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
Firefighters honoured after one of the Western Cape's toughest fire seasons
CapeNature hosted an appreciation event in Velddrif on 4 August 2026 to honour firefighters who were on the frontlines during the Western Cape's most recent fire season. A representative group attended the event on behalf of CapeNature's larger cohort of Field Rangers and firefighters working across the Province. Despite extreme heat and challenging terrain, the firefighters remained steadfast in their commitment to protecting communities, infrastructure and the Western Cape's
CapeNature welcomes the conviction of Cape Town couple for wildlife crime
CapeNature welcomes the sentence imposed by the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Mr Zirkie Bernardus Jansen and Mrs Valerie Gayle Simpson-Jansen of Kirstenhof following their conviction on multiple offences relating to the unlawful keeping, possession and transport of reptiles. The couple were each sentenced on 30 July 2026 to pay a fine of R40 000 or serve 18 months’ imprisonment after being convicted on seven counts under the Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974.
The joy of being outdoors
Life has a way of becoming busy, but sometimes the greatest luxury is simply slowing down. Imagine waking up to fresh mountain air, taking a gentle stroll beneath towering trees, listening to birdsong, or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee while overlooking breathtaking natural landscapes. These are the moments that help us reconnect with ourselves and appreciate the simple joys of life. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the restorative power of nature. That's why we're inviting senior citizens to enjoy peaceful escapes across the Western
Freshwater science takes centre stage at the 2026 SASAqS Conference
The Southern African Society of Aquatic Scientists (SASAqS) is a learned society concerned with the research, management and conservation of inland waters and their associated biota throughout southern Africa. Established in 1964 as the Limnological Society of South Africa, SASAqS provides an important forum for discussion and sharing of scientific ideas. The two cornerstones of the society's activities are the annual conference and the African Journal of Aquatic Science.
Marine Protected Areas hold the key to human wellbeing
On 1 August, we celebrate Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Day, a global occasion first marked in 2021 to recognise the role that MPAs play in conserving our oceans while supporting the wellbeing of people and communities. The day encourages us to appreciate the value of MPAs and the many ways they benefit both us and the extraordinary marine biodiversity they are designed to protect. This year's theme, "Ocean Protection Needs Human Connection," reminds us that conserving our oceans is a shared responsibility.
Bringing Conservation to Life Through Storytelling, Film and Digital Media
When was the last time a film, photograph or story about nature made you stop and feel something? Perhaps it was a breathtaking wildlife documentary. A short social media reel that transported you to a mountain peak. A travel video that inspired your next adventure. Or a story that highlighted the impact of a wildfire and reminded you why conservation matters. Every adventure has a story. Watch ours on our YouTube channel and subscribe for more.