South African environmental campaigner Jonathan Deal was today awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize for his work in the fight against hydraulic fracturing in the Karoo. Each year, the Goldman Environmental Foundation selects grassroots activists from around the world to honour them for their work. With an individual cash prize of $150 000 (close on R1.5m), it is the … [Read more...]
Conference delegates cautioned not to rush into fracking
Speaking at the Southern Africa Oil & Gas Summit in Cape Town, TKAG Chair Jonathan Deal cautioned delegates not to rush into investment decisions around shale gas mining in South Africa. In an address that included what he described as a sample of the hurdles facing the proponents of shale gas mining in SA, Deal said that in the view of TKAG, the technology was wholly … [Read more...]
Fracking in SA: how can they say it’s safe?
As part of a global anti-fracking day, more than 400 people from various walks of life gathered in front of the gates of Parliament on Saturday 22 Sept, to call for a ban on fracking in South Africa. The protest was organised and supported by several civil organisations, namely Earthlife Africa Cape Town, SAFCEI, the Coalition for Environmental Justice and Treasure the Karoo … [Read more...]
Fracking plans need a unified voice now
Minister Shabangu’s announcement last Friday of the Department of Mineral Resource’s pro-fracking decision to cabinet ripped like wild fire through environmental circles the past week. If there is one issue that can unite all the different green role players in this country, I think it’s this one. The sensitive Karoo ecology is regarded as the heartland of the country by … [Read more...]
Anti-fracking Rally: Unity is Strength
On the 28th of July the tiny Karoo dorpie of Nieu-Bethesda will host an anti-fracking rally as part of a series of events designed to highlight the community’s opposition to the proposed destruction of the land and the severe threat of water and air pollution, that accompanies shale gas development. Some of those attending the events will include Professor Gerrit van Tonder, … [Read more...]
Walking to protect the Karoo
Members of the Treasure the Karoo Action Group have organised a 3-day walk from Graaff Reinet to Nieu Bethesda (a distance of 65 km), as a bid to raise money to contribute to the important work that they do towards the protection of our Karoo landscape. They chose these two towns, because Graaff Reinet was the home of TKAG member Linda's paternal family for several … [Read more...]
