Oiling the Response
The successful implementation of the Phakisa Operations: Ocean Economy workstreams, particularly the Marine Transport and Manufacturing and Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration work streams are bound to result in accidental pollution events, despite the best practice being used to manage and prevent these unfortunate events.
Photo by Keith Spencer, Kianu Satu, 2013.
In August 2013, the Kianu Satu lost her tow during a coastal operation and without engine power grounded on a shallow reef of the coast of the Southern Cape. The accidental grounding resulted in the Goukamma Marine Protected Areas beaches receiving the brunt of the oil split during the shipping accident.
Undoubtedly, the single most concerning event is a dreaded oil spill. Oil spills could originate from accidental spillage during various offshore operations such as Oil and Gas Production, shipping accidents, oil bunkering or transfer operations or even illegal dumping. Oil spilt at sea is difficult to contain and almost always results in oil reaching the shore.
Preparedness for such an event is probably the single most important factor to have in place on the ground to make any response the most efficient and effective. Awareness is, in turn, the foundation of being prepared.
The Eastern Cape’s jewel town of Jeffreys Bay was the focus for the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environments (DFFE) Coastal Pollution Management team to run a hands-on workshop aimed at improving awareness and ability of Local Authority staff to respond effectively to a localized oil spill along the weather swept coast.
Thirty partner participants from DFFE, SANParks, CapeNature, Sarah Baartman District Municipality and Local Municipalities of Kouga, Koukamma and Nlambe took part in the workshop.
On Day 1, a series of presentations and discussions covered the Causes and Fate of oil spills; the Environmental and Socio-Economic Impacts of oil spills; Principles of oil spill Preparedness and Response and Waste Management.
On Day 2, some surprised participants found themselves fully Tyvek coated, wet soled and sandy-handed while the experienced Pollution Management team members instructed the establishment of Hot, Warm and Cold Zones, erecting of signage, pump starting and boom inflation, boom positioning and anchoring, oil skimmer operations, crowd control and management, waste management and several smaller on-site aspects, all under the banner of Environmental Protection, that would be required during a typical response.
Good comradery and cohesive work by all ensured a successful awareness-raising and hands-on experience for all participants.
Related News
World Seabird Day calls attention to public role in responding to ongoing avian influenza threat affecting birds
As the world marks World Seabird Day today, members of the public are urged to remain vigilant as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, continues to affect birds across South Africa, including seabirds along the Western Cape coastline. HPAI is a serious disease affecting birds and can result in significant mortality, particularly among wild bird populations. Members of the public are
CapeNature’s marine conservation work showcased in new kykNET adventure series ‘Hey Skipper’
The beauty, biodiversity and conservation value of the Western Cape’s coastline will be shown to audiences across South Africa when CapeNature features in the new primetime Afrikaans series, Hey Skipper, premiering on DStv Channel 144 kykNET on Saturday, 4 July 2026 at 18:00. Produced and presented by adventurer, filmmaker and outdoor enthusiast Dewald Visser, Hey Skipper takes viewers on a journey across some of the world’s most
The perfect time for a family escape into nature
Winter in the Western Cape is often misunderstood. While many people think of it as a season best spent indoors, it is actually one of the most rewarding times to slow down, reconnect, and take a short break close to home. For domestic travellers, especially families planning around the school holidays, winter offers the ideal opportunity to step away from routine without the stress of long travel or high-season crowds. It is a chance to rediscover what is right on your doorstep.
Newly discovered species named after CapeNature Ecologist, Dr Martine Jordaan
A newly described Paradiplozoon species has been named after CapeNature Fauna Ecologist, Dr Martine Jordaan, in recognition of her knowledge and passion for the aquatic life of the Cape Fold Ecoregion, continuous enthusiasm to study the region's fishes and understanding their parasitofauna. The newly identified species – Paradiplozoon jordaanae – is named after Dr Jordaan.
CALL FOR APPLICATION FOR EXTERNAL MEMBER OF THE AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Applications are hereby invited for candidates to serve on the Audit and Finance Committee of CapeNature.
The member shall be independent from CapeNature, be contracted for a maximum period of two terms of three years each and will be remunerated for attendance at meetings.
Closing date for applications: 3 July 2026
Impact of Inclement Weather across CapeNature Reserves in May 2026
The last bout of extreme weather began in early May, when a cut-off low-pressure system hit the Garden Route. A week later, two powerful cold fronts swept through the rest of the Province, unleashing torrential rains and gale-force winds. The result has been widespread damage, with 85% of all reserves reporting at least some form of damage. The Cederberg region has emerged as the hardest hit.