Joint statement by Minister Thandi Modise and Minister Barbara Creecy regarding certain naval exercises in the Simonstown area

01 February 2024

Ministers Modise and Creecy met on Sunday, 28 January 2024 to discuss planned naval exercises in the Simonstown Marine Protected Area (MPA). At this meeting both ministers agreed that exercises involving explosives needed to be carried out outside the marine protected area.

A follow up meeting took place on Monday, 29 January 2024 between SANParks, Department of Forestry, Fisheries, the Environment (DFFE) and the Navy regarding possible alternate locations for such activities.

Following reports of activities on Wednesday, 31 January 2024, the two Ministers agreed on Thursday, 1 February 2024 that discussions on an alternate location for these exercises will continue with the aim of finding a lasting solution to this matter.

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Issued jointly by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and the Department of Defence and Military Veterans