SA could learn from Dutch government on fracking -TKAG

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Anti-fracking lobbyists say the South African government should learn from the Dutch parliament which recently voted by a 71 percent majority to extend the moratorium on fracking for shale gas until 2017.

The Treasure Karoo Action Group and Afrifroum say that the Dutch Labour Party leader, Diederik Samsom, said that it is 'completely unnecessary' to drill for shale gas in the Netherlands.

He also said that there would be no drilling as long as his party is part of the governing coalition.

Jeanie le Roux of TKAG says its telling that in Shell's own home country the government has decided that, given the current risks and uncertainty around the fracking industry, they believe that it's better for them to place a moratorium on fracking.

Julius Kleynhans, Head of Environmental Affairs at AfriForum said the Dutch parliament decision is "a watershed development that the South African government ought to investigate."
So, far the government has not once publicly acknowledged the international pressure against shale gas and has instead swallowed Shell's bait."

Jonathan Deal TKAG says "despite all of this scientific information which has been recorded and placed in front of the government in South Africa over four years, Mr Zuma and his administration appear to be hell-bent on pursuing shale gas. The ANC may have the power to make decisions in this country but they are going to be compelled to work within the tenets of our laws and our Bill of Rights. Fracking is not a 'done deal' in South Africa just yet."