Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment: Mr Willie Aucamp

Title: Mr
Initials: W
Surname: Aucamp
Name(s): Willie 

Mr. Willie Aucamp is the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment of the Republic of South Africa from 17 November 2025.

Profile

Current positions

Mr. Willie Aucamp is a Member of Parliament in the National Assembly, representing the Democratic Alliance. He is known for his pragmatic leadership style and hands-on approach. Mr. Aucamp is deeply committed to addressing the practical needs of the communities he serves, ensuring that governance remains connected to the realities faced by ordinary South Africans.

Career

Mr. Aucamp brings extensive senior management experience from the corporate sector to his role in government. He began his political career as a ward councillor in Kuruman and was elected to Parliament in 2019. During his first term, he served on the Select Committee on Finance. He was also a member of the Constitutional Review Committee, and he served on the Magistrates Commission.

Since 2024, he has served as the Democratic Alliance’s National Spokesperson as well as their Spokesperson on Agriculture. He is a passionate nature enthusiast and enjoys spending time with his family camping in the Kruger National Park. As a wildlife farmer for more than two decades, he has been actively involved in the conservation sector. His background in law and business, combined with his knowledge of agriculture and wildlife conservation, enables him to promote the interests of both people and the environment in a balanced and informed manner.

Mr. Aucamp is a strong advocate for sustainable development. He is committed to balancing environmental stewardship with the pressing developmental needs of South Africa—particularly in addressing poverty, unemployment, and inequality. He believes that the protection and responsible management of our natural resources is a shared obligation, ensuring that future generations inherit a country richer and more resilient than before.

Education

Mr. Aucamp holds a degree in Law. After graduating, he served as a Regional Court Prosecutor and also acted as a Magistrate. Prior to the 1994 democratic elections, he was involved in the Peace Secretariat, contributing to efforts aimed at maintaining stability and facilitating peaceful political transition.