PRESS RELEASE BY DR D J DE VILLIERS, MP, MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM
An announcement about a Board of Investigation in terms of Article 15 of the Environment Conservation Act (Act 73 or 1989) was made on 7 June 1995.
The task of the Board is stated in the Act as "assisting the Minister in the evaluation of any matter or any appeal in terms of the provisions of the Act".
The resignation of Dr Antoni Gildenhuys as Chairman meant the appointment of a new chairman. After further consultation I am now in a position to announce the composition of the Board:
Chairman: Judge Jan Steyn
Members : Prof: Richard Fuggle - Head: Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town
Mr Rufus Maruma - MSc (Edinburg) - Environmental adviser to Premier Ramathlodi. Will soon be practising as a private consultant. Already involved in international environmental impact studies.
The Act stipulates that the Chairman of the Board of Investigation must be a person with a legal background whilst the members must be knowledgeable in the matters on which the Board must deliberate. These 3 persons certainly fulfil these requirements. Some of the organisations which voiced their concern about the steelplant were consulted and are happy with the appointments.
There has been criticism that organisations were asked to nominate persons for appointment to the Board. Experience has shown that this move usually leads to the nomination of people who support a certain point of view. It is the responsibility of the Minister to appoint a qualified Board consisting of persons who can objectively, sensitively and with great responsibility weigh up the facts. This procedure has been followed to ensure the independence and objectivity of the Board.
The Act states that the enquiry should be done in a transparent manner through public hearings where evidence can be given. Interested and affected parties will thus have the opportunity to put their points of view to the Board.
The Board of Investigation and the method of inquiry which will be followed creates the opportunity for a responsible consideration of all relevant facts. The Board's findings and the reasons for them will be made public in writing. I call upon all persons to present their facts and arguments to the Board of Investigation. Judge Jan Steyn will return from Europe on 25 June. The Board will commence with its enquiry immediately after his return and will try to complete the proceedings as soon as possible.
ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM
DATE: 14 JUNE 1995
CAPE TOWN