... unclear... According to some of those who have to work within the parameters set down in the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, some of it is 'confusing'. For example, Wessel de Wet, in-house legal adviser to Amarula Cream producer Distell, which buys their supply of marula pulp from a Phalaborwa company that also supplies other companies, says Distell is unsure as to who has to apply for a permit. Is it Distell, or the company from which they buy the pulp? And when a legal eagle is unsure as to what something means, then you know you have a problem. Of course, getting it wrong can be extremely costly, so while the Act gets a bouquet for its intentions, it would appear it gets a brickbat for lack of clarity. Perhaps a little fine-tuning might be in order? Where legislation is unclear and ambiguous, it can create more problems than it seeks to address. Marvellous Maria: Congratulations to Maria Ramos, who has won Wits Business School's MANEX award for this year.

Rod Baker, General Manager: Content
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