Pretoria – Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister David Maynier has published the draft National Leopard Conservation Strategy and Action Plan, 2026, for public comment.
The draft proposes a shared national vision that “leopards thrive in living landscapes, support cultural traditions and local livelihoods through inclusive, community-driven conservation.”
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said the draft seeks to “offer direction” that aligns with the aspirational vision of the White Paper on Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biodiversity, 2023.
The department said the draft also offers direction that aligns with the values and hopes of South Africans “concerning leopards and how leopards can benefit both society and the environment”.
The draft Strategy and Action Plan envisions acknowledging leopards as a vital component of the nation’s natural heritage, valued across cultures for their ecological, cultural and symbolic significance.
“By protecting leopard habitats and biodiversity, the Strategy and Action Plan could catalyse sustainable development and transformation within South Africa,” the department said in a statement made available to The Bulrushes on Friday, 4 September 2026.
The draft is also supported by goals and strategic activities based on the species’ (a) ecological role, (b) social and cultural values, and (c) livelihoods and impacts of leopards.
The draft was released in terms of sections 99 and 100 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004).
It was published in Government Gazette No. 55299, Notice No. 7877, dated 4 September 2026.
Members of the public are invited to submit written comments on the draft Strategy and Action Plan within 30 days from the date of publication of the Notice in the Government Gazette or in the newspaper, whichever date is later, to the following addresses:
2026 (draft Strategy and Action Plan)
By post to:
The Director-General: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Attention: Ms Asnath Hlungwani / Ms Mashudu Mahada
Private Bag X447
PRETORIA
0001
By hand at:
Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083
By email:
ConservationManagement@dffe.gov.za
Electronic copies of the Government Notice can be downloaded from the following link:
https://www.dffe.gov.za/legislation/gazetted_notices
Any enquiries in connection with this Government Notice can be directed to Ms Asnath Hlungwani / Ms Mashudu Mahada on 076 819 3783 / 060 602 6560, or via email: MMahada@dffe.gov.za / Ahlungwani@dffe.gov.za.
Comments received after the closing date may be disregarded.
