed to the Gauteng Department of Treasury.
Department officials indicated non-compliance with the stipulated penalties would result in “harsh penalties.”
The programme aims to balance environmental conservation with economic development while supporting local cleanup efforts.
By Emmanuel Koro, AfricaBrief