In a major step toward balancing environmental protection with economic growth, President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised the launch of South Africa’s National Web-Based Environmental Screening Tool—a digital innovation aimed at streamlining environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and accelerating critical development projects across the country.
Speaking following the formal launch by Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr. Dion George, President Ramaphosa hailed the platform as a key pillar of South Africa’s drive toward sustainable development.
“This innovation is a testament to our commitment to a greener, faster, and more inclusive future. It’s about removing unnecessary bottlenecks while keeping our environmental obligations intact. We are building a South Africa where progress powers prosperity and where environmental protection walks hand-in-hand with job creation and infrastructure development,” said President Ramaphosa.
The Environmental Screening Tool, now fully operational under Regulation 16 of the NEMA EIA Regulations of 2014, was gazetted on 5 July 2019 and has since become mandatory for all EIA applications. It allows developers and practitioners to assess land for environmental sensitivity using a centralized, intelligent data system, classifying areas from very high to low impact and aligning them with suitable project types.
Minister George called it a “game-changer for South Africa,” emphasizing that the tool enables faster, smarter decision-making for projects such as renewable energy facilities and infrastructure upgrades.
“It’s about making processes faster and smarter without compromising our environment,” said Minister George. “For ordinary South Africans, this means projects that create jobs and drive growth can get off the ground sooner, while we protect the ecosystems we all depend on.”
Already, over 3,000 applications have been processed through the platform, many of them in Renewable Energy Development Zones (REDZs), where the tool is cutting months off project timelines. By automatically flagging sensitive areas and guiding developers to low-risk zones, the platform ensures efficiency without sacrificing ecological standards.
“By slashing delays in environmental approvals, we’re paving the way for renewable energy projects, new infrastructure, and industrial developments that create jobs and stimulate local economies,” said George. “It’s about progress that people can feel—more opportunities, better services, and a cleaner environment.”
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The tool’s protocols cover areas including agriculture, biodiversity, and protected species, while integrating seamlessly with existing frameworks for hydrology, socio-economic studies, and visual impact assessments. It replaces outdated documentation, such as Appendix 6 of the EIA Regulations, with real-time, data-driven protocols.
President Ramaphosa added that this reform underscores his administration’s commitment to cutting red tape and unlocking investment in underdeveloped regions.
“For too long, red tape has held back progress. This platform changes that. Developers get clarity, communities get opportunities, and our environment gets the protection it deserves. It’s a win-win for South Africa,” he said.
Beyond renewable energy, the Screening Tool opens doors for sustainable developments like solar farms, wind turbines, and transport infrastructure, especially in post-mining and rural areas, where economic revitalization is most needed.
“We must harness this tool as a means to transform opportunity into outcomes,” said Ramaphosa. “Every cleared application means jobs for builders, technicians, suppliers, and local businesses. Every approved project is a step closer to an inclusive, thriving South Africa.”
Minister George concluded the launch with a call to action:
“I urge developers, practitioners, and communities to embrace this platform and join us in creating a future where cutting red tape means creating jobs, protecting nature, and delivering for our people.”
