Could this become a Hot Topic between Cope and ANC. Many decisions by the ANC of the past 14 years does not include the poor street vendor of South Africa
How is it possible that Sodwana, the most fragile coast of South Africa has 4x4 access onto the beaches and St. Lucia Estuary has no access. It seems that DEAT is siding with Hard Service developers that believe Golf Courses, Five Star Hotels and Sugar Cane farms is the working solution to sustainable development.
This is not in the spirit of UNESCO's World Heritage Site status. The understanding is that nature should not be affected more than 25% and sustainable development should not interfere with traditional rights to access. The implementation of the 4x4 ban and the motivation behind this impoverish the poor and enrich the rich. The value of domestic tourism is totally ignored with the draconian implementation of an act that is controversial with standards implemented around the world.
To believe that a 4x4 vehicle can damage a sea turtle nest is the same in believing the moon is made of cheese. DEAT has more than enough EIA's from various independent companies from around the world to explain clearly that a turtle nest is 300 mm under the ground. To compact this deep in sand you need a 20 ton vibrating compactor where a 4x4 is a rolling 1.8 ton vehicle not driving above the high water mark.
All this information regarding beach driving and sea turtles was available to Vali Moosa when he proclaimed the act over territory his port folio had no jurisdiction over. This act seems to set aside beaches for private Hotel developments that cuts of the Tourist flow from street vendors.
Petrus Viviers
083 584 7473
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