Climate change, over-population, pollution, plastic-filled seas. The threat to biodiversity, which ensures we have any future at all, is overwhelming. What can I do, I ask myself, to turn back the tide? Are my attempts at recycling, buying free range and organic food, signing Greenpeace petitions, boycotting products that contain palm oil and using public transport making any … [Read more...]
Win-win for people and planet: smart shepherding in South Africa
The Karoo, in South Africa, is a harsh environment in which to make a living out of agriculture—the area is mostly devoid of surface water. Its name is derived from the Khoisan word meaning “land of thirst”. The land was traditionally used by pastoralists but drought, overgrazing and predation by wild animals made this activity precarious. Predators were kept in check by … [Read more...]
Ruling on Karoo fracking “a victory for the environment”
Plans to roll out hydraulic fracturing or fracking, as it's more commonly known, in the Karoo have been halted. The Supreme Court of Appeal ruled in favour of an application brought by AfriForum and the Treasure Karoo Action Group on Thursday. The court ruled that the ministers of Mineral Resources and Environmental Affairs do not have the authority to implement the … [Read more...]
SA’s new cabinet a blow for efforts against climate change
Following the delayed announcement of President Ramaphosa’s cabinet this week, the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) and many civil society actors were disappointed and dismayed to hear that Mr Gwede Mantashe was awarded the newly combined Mineral Resources and Energy Ministry. “We are deeply concerned about the re-appointment of Mr Mantashe … [Read more...]
Cansa launches fracking transparency initiative
Cansa is worried hazardous substances & carcinogens could contaminate drinking water in the Karoo. The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) has launched an initiative which it hopes will force companies to be transparent, should fracking for shale gas become a reality in the Karoo. The association is worried hazardous substances and known carcinogens, which are … [Read more...]
Shell moet antwoord oor hidrobreking – AfriForum
Die waghond vir burgerregte, AfriForum, is gekant teen en bekommerd oor die moontlike gevolge van skaliegasontginning in Suid-Afrika. Hierdie organisasie het ʼn brief aan RoyalDutch Shell en Shell (SA) gerig waarin die maatskappye uitgenooi is om met hulle in gesprek te tree oor verskeie vrae wat deur verteenwoordigers van gemeenskappe dwarsoor Suid-Afrika ingedien is, waarin … [Read more...]
Water, wealth and whites
Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness that draws artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale … [Read more...]
Government publishes new fracking regulations
Our government seems determined to ensure that fracking for shale gas will happen in this country, despite years of resistance and much evidence of the dangers this action would hold for the environment and for our nation. This week the government published two proposed new laws regarding the environmental regulation of fracking, “which indicates commencement of such … [Read more...]
Fracking activist wins international environmental prize
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...]
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...]
ANC trust stands to gain from fracking
"The refusal of Minister Shabangu to furnish information is now making sense," says TKAG (Treasure Karoo Action Group) spokesman Jonathan Deal. An ANC trust established 20 years ago by Nelson Mandela and other struggle veterans stands to earn a potential fortune from shale gas exploitation in the Karoo. The Batho Batho Trust has a 51% stake in Thebe Investments, the local … [Read more...]
Of chickens and horses
Dating back to the 1970’s and the emergence of the environmental movement in the US, multi-national corporations were schooled to trivialize environmental viewpoints. A simple, ‘You’re being emotional, we’re scientific’, was often sufficient to render the argument of environmentalists powerless in the face of economic forecasts and industry spin. The advent of the … [Read more...]
Should you care whether or not South Africa is fracked?
Should you care whether or not South Africa is fracked? The Treasure Karoo Action Group (tkag) believes you should and urges the country to take up their position in society in the fight against fracking. Fracking (Hydaulic fracturing) is banned or restricted in more than 90 places and 5 countries worldwide and has only been practiced in its current form in the Unites States … [Read more...]
