Geneva: South Africa remains resolute in its commitment to ending plastic pollution, despite the recent setback at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) session in Geneva. The session, which aimed to establish a binding global treaty on plastic pollution, ended without consensus due to divisions among nations and procedural challenges.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment expressed disappointment over the outcome, citing deep divisions and the absence of a clear process as key factors that stalled progress. Nevertheless, South Africa’s commitment to combating plastic pollution both domestically and internationally remains unwavering.
Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, Dr. Dion George, has been actively engaging with industry, business, and civil society to promote the circular economy. He is set to continue advocating for solutions at the upcoming G20 Ministerial Meeting in Cape Town in October. “While the lack of agreement is frustrating, South Africa will not waver in our fight to end plastic pollution and create a fair, practical regulatory environment. We will keep driving action at home and pressing for solutions abroad,” the Minister stated.
South Africa is proactively moving to ban microbeads and phase out single-use plastics, reflecting a strategic approach to minimize environmental and health risks. During the INC, Minister George met with South African stakeholders to fortify partnerships aimed at fostering a circular economy. “Collaboration with all stakeholders is vital. We must build a system where sustainable practices are the norm, not the exception,” George emphasized.
Opposing rigid caps on plastic production, South Africa advocates for market-driven solutions supported by incentives to encourage businesses towards sustainability. The country is also tightening controls on imported plastics to ensure they meet stringent health and environmental standards. Minister George highlighted the dangers of toxic chemicals in plastics and the pervasive presence of microplastics in food systems and human bodies, stating, “It is unacceptable that microplastics are found everywhere, including in our own bodies. We will act decisively to protect public health.”
South Africa’s Extended Producer Responsibility regulations and the ‘polluter pays’ principle are pivotal in holding producers accountable for the full lifecycle of their products. “Our EPR framework is a cornerstone of our strategy, and we will keep strengthening it,” the Minister affirmed.
The fight against plastic pollution continues. In October 2025, South Africa will host the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministerial in Cape Town, where issues related to plastics, waste, and chemicals will be prioritized on the agenda. South Africa is committed to working both domestically and with international partners to secure a meaningful and inclusive plastics treaty that safeguards the planet and future generations.