With the controversy surrounding CoAL’s Vele colliery near Mapungubwe still raging on, CHASA (Confederation of Hunters Associations of South Africa), in collaboration with TAU SA North and EWT (Endangered Wildlife Trust), met with the World Bank Inspection Panel on October 28 to raise their concerns about the pollution that the newly constructed Medupi Powerplant at Lephalale will bring about.

Mr Frans Heinlein, executive chairperson of the Bushveld Hunters and Conservation Association and representative of CHASA, pointed out that 50% of hunting in South Africa takes place in the Limpopo Province due to its unique wildlife and habitat, thereby attracting tourists from all over the world. He also stated that, unlike the mining industry, the hunting industry is sustainable.

“CHASA believes that destroying the source of the hunting industry to provide electricity is not the answer. There are other ways to generate electricity that are more environmentally friendly …,” Heinlein said. He added that the development of coal mines in the Limpopo Province was a great concern for the hunting industry.

Mr Johan van Wyk, member of the Bushveld Hunters and Conservation Association, in turn, expressed his concerns about the negative impact that power lines have on wildlife, amongst others discussing the long-term survival of threatened species.

From his side, Mr Arnaud le Roux of the EWT stressed the importance of addressing human-wildlife conflict in southern Africa through positive and proactive interventions, with emphasis on stopping irresponsible practices and promoting environmental sustainability.

Mr Jannie Pretorius of TAU SA North added to this, discussing the socio-economic impact that the Medupi Powerplant is going to have on the Lephalale area. He stressed the importance that one must note that landscape quality, sense of place and aesthetic value are of utmost importance to ensure a very high landscape resource, which is a fundamental resource for game farming.

From the Soutpansberg Agricultural Union’s side, executive member Marie Helm said that the government nationalized minerals in South Africa through expropriation without compensation. This, she stated, is a step directly in contravention of the Constitution of South Africa.

Secondly, Helm said, government forced mining houses to act immediately upon receiving the permit or license as such permit or license was valid for a limited period only. “This means that mining houses are forced to exercise their rights immediately or lose that right. This will result in a massive tsunami of mining in South Africa. The question is, do we as the current generation have the right to exploit minerals in such a way as to leave nothing for the generations to come? Isn’t that selfish and incredible?” Helm said.

Her third point was that government was progressively making it more and more difficult for landowners to protect their property, business, home and means of income. She urged the World Bank to make sure that countries who received support from the World Bank did not violate acknowledged international human rights such as property rights, right to maintain own culture, and a right to a clean and sustainable environment.