The director general (DG) of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (Deat), Pamela Yako, would step down at the end of February, when Nosipho Jezile would take over as acting DG.

Yako was appointed as DG in 2005, and made a decision not to renew her contract when it expires in April 2008, after having been with the department for six years.

Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said that Yako assisted with the implementation of the Tourism Growth Strategy, the strengthening of biodiversity conservation and addressing the challenges facing artisinal fishers.

"She also ensured the turnaround of the Marine Living Resources Fund, and has also built a strong team of senior managers who, I am confident, will collectively ensure the further implementation of our strategies and programmes," he added.

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