After mounting pressure from the FF Plus, the Mpumalanga government agreed to investigate the negative impact that a planned mine in Wakkerstroom could have on the surrounding area.
The party tabled an urgent motion requesting the local government to intervene before the Indian mining company Atha-Africa Ventures commences with any mining and related activities without first obtaining environmental clearance and local planning approval.
The motion was approved by all the Members of the Provincial Legislature and an investigation will get underway soon.
Environmental experts have already determined that a mine in the Mabola Conservation Area would have a devastating impact on nearby communities, bird life, wildlife and the ecosystem. It would also jeopardise a critical and strategic water source.
The area in question falls within the Nkangala Drakensberg Strategic Water Source, and is one of only 22 such areas across the country. It jointly accounts for approximately 50% of all South Africa’s fresh water.
It is made up mainly of marshlands, pans and grasslands, and is a source of four great rivers – the Tugela, Vaal, Usutu and Pongola Rivers which supply water to a large number of water consumers downstream.
The previous rezoning to agricultural land by a former MEC for Agriculture and Environmental Development, Mr Vusi Shongwe, was erroneous. It did not take the water source or the environmental impact into consideration at all. Mining would cause even more damage.
The proposed mine will reportedly cover 1 200 hectares underground and 22,4 hectares on the surface.
There are alternative substitutes for coal, but not water. Access to water is a basic human right enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution.
The time has come to be proactive with a joint effort to unseat the ANC from power in the 2024 elections.
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