The conference took place at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town, 6-8 June 2013.
"Marine debris is not just an unsightly issue having a negative impact on tourism and human health, it is also responsible for deaths of myriad creatures that inhabit the marine environment," said Mabudafhasi.
Noting that 80% of all plastic found in the sea originated on land through littering and poor waste management, the deputy minister reminded delegates that the problem of marine debris can be reduced and perhaps even stopped altogether. Mabudafhasi said that with the steadfast growth of economies in Africa, proper waste management will become even more critical.
"Africa must not join those who used to dump at sea," she said.
Mabudafhasi highlighted the Green Paper on the National Environmental Management of the Ocean (NEMO) which was finalised and published in October 2012, and submitted for public comment: "This is part of our continuing efforts towards development and implementation of a comprehensive regulatory system to manage, protect and conserve our ocean environment.
"We have started working towards the finalisation of the white paper on oceans management, and in the following years we will continue working towards the drafting and promulgation of oceans management legislation," she said.
While the availability of science-based information is critical for policy decision-making, the deputy minister implored scientists to also look at the "indigenous science" available.
Mabudafhasi concluded by asking South Africans to stop complaining about government not providing work and embrace waste as a source of wealth: "We need more soldiers out there to be our warriors... When we keep South Africa clean, we are eradicating poverty," she said.
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