Issued by: Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Dr Dawie de Villiers, Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, expressed surprise at Iscor's sudden decision not to proceed with the Saldanha Steel Project in its present form. This decision comes only a few days before the Board of Investigation, headed by Judge Jan Steyn, will make public its findings. The Steyn Inquiry will present its report to Dr de Villiers at a press conference on 6 October 1995, whereafter the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs should reach a decision by 11 October 1995.
Due to the national importance of this ecologically sensitive area, the Steyn Inquiry was inundated with requests for submissions. The members worked as quickly as possible, accommodating all parties involved. Iscor was informed about the progress of the inquiry.
Dr de Villiers stressed that the outcome of the inquiry would be a benchmark case for future issues where there is a clash of interests between development and conservation. It is therefor unfortunate that Iscor did not await the outcome of the findings before it announced its decision.
Enquiries: Anna-Marie Roux Tel (012) 310-3434 Wanda Langenhoven Tel (012) 310-3838
ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM, PRETORIA, 27 SEPTEMBER 1995