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In the light of a recent announcement regarding fracking made by President Jacob Zuma, the Alliance against Fracking, consisting of civil rights organisation AfriForum and Treasure the Karoo Action Group (TKAG) this morning announced at a press conference in Johannesburg, that they are poised to take legal steps and are afresh calling on Government for a moratorium on fracking.

Jonathan Deal, CEO of TKAG said – as the group playing a significant role in the shale gas debate in South Africa – through their constant involvement in research, debate and engagement with various stakeholders they are established as a serious voice in this issue which is of national importance. “The new scientific evidence that we have placed before President Zuma and the Cabinet, when read in context of the debate and in the light of a dearth of public participation must surely raise red flags for the government regarding constitutionality, sustainability, science and the rule of law,” Deal said.

Julius Kleynhans, Head of Environmental Affairs at AfriForum, has called on Government to declare a moratorium on fracking. “AfriForum is concerned with the points raised by TKAG to President Zuma.  New evidence presented from abroad and the lack of public participation are issues that require immediate attention. Given the unequivocal statements of the President about fracking in his State of the Nation Address, we believe that the only way in which he can now halt the process that he has effectively set in motion is via an immediate moratorium. We must pursue sustainable development to ensure sustainable economic growth and the protection of our critical natural resources.”

Deal added that TKAG is the thin end of the wedge of a broad based opposition to fracking, which includes attorneys briefed by other stakeholders, various civil rights groups, trade unions, agricultural organisations and most recently Cosatu and the EFF who are both strongly opposed to fracking.

“Our letter presents government with a valuable opportunity to address fatal flaws in its approach to shale gas mining without the need for enormously expensive and embarrassing litigation from the citizens of South Africa,” Deal concluded.

For the formal letter and copies of documents to President Zuma, contact Jeanie le Roux on 072 959 1818 or at research@treasurethekaroo.co.za.