In the past 10 years, at least 32 invasive species have been introduced into the country, among these a beetle that carries a fungus deadly to trees.
According to the Status of Biological Invasions and Their Management in South Africa, in 2022 report, released earlier in March - an average of three invasive species were introduced each year in the decade between 2013 to 2022.
"This is slightly lower than the numbers seen for 2010–2019 which were an average of about four new species introduced per year," said Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister Barbara Creecy, who spoke at the launch of the report.