South African Golf Courses – And The Disregard Of The Statutes

This is an article, not accusing all the Golf Courses of South Africa, rather at the few, that have a total disregard of the laws of the land. 1994 saw the demise of the old Government, by the “previously disadvantaged” occupants of the country.

Many felt the change would be the demise of the country, but some of the statutes written after the change, that I can understand, have been very beneficial to the country's future. The Environmental Act, Waste management Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the Labour laws protecting the employed. Now none of these Acts are so “mind blowing”, that they need major policy changes within the industry, or within the bounds of the Golf Clubs., required, the simple task of becoming more aware of the operations undertaken on their properties.

Operations, that could detrimentally harm the local and national environment, should they be allowed? Are certain institutions being allowed above the law? Golf Courses, by their very nature of operation, are extensive users of chemicals and fertilisers that have a potential to damage the environment. Yet so many conspicuous operations are under taken. The discharge of waste water directly into streams and rivers, the over usage of potentially dangerous chemicals and fertilisers, a disregard of laws governing eradication of weeds declared as “unwanted”, and the lack of controls required to show good governance within the industry.

As users of highly technical equipment, vehicles, tractors, and mowers, should the staff not receive training? Assessing the risks involved in the operating of this equipment, and operators being instructed of the dangers. This type of control can save millions financially, not only to Government departments but also to the Clubs where injuries occur. Time lost, because of an injury, a costs for the club, irredeemable from any source, forfeited as a loss, yet there is a disregard of this fact, and not taken seriously within certain establishments.

The survey undertaken annually, known as the “John Collier Governance and Environmental Compliance” clearly shows a disregard of governance by the industry. This is not being used as the “Big stick” wielded to enforce the laws, but rather to encourage the industries awareness of non compliance. Countries like Australia and New Zealand, are strict enforcers of similar laws, and the industry in those countries, adapted and survived.

Pay more attention to Environmental Policies, labour relations and health and safety acts. Waste management and recycling, being minor issues, yet carrying as big an importance as all the other laws, are not paid the attention required.

This is not a critique of all the Golf Courses in South Africa, but rather as a “call to arms” of the industry. Golf is a major income earner, and one of the major tourist attractions of this beautiful land, aid one another, by complying to the statutes governing the sport and its land usage. Attempt to eradicate the invasive weeds found on the properties, the industry could earn the accolades of being leaders in the fight against weed invasion.

Institute the necessary documentation and practices, to create a healthy and safe environment in which your employees operate, creating a lead in the campaign against injury and lost time. Stay out of the ledgers recording accidents, let the Government become aware of this fact, that they see the enterprise as a well controlled safe working domain.

Environmental Policies, adopted by the Club Members, and documents displayed for all to see, will draw favour from your members, patrons, employees and overseas visitors. The Clubs, displaying their intentions and commitment, will be the favoured courses of the future. The “Tree huggers” and amateur environmentalist are on the increase, as is the Governments commitment for compliance. Do not allow the Golf Industry in this country, seen as an establishment, primarily involved in land usage, seen as having a total disregard for the Laws, rather strive for leadership of compliance and become an example to the rest of the country.