The Democratic Alliance (DA) will be urgently asking Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) MEC, Ravi Pillay, to intervene in secretive coal prospecting on the doorstep of large rhino reserves in the province.
This after the DA established that private game reserves and ranches, within a 16 000 hectare area near Pongola and Jozini, are the target of the supposed exploration activities. A region earmarked as a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Rhino safe haven is also being eyed by mining companies.
This latest prospecting debacle comes in the wake of ongoing concerns regarding coal mining on the doorstep of the Hluhluwe-Mfolozi Park and ongoing developmental plans in sensitive coastal regions north of Isimangaliso.
Additionally, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) continues to battle illegal gold prospecting in its Ithala Game Reserve.
Magudu – the epicentre of the prospecting – has, for decades, been a rural economic driver with wildlife preservation and ranching contributing significantly to KZN’s GDP.
Mining on and in the borders of sensitive habitats is simply bad practice, and does nothing to foster a boost in ecotourism. It is counter to provincial economic development principles and will forever alter the beauty of the region.
The DA has a long-standing policy of supporting sustainable, approved and well considered mining. Buffer zones and an overarching preservation of ecosystems must concurrently be considered.
Today, we urge MEC Pillay and the provincial conservation committee to get a full and complete assessment on the coal prospecting and to meet with national counterparts before any firm permissions are granted.
