Community outreach for strategic environmental assessment for shale gas development commences
In May this year, the Department of Environmental Affairs in partnership with the Departments of Minerals Resources, Science and Technology, Water and Sanitation and Energy commissioned a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for shale gas development that will be conducted as a science-based assessment to improve the government’s understanding of the risks and opportunities of shale gas development in South Africa.
The team is supported by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and the Council for Geosciences (CGS) along with over 70 of experts from academia, the private sector and NGOs.
As announced during its launch, the SEA will consider both exploration and production related activities and impacts of shale gas development, including the process of hydraulic fracturing, and will include an assessment of all material social, economic and biophysical risks and opportunities presented.
South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) outlines the vision for the country’s transition to an environmentally sustainable, climate-change resilient, low-carbon inclusive economy. As articulated in our National Integrated Resource Plan (NIRP), shale gas together with other energy sources, could form an integral part of this vision if found in sufficient deposits: with its ultimate aim being to support societal transformation, economic growth, energy security and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Affected and interested members of the public and the media are invited to attend the briefing sessions as follows:
|
Province |
Town |
Venue |
Date and Time |
Participation |
|
Eastern Cape |
Graaff-Reinet |
Masizakhe Community Hall, Baartman Square |
Mon 9 November 16:00 - 19:00 |
Public briefing |
|
Northern Cape |
Victoria West |
Victoria-West Town Hall, Church Street |
Tue 10 November 16:00 - 19:00 |
Public briefing |
|
Western Cape |
Beaufort West |
Rustdene Community Hall, de Vries Street |
Wed 11 November 16:00 - 19:00 |
Public briefing |
|
Western Cape |
Cape Town |
To be confirmed via email with registered stakeholders |
Fri 13 November 10:30 - 15:30 |
Registered stakeholder |
NB: Members of the public and the media interested in attending the stakeholder engagement workshop that will take place in Cape Town are required to register on https://seasgd.csir.co.za:443/ and RSVP for the event.
For media RSVPs to the workshop, contact Fhatuwani Siluna on (012) 399 9986 or email: FSiluna@environment.gov.za
Enquiries:
Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871
