Wild Coast on 50/50

Part One of a two part update on the Wild Coast Mining and ‘Troll Road’ will be broadcast today, Monday 26 Sept, on 50/50 on SABC 2 starting at 7.30pm.

Part 2 will go out the following week on 3rd October. This will feature plans for the revival of eco-tourism, and the launch of a fund raising campaign to raise funds for local residents to challenge the N2 Wild Coast Toll road authorisation. To keep up-to-date with the developments of Sustaining The Wild Coast, who are promoting sustainable and long-term development of this area, please like them on Facebook HERE and follow them on Twitter HERE, and encourage others to do the same…

John G I Clarke

In addition, SWC advocates against culturally and ecologically inappropriate developments such as the proposed mining at Xolobeni and the recent decision on the N2 toll road extension, which they are presently opposing. See various articles here: 1, 2 and 3.

SWC are looking to spread the word about what they are doing and raise some funds for expected court battles. I think they have done a very admirable job with Xolobeni. Please like them on Facebook HERE and follow them on Twitter HERE, and encourage others to do the same…

Well known Kwazulu-Natal midlands water-colour artist, Joan Bastard, has kindly put together a calendar of paintings for Sustaining the Wild Coast (SWC),  depicting scenes of Transkei and Pondoland. These calendars are selling for R150 each, of which R30/ calendar is donated to SWC. The remainder goes towards printing costs and artist commission. The calendars are printed on high quality paper and make wonderful mementoes and gifts.

See photos of sample pages. Size of calendars – A4 size.

If you would like to order a calendar (or a whole bunch for your friends, colleagues, office, or family) then please follow these steps:-

1 – Make full payment to SWC bank account, detailing you name and the code 2011Cal as reference.

2 – Send proof of payment, and your postal address, together with the number of calendars you have ordered to swcoastval@gmail.com.

Details of SWC bank account.

ACC. Name: SWC
Bank: First National Bank
Branch: Randburg
Acc. No. 62157997639

Branch Code: 254005

Note – No orders will be taken without prior full payment.

Val Payn

SWC Chair

swcoastval@gmail.com

I write this now as the deadline to submit an appeal against the proposed highway is this Wednesday 19th May. All too often, we have good intentions and then time flies by and nothing is done. If you would like to voice an appeal, there is a petition. But I think an official appeal will be more effective and I have collected the necessary documents for download here. Please find an official appeal form (I have filled in the details that I will submit) and a generic appeal motivation outlining the reasons for my appeal. You can use these as your own and change where you feel necessary. All documents must then be faxed to Minister of Environmental Affairs (Fax: 012 320 7561) by Wednesday 19th May.

I don’t want to force anyone into anything but consideration of local communities’ opinions and the environment are something I feel strongly about. Here are some tools and information for us as citizens to participate in public deliberation. Hopefully it will be worthwhile to use them.

I have written about the proposed mining of the Xolobeni area. See blogposts here, here and here. The local mining company says that it will bring employment to the area. Those opposed say it will bring destruction. I feel that an area of such biodiversity and uniqueness should be preserved as a heritage site. This will allow for sustained livelihoods and the preservation of the natural environment.

Here are some recent articles detailing:

Cancelled hearings

Shady dealings in ‘getting support’ from the local community

Opposition Facebook Group if you would like more info