It would interact in the following initiatives with the Departments of Health, Human Settlement, Education, Safety and Security, Labour and Water and Sanitation so as to resolve the health, housing and sanitation conditions of Forestry workers. DAFF has met with the Department of Water and Sanitation regarding measures to avoid the prolonged period that it takes to problem afforestation licences and the exemption of small growers from paying water tariffs in the years of establishment. In the current financial 12 months, DAFF would fund and conduct EIAs in KwaZulu-Natal for an space of 5000 ha. Once the Records of Decision are issued, this would pave the way for afforestation licences and subsequent plantings. The Deputy Minister reported that just lately the Department invited Grade 11 and 12 learners together with undergraduate and PhD college students to a workshop to encourage them to follow a profession path in forestry.
