The legal victory against Rhino Oil & Gas and Petroleum Agency of South Africa (PASA) is significant as it shows that there are so many ways to challenge the processes for unconventional gas exploration and extraction. The legal route can
Light at the End of the Tunnel
Following the recent reports of successful legal outcomes for Earthlife Africa (who challenged Environmental Affairs rejection of its appeal against the approval given to the proposed Thabametsi coal-fired power station in Limpopo. The court ordered that the Minister reconsider the
Fracking Approved? Really?
Recently, many people were aghast to hear that government has given the green light for shale gas fracking in the Karoo. Department of Mineral Resources in South Africa stated “Based on the balance of scientific evidence, government took a decision
A luta continua
During November, we celebrated withdrawals of some Exploration Applications. However, this is no time to rest on our laurels as the rights can be sold to a new applicant. There are many more applications in progress (see table below) and
Fracking Goes to Parliament
At the Frack Free Fest held in Matatiele in October, Cheryllyn Dudley, MP for the ACDP, representing ten political parties accepted the Matatiele Manifesto, promising to raise our concerns in Parliament. She kept her word. A debate took place in the
Pushme-Pullyou
Bronwyn Howard, Fracktavista resident near Utrecht in KZN, writes about the recent SLR/Rhino Roadshow to the area – Exploration Right 317ER. Many people of a certain age will have read the delightful Dr Doolittle books – stories of a vet who
Pink Elephants & Other Tall Tales
Following the recent meetings held by Rhino Oil and Gas to get public approval for their revised Application to Explore for Oil and Gas in KZN, Umphakathi Okhathazekile – Concerned Young People of South Africa wrote this open letter expressing their
Frack Free Fest
The FrackFreeFest held in Matatiele in October gathered 120 delegates from communities all over South Africa- those currently affected by mining as well as those impacted on by numerous applications for exploration licences by companies seeking to explore and exploit
Matatiele Manifesto
Statement of the participants from a dialogue on fracking and the expansion of fossil fuels to build unity, solidarity and learning held in the Eastern Cape town of Matatiele on the 3rd and 4th of October 2016. Matatiele Manifesto –
From the Mouths of Babes
We do not inherit the land from our Ancestors; we borrow it from our children – Wendell Berry The above quotation was pertinently demonstrated at a public meeting held in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape to discuss proposed oil and